Chapter 21

I was sitting in the sunroom, feeling out of sorts.

I'd come here hoping the sweet scent of the plants and the gentle sound of water flowing through the channels would help clear my head, but it wasn't doing much to calm my troubled thoughts.

The events of the previous night kept replaying in my mind, like a never-ending loop fueled by my own guilt.

You'd think hearing that I was pregnant would have made me overjoyed, but the news also carried a sobering reality, one I should have seen coming.

I'd slept with both Jekia and Sage on the day I conceived.

This fact had already been revealed and discussed in Emelio's message about my pregnancy, and the news was quite shocking.

“You're saying there are two different babies growing inside her?” Jekia asked, struggling to process the information.

“That's right,” Emelio confirmed. “One is a pup and is yours. The other is a kit, fathered by Sage.”

I looked down at my stomach, thinking about the two tiny lives now growing inside me. A pup and a kit. Two different fathers.

How could something like this have happened? How was it even allowed to happen when they wanted me to have Jekia's children?

I was also mad at myself for letting this happen. I'd been foolish not to question what my body was doing at the time.

The desire I was feeling wasn't just from awakening as an omega, but from my body preparing itself to conceive.

The sensation of arms wrapping around my shoulders brought me back to the present. I looked to my side to see Vishu hugging me from behind, her eyes closed as she rested her chin on my shoulder.

“My family used to say that hugs help when you're sad, so I thought you could use one,” she whispered.

“I could,” I whispered back, closing my eyes to hold back the tears threatening to spill.

I heard the soft sound of Edifel moving towards us, and I could sense her sitting down in front of me.

“Everything will be okay, my lady. Even though they've put you in this terrible situation, things will work out as they're meant to,” she comforted me.

“I don't know what to do,” I admitted, opening my eyes to look at her. Vishu moved to sit beside me as I continued.

“I didn't think they were ready for me to have children yet, and I certainly didn't think I would conceive from both of them at the same time. I didn't think that was even possible.”

Edifel settled in front of me, her sheer top shimmering as she moved. She seemed to be mulling this over.

“Well, I've heard stories of this happening with different animal types, although it's quite rare. Alphas are also known for being very potent when it comes to breeding.

“I must admit, allowing that fox to have the liberties he has from the start seems like a big mistake to me now.

“It's not up to the Higher Ones to tell us everything, even in this, so it was quite a risk,” she finally said.

“I get that, but I don't understand why they wouldn't at least warn Emelio beforehand. Isn't he the one they always communicate with?” Vishu asked her.

“I don't have the answers to that,” Edifel admitted.

“I think there's a chance Emelio might have known that Lady Lana was going to be allowed to have a child, but it's also possible he was ordered not to say anything.

“As strange as it sounds, our world can work that way.

“I don't like saying this and wouldn't in front of others, especially Lord Jekia, but I do wonder if they intended for Lady Lana to eventually have children from both him and Sage.”

I didn't like thinking that either, but it seemed like a very real possibility.

I couldn't imagine that anything escaped them, and if they were truly concerned about this, then surely they would have taken steps to ensure that Sage couldn't create a kit inside me.

Vishu looked at me again. “I'm afraid to ask this, but what will happen now? Will Lord Jekia even allow this to continue?”

“I've been wondering the same thing, but he hasn't talked to me about it yet.

“I've barely seen him since yesterday, and even though I want to talk to him, I don't think I can handle his anger right now,” I confessed.

“It's better if you don't. You're carrying children, and regardless of how things turn out, I'm sure you don't want anything to happen to them.

“Stressing yourself out like this could inadvertently cause harm,” Edifel warned me.

I looked down, placing a hand on my stomach and closing my eyes. I could almost picture the tiny lives inside my womb. Innocent little lives.

No, they didn't ask to be created this way, and they should never be blamed for their creation.

“You're right,” I sighed. “I don't want anything to happen to either of them.

“No matter how they came into this world, no matter what species they are, they're still my precious children.

“I want to give them a better life than I had as they grow up, but I'm scared of how Lord Jekia will react to the kit.

“While I hope he can accept them, I know it might be incredibly hard for him, as it would be for any male.”

“Absolutely.” Edifel nodded. “If I may speak freely, my lady, I'm worried that Lord Jekia might not accept this at all.

“I know it sounds barbaric, but you should prepare yourself for the possibility that he might want to get rid of the kit inside you so you only give birth to the pup.”

Even though I knew she was right to warn me, the thought made my heart pound, and I held my stomach a bit tighter without even realizing it.

“I can't let him do that!” I declared, although it came out more like a whisper because of the fear it stirred in me.

Edifel immediately seemed to regret saying anything. She leaned forward to hold and comfort me.

“I'm sorry, my lady. I didn't mean to scare you.

“Even though it’s possible, I just can’t believe that Jekia would ever do something so cruel,” she tried to comfort me.

“I can’t see it either,” Vishu chimed in, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Just because this baby is a kit doesn’t mean he can’t learn to accept them.

“There are plenty of creatures who love and care for children that aren’t their own and are very different from them.”

I knew they were both trying to make me feel better, but their words didn’t bring me any real comfort. Not when I thought about my own childhood.

I didn’t want this little kit to be rejected just because of what they were. I knew what that felt like, and I couldn’t stand the thought of them experiencing the same pain.

But I also knew that it might be really hard for Jekia to accept them, even if he was willing to try. He’d always assumed that the children I’d have would be ~his~ pups.

Could he really change his mind about something like that?

After our conversation, I wandered around the palace for a while, but I didn’t see any sign of Jekia.

I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d gone out. I just hoped he hadn’t gone to confront Sage about this mess. Did he even have the right to, considering how things had been between us before?

He’d said it was a safety net for him with me. I was tempted to tell him that being angry at Sage would be hypocritical, whenever he came back.

A gentle breeze stirred around me as a puff of white smoke appeared in front of me. I stopped in the hallway, watching as it transformed into Emelio. He gave me a polite bow.

“There you are, my lady. How are you feeling?” he asked.

“It depends on what you mean. Physically, I’ve been feeling better in the last day, but mentally, I’m still in turmoil over everything that’s happened,” I replied.

Emelio nodded, his eyes softer than I remembered, like he felt some sympathy for my situation.

“I understand. And I wanted to apologize to you for all of this.

“I wasn’t allowed to tell you that they’d lifted the ban on you having children, and I didn’t know they wanted you to have one from both Jekia and Sage.

“I was just as surprised as you when I got the news,” he admitted.

My eyes widened at his words. “They wanted me to have children from both Jekia and Sage?”

“That’s what I understand,” Emelio confirmed.

He looked around before continuing. “Speaking of which, there’s been a request for a meeting with you. I’ve come to take you to it.”

“A meeting? What kind of meeting?” I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

“There’s nothing to worry about, my lady. It’s just a formality, and you won’t have to leave the northern lands for it.

“I’ll be with you the whole time to make sure you’re comfortable, especially now that you’re carrying little ones,” Emelio explained.

I knew I didn’t really have a choice. The way Emelio was phrasing it made it clear that this was more of an order, just worded more politely.

“Alright then. I’ve been feeling pretty anxious not knowing what Jekia’s up to, so I’ll go in an attempt to clear my head,” I reluctantly agreed.

“Very well. Please, take my hand,” Emelio responded.

I did as he asked, and we were immediately surrounded by a thick swirl of white smoke.

After a few seconds, it cleared, revealing that we were no longer in the palace. In fact, I didn’t recognize where we were at all. I’d never seen a place like this before.

The room was huge, about the size of the conservatory at the palace.

The walls were made of wood, and there were shelves filled with books and tables covered in different glassware and herbs, along with some open books.

I looked up and realized there didn’t seem to be a ceiling. Just inky darkness above, like the night sky.

Twinkling lights dotted the darkness, along with swirls of multicolored lights.

I was awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of it all. Was I looking at the entrance to the heavens?

Emelio chuckled beside me. “I take it you like my home.”

“This is your home?” I asked, turning to face him.

“Indeed it is,” Emelio confirmed. He walked over to one of the tables and closed the book he’d left open. “My home exists between the borders of the Veil, heavens, hells, and purgatory.

“All mages have homes like this, in places like this. You could say we’re the intermediaries of these worlds, depending on the role we were created for.

“Four of us mages, including me, were created specifically to serve the rulers of the Veil, and to provide guidance from the Sumarians who oversee them.”

That was interesting. I’d known that Emelio’s role with Jekia was important, but I hadn’t realized until now that he was specifically created for it.

“Do mages have families?” I asked, suddenly curious about him.

Emelio shook his head. “No. As I said, we’re created as we are, though I don’t know the details of the process.

“But I like to think that mages like me are pretty lucky.

“While many mages are created to be record keepers and the like, the four of us get to travel between worlds and serve the rulers directly. In a way, it gives us a sense of family.

“Other than the issues with the ogre Jusei before, we become very close with the rulers and those directly under them. It feels like a mix of respect and family to us.”

“So Jekia and Edifel are like family to you?”

“Exactly.” Emelio came back over to me, running a hand over my head. “And you are too, whether you realize it or not.

“I have to admit, I was really happy when you showed up and Jekia chose you as his bride.

“You’re not just an omega, but you’re also willing to work hard to fully embrace that. Plus, you’ve brought him so much happiness by being there for him.

“I was worried he’d never find happiness again after losing his family the way he did.”

I looked down, guilt washing over me.

“I’m afraid I might have ruined that happiness with all of this.

“Even though he was the one who allowed me to share my bed with Sage, I never considered the possibility that I might carry a kit for him, even when he mentioned the idea before.

“I know it’s been hard for Jekia, but I can’t just say that I don’t want this kit along with his pup,” I confessed.

Emelio was understanding.

“I don’t think you’ve ruined anything. And even though it’s hard for Lord Jekia to accept right now, I know he wouldn’t reject the child just because of how they were conceived.

“Plus, this kit will be born alongside his pup, so they’ll naturally have a bond as twins.

“Ultimately, it’s your decision what happens with them. You’re their mother, and no one can overrule you when it comes to them, not even their fathers.”

“You think he’ll accept this if I do?”

“I think he already has. He’s just too proud to admit his feelings.”

I was about to respond when a strange sensation washed over me. It was like a gentle pulse of electricity had filled the room.

I turned to see a light forming several feet away from us. It grew as we watched, morphing into the shape of a glowing woman.

Well, I say ~woman~, but she didn’t really look human.

She had the body and face of a human woman, but her entire being radiated a golden glow. Her figure was curvaceous, her dress a shimmering white.

Her golden hair cascaded all the way to the floor, and her eyes were a brilliant light blue, framed by long, curled black lashes.

Emelio immediately bowed to her as she appeared near us. “Good afternoon, Madame Lumae. I hoped I’d arrive before you,” he greeted her.

My heart pounded as I heard her name. Lumae. She was one of the Higher Ones I’d heard about.

This beautiful, glowing being was one of the Sumarians who oversaw the rulers of the Veil.

Lumae smiled gently at us, gesturing for Emelio to stand.

“I’m not worried about such things, Emelio. I knew you’d bring her here to meet me. You’ve always been a noble and efficient mage,” she said, her voice as light as air.

“Thank you,” Emelio replied, a genuine smile crossing his face.

Lumae turned her attention to me, floating in front of me. I stood still as she studied me.

“What a lovely young woman,” she finally said. “Not only beautiful, but her heart is as strong as Lacula predicted. She’s truly awakened well as an omega, despite the initial setbacks.”

I realized she was now holding a hand over my stomach.

“This is very good too. The pup and kit inside her are already quite strong. They’ll grow to be very suitable heirs for the northern lands.”

I finally managed to shake off the spell I’d fallen under, my mind having been mesmerized by her incredible appearance.

“You’re…one of the ones in charge of the rulers, aren’t you?” I managed to ask her.

“I am. Please, forgive me. I’ve been quite rude. I’m Lumae, the third of the Sumarian leaders and Higher Council,” she introduced herself.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I replied, giving her a polite curtsy. “I’m Lana, the bride Lord Jekia has chosen.”

“It’s okay, my dear. You don’t need to be so formal with me.

“After all, you’re the first Mistress of the Veil, and I’ve been saying for a long time that I wanted to work with you when you finally appeared.

“I’ll also work with the others who are chosen by the other leaders when their time comes. So, please think of me as both a guide and someone who wants to help you as much as I can,” Lumae told me.

“I’m a Mistress of the Veil?” I asked.

“Very much so,” Emelio confirmed. “You’re the first, and one day, there will be three others like you. They’ll be the ones chosen by the other three rulers, Vincent, Merrick, and Lyric.”

Lumae nodded. “Yes, one day. But for now, let’s focus on you, my dear. Come, sit with me. I’d like to discuss some things with you.”

I hesitantly did as she asked, following her to one of the nearby tables. Emelio pulled out a chair for her, then for me, before excusing himself to prepare some tea and food.

Lumae giggled as he left. “He really is such an efficient and caring mage. But it seems they all are.

“I think giving them hearts has made a big difference in how well things have gone within the Veil with the rulers, for the most part,” she commented.

“Do mages typically not have hearts?” I asked.

“It’s not required. Mages who just keep records don’t need them for their duties. But we thought it was better for these mages to have them.

“As I said, it makes them much more suited to their roles,” Lumae explained.

I shifted in my chair, feeling nervous. While I’d grown used to being around other creatures, knowing what she was supposed to be was a bit intimidating.

She was someone who could make decisions for me if she wanted to, just like the others had done for Jekia, and no one could argue with whatever she decided.

Still, I didn’t want to give in to these nerves. I was an omega, and that wouldn’t let me back down completely.

“I understand that you wanted to meet me because of what I am, but I’m guessing you also wanted to discuss any concerns about what’s happened.

“From the way you talked about the babies inside me, it seems like you and the other Higher Ones wanted this to happen,” I guessed.

Lumae gave a solemn nod. “I can’t deny that, and I understand why you’d feel torn. I’m sure Jekia isn’t taking it well either.

“He always assumed you’d only bear his pups. But I have to say, that might have done more harm than good.”

I frowned, confused. “Why would it be harmful for me to just have pups?”

“Let me explain,” Lumae said. “It might seem strange, but there are special circumstances at play here. The first is, of course, that Jekia is a ruler.

“While it’s natural for him to want heirs, we can’t have those heirs growing up and fighting over who will take over if something happens to their father.

“If you just had a bunch of Luna pups, that’s likely what would happen.

“When the Luna Dog clan was around, it was common for the leader—the main alpha—to have his pups compete to prove their strength, both physically and mentally.

“That worked for them, but it’s not an option for a ruler.”

Her words made sense, but I still felt uneasy.

“I see how that could affect the northern lands’ leadership, but I worry that with two of them, they might still fight for it.

“Couldn’t a fox compete with a Luna Dog? Sage was groomed for leadership too, so it’s reasonable his child might want the same,” I argued.

“I agree, but Sage has always been more comfortable in the background, and his child might be the same.

“Plus, we’re not planning on losing Jekia, so that eases things a bit.

“Both children will grow up to be strong alphas, and that will keep the northern lands safe, no matter what the future holds,” Lumae assured me.

I agreed with her points. If this kit was anything like Sage, they probably wouldn’t be interested in taking Jekia’s place.

But I was still worried about Jekia’s reaction.

“I hope I’m not overstepping, but why wasn’t this discussed with Jekia before it happened?

“You know he’s upset because he thought I’d only have his children,” I pointed out.

Lumae sighed deeply. “Yes, I understand, and I’ve talked to Lacula about it.

“I agree it should have been discussed with Jekia and Sage beforehand.

“I’m worried about the strain it might put on their relationship, not to mention Jekia’s acceptance of the second child. But we can’t change what’s happened.

“As harsh as it sounds, Jekia will have to accept that there will be both, however he can.”

“So he can’t get rid of the kit,” I concluded as Emelio poured us some tea.

“Absolutely not,” Lumae confirmed. “He has to accept what’s happened, including that this kit will be born and considered an heir.

“We’ll remind him that it’s better for the pup to grow up with their kit twin. They should balance each other out perfectly.”

I took a sip of my tea. “I hope that’s true. I just hope the kit isn’t treated differently because of what they are.

“I know what that’s like, being treated differently by my own father just because I was a girl. I don’t want that for my children, no matter what they are.”

“I share your concern about Lord Jekia’s reaction,” Emelio added, standing beside us.

“But give him some time. We’ve known Jekia a long time, and he might surprise you,” Lumae said.

I wasn’t sure I believed her, even as we said our goodbyes and Emelio took me back to the palace. I was still anxious about whether Jekia would accept any of this.

But I knew where I stood. I didn’t want to lose either of my babies. I loved them both, no matter who they were or who their father was.

No matter what happened, no matter what Jekia said or how he reacted, I was determined to keep them both with me. I would raise them with love and help them become strong like their fathers.

If I had to stand up to the man I loved, so be it.

In other words, I would do anything for my children.

It was late when Jekia finally came back to the palace, and his mood hadn’t improved.

I could tell as we sat down to dinner together. Emelio stayed close, watching from the wall, following Lumae’s final orders.

The silence between us was becoming unbearable. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to talk about my day.

“I know you might not want to talk right now, but I wanted to tell you that I met with the Sumarian Lumae today,” I said quietly.

“Did you?” Jekia looked at me. “I’m guessing she wanted to talk about the children you’re carrying.”

“You sound like you had the same conversation,” I observed.

Jekia nodded, sitting up a little straighter. “I did.”

His answers were short and to the point, and his face was unreadable. I didn’t know whether to take that as a good sign or a bad one, but I was determined to keep going.

“I know you’re not happy about this, and I didn’t expect it either.

“I need to make it clear that I’m not giving up these babies. I’m accepting them as they are, and I hope you can do the same,” I said.

Jekia exhaled deeply before responding. “I’m not going to blame a child for the circumstances of their birth, or you or Sage for that matter.

“It seems like this was meant to happen, even if I wasn’t fully informed. It makes me furious, but I have no choice but to accept it.

“However, I don’t see why we should be saddled with this kit. We could just let the foxes take care of them once they’re born.

“The females would be more than happy to do it for Sage’s kit.”

I didn’t like that one bit and I made my feelings known.

“No way! I won’t let anyone else take care of my child!”

“You’ll do as I say! We only need ~my~ pup here!” Jekia retorted.

“Both are staying!” I declared. “I’m their mother, and I plan to be a mother to both! I won’t let another female raise one of my babies just because you don’t like how they came into being!”

Jekia was just as stubborn, standing up and slamming his hands on the table. The whole heavy oak table shook, but I stayed put in my chair.

“You dare to defy me after everything I’ve given you?!

“I made it clear from the start that you would only have and raise my pups, and that’s not going to change now, no matter what they think should happen!” he proclaimed.

I took a deep breath to stay calm. No, arguing with him like this wouldn’t solve anything.

I would stand my ground, knowing deep down that he couldn’t argue with me or do anything about it.

“I appreciate everything I have here, and nothing will change my love for you,” I said as I stood up.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that I love both of these children, and I won’t give up one just because ~you~ don’t accept them.

“You can feel however you want, but don’t take it out on this innocent kit, and ~don’t~ think you can take them from me. I will never, ~ever~ let that happen.”

I didn’t look at him as I left the room. I knew I couldn’t. If I did, I might lose some of my resolve, and this was already hard enough.

Yes, I loved Jekia deeply, and all I wanted was a beautiful life with him and the family we dreamed of.

But I would never let anyone, even him, take away the most precious little lives to me.

No one would ever take either of my children. I would make sure of that, even if it meant giving up the love I so desired.