Epilogue
THALRIC
Soft, golden light spills through the window, bathing us in warmth as I curl protectively around Aurora, my wing draped over her body.
She cradles our son against her chest, his tiny, squalling cries filling the quiet of our chamber. It’s been a week since his birth, and I still marvel at him… His sturdy little body, tiny wings, stone gray skin, the tiny buds of his horns, and the smallest claws I’ve ever seen.
He is completely Gargoyle in every way except for his eyes. They are a warm brown color, like Aurora’s. He looks up at us, his eyes bright and curious despite his fussing.
I chuckle quietly, gently taking the warm, squirming bundle into my arms. “I believe he has inherited your stubbornness.”
“My stubbornness?” She narrows her eyes in mock irritation. “Don’t you mean my determination?”
“Of course,” I joke in return. I smile down at our son as he yawns sleepily, his tiny fists stretching briefly.
Aurora brushes a finger tenderly across his little cheek. “He’s perfect, Thalric.”
He is. My heart swells fiercely, my throat tightening with emotion as I gaze down at my beautiful family. “Just like his mother.”
She laughs, resting her head against my shoulder. Her gaze drifts thoughtfully toward the window where blossoms sway in the breeze. “It’s beautiful outside. Perhaps we should go sit in the gardens for a bit?”
Before she can move, I rise smoothly from the bed, gathering both Aurora and our child effortlessly into my arms as if they weigh nothing at all.
Her delighted laugh fills the room as my wings unfurl, carrying us gently from our chamber down into the castle gardens below.
Settling onto a cool stone bench, I draw Aurora securely into my lap, curling my wings protectively around them both. My heart feels so full as I study them.
This is my family… my reason, my strength, my world. And in this moment, wrapped safely in the warmth of my wings, I vow to always protect them.
As I gaze down at my family, the truth settles deep within. They are precious and I cherish them with all that I am. My heart is stone—unyielding, eternal, and completely and wholly theirs.