âI love you so fucking much,â he breathes against my lips, his forehead resting against mine. His voice is a husky whisper, carrying the weight of his emotions. âThank you for everything â for our son, for this life, for a future that looks brighter every damn day because of you. Youâve given me a f
VerenaI sit quietly in the softly lit room; the air filled with the subtle scent of lavender and sage. Nastassja moves around with an air of focus, setting up the final components for the soul extraction and replacement ritual. My mind drifts to Niklaus and Arsenio, sleeping peacefully under his f
âIn all lives that may come, and in all universes that may exist, you will always be my son, my light, and my hope. You have King blood in you and you are destined for greatness. By my will, and by your forefathers' blessings, so will it be.âAfter reciting the vow, I lean down and gently kiss Veren
âA sonâĶâ he whispers, then he murmurs something in Greek, Iâm assumingâa prayer or a promise, perhaps bothâbefore leaning over to kiss my forehead.âThank you, Verena,â he chokes out, his voice breaking. âThank you for giving me a son, a blessing.âHis gratitude, so heartfelt, so raw, eases the last
VerenaThe pain is indescribable, a relentless, consuming force that grips my entire body. Iâm clutching the sheets, my knuckles white, screaming as another contraction hits. Niklaus is beside me, his face etched with concern, his hands attempting to comfort me, but right now, Iâm not having any of
I nod, understanding her struggle. âThatâs completely valid, and I get it. Kris disappeared when you needed her. Itâs not something you can just forget.âShe sighs, looking down at her hands before meeting my eyes again. âI know. And Iâm glad sheâs doing good now, really. But youâre right, it feels