*Seraphine's POV *          I can hardly believe my eyes as Samael steps before me, blocking me from view and harm. Grief practically emanates from his pores. That's when it clicks. Mom. Despite all of his sins against her, he still loved my mother. But he has never loved me, has he? Why start now? He could never stand to be near me, and over the years I had stopped trying to make him bond with me. I don't quite know what to say to him, how to thank him or if I should, so I just hug him from behind. His arms shoot up in defense, and he stiffens for a moment to glance back at me. He reaches across his opposite shoulder to tap my head.         "Ivara loved you. She always did, even before she knew you." He stalls for a second, knowing that we are safe with Narius charging. He will have their attention for a moment. "You are an alright kid." I squeeze

       Behind Ezekiel's massive palace, lies a huge and intricate garden. We had followed him outside and through the labyrinth of pebble and stone paths.  The flowers, having died this season, were replaced with greenery and shrubs that are winter hardy. Beside me, Seraphine pulls Axar into her body and rubs his arms to keep him warm.         "You're a great mother, Seraphine." I lean to the side to whisper, careful not to drop Samael. She stops to look up at me, nearly yanking Axar over. I use my free hand to raise her chin and I lean down to give her a chaste kiss.          "Never again will I ever doubt you. I'll spend the rest of my life to make this up to you." Her eyes are swollen and her face pale from grief and exhaustion, still the smile she gives me might be the most beautiful sight I've ever bore witness too.       

It is summer again, the months have flown by since Seraphine so valiantly pushed our son into the world. The sun beams overhead and a gentle breeze whistles through the branches of lush trees. Noxodion is shaded at his mother's breasts, having pulled up to nurse. I watch our boy as he feeds on wobbly legs, like a little fawn. His hands clutching Sera's blouse and his favorite lock of hair. A grey checked blanket is spread beneath us, and a basket of foods Seraphine I repaired sits opened from our lunch.           I had suggested a picnic to lighten her mood. She has been down hearted all morning since Axar went to stay the week Ezekiel. He's becoming quite smitten with females, and he begged me in private for a week away from mama Sera's watchful eye. Seraphine is still not completely trusting of Ezekiel alone with the kids, and her nerves have been frayed every since. She believes he is pulling away, and worries he feels left out