Chapter 30

MADELINE

^6 Months Later^

I couldn't believe it. I was alive!

I had survived the whole ordeal, the same ordeal that Zayda had not.

Mind you, I was ready for it.

Nine months of carrying around twins and I was more than happy to give birth to them.

My tears are still clouding my vision and I manage to open them when Thea helps wipe my eyes and sits me up a moment later. Not a second later, I feel two bundles of warmth in each arm, close to my chest.

When I squint away my last tears, I finally see clearly and glance down at the little beings I'm holding in each arm.

I stare in awe as every mother who has given birth stares at the little children they can now hold in their arms for the very first time.

"Beautiful... o-oh my little babies… I love you, I love you," I whisper, gasping when I finally notice my mates entering the warm cave hospital room, Hael and Lochness entered together, "Look at them!" I call them over, even though I’m physically exhausted, I have a second wind now that I get to show them off.

Hael and Lochness approach quietly, gazing down at the little newborn twins; one with a mock of black hair and one with wisps of emerald green.

"A-Are they healthy?" Hael asks the midwife nearby, his voice nearly breaking as he holds back tears of joy and relief.

"Absolutely, when you're ready, think of names. The boy has green hair, the girl has the black," the mid-wife explains to Hael and everyone including Thea slowly leaves my mates and I alone together in the room.

"Lochness?" I ask, when I see him staring in shock and awe at the girl with black hair.

"Luvenia," he whispers, immediately choosing a name. That was a gorgeous choice, I already adore it!

"Alright… Luv," I grin as Nessy tears up and he takes a seat, collapsing onto it and resting his elbows on the bed. Hael leans in close and picks up the baby boy, "How about Lex?" I suggest.

"Lex and Luvenia," Hael murmurs in approval, saying it again to reaffirm, "...Lex and Luvenia."

"Would you like to hold little Luvenia?" I ask Nessy, who is staring at his little girl with the greatest love.

Nessy nods and holds out a hand, and with my own trembling and exhausted arms, I pass her over, knowing my babies will always, always be safe in my mate's hands.

While my mates gaze at their heirs, in the back of my mind I remember Zayda's words and hold them close to my heart.

I vowed to remember her words after her twins, Thaddeus and Sylvan were born and she had passed soon after as she predicted.

I had to especially look out for and protect Luvenia.

Because she would grow to be the most beautiful girl in the realm.

After Hael’s been gently holding onto Lex for awhile, I feel my heart start to ache, wishing them back. As if sensing my instinct, Nessy and Hael both immediately give me the babies, and I just enjoy them against my skin. They're so warm and so small, our little ones.

I am so grateful Hael and Lochness helped train me leading up to this moment. I had extra skills I could use if I ever needed it, to protect my family.

But I already know one of my mates will be around at all times, no matter the occasion. They had stated this beforehand. A promise.

I feel Hael’s hand stroke through my sweaty hair, leaning over to kiss my chapped lips, “I am so proud of you, mate.”

I just smile under his proud emerald gaze and I get all teary again, “I don’t know if I have anymore tears to cry, I’m so happy.”

“Cry, mama, you did it,” Lochness smirks as he kisses my lips and then my cheek, “…mama Madeline.”

Both my mates hover close, and I feel their strength flowing through me. They place the back of their hands to my cheeks and with light strokes, Sky God magic sings through my blood, helping me heal faster.

The nesting was officially over.

The babies were here.

We would be back in the mountain now, as a family.

Me, Hael, Lochness, Luvenia and Lex.

I can’t wait to see them grow up – just, hopefully not too fast.

Hael has moved to the window, opening the shutters.

Morning sun shines in so bright. I had been in labour for almost 24 hours. The sun is welcome after so much continuous rain!

“The first day of summer,” Hael grins, “Sunshine, mouse. No more clouds.”

It also meant no more ancestral visits from ghosts, and no more magical perimeter, but it’s okay, it was only temporary for my twins to grow strong.

“As soon as I’m able to, I want to fly under the sun,” I say it with a grin, “Please, mates?”

“Yes, mouse,” Lochness kisses me again, stealing my breath and my words – all while cunningly stealing Luvenia back into his arms. He’s so sneaky about it! I gasp and cradle Lex closer. Nessy wasn’t joking, he was already favouring his baby rogue. It annoys me a little, but I’m not too worried. Hael is the same with Lex, already beaming with a father’s protection and love.

Nessy takes Luvenia straight to the sunshine, telling her about it and the sky.

Hael pokes her little head and Nessy turns, keeping her out of reach, to himself. I roll my eyes.

Hael returns to me and puts a hand over the back of mine, over the back of Lex as he stays curled up to me.

We just share a knowing look about Nessy.

We don’t have to say any words.

But I do say this.

“I love you,” I whisper it, and not alone. I’ve said it the exact same time as Hael while Lochness said it in my mind. Three ways, perfectly in synch at the exact same time. Our love is blooming more than ever!

Hael actually blushes from the perfect moment, while Nessy looks back over at us in surprise, slowly smirking.

I just cry from joy.

Pure, perfect joy.