Epilogue
ADELAIDE
“…one more push. That’s it…breathe.” Shannon said in a calming voice.
“I’m breathing!!” I growled. I knew I was being an asshole, but I found it hard to care in this moment.
Jesse wiped the sweat from my brow, “Come on, you can do this.”
“One more push, Angel, and our baby will be here.” John squeezed my hand.
I winced at being called angel but stayed silent. Both men had avoided that specific endearment since we’d lost Sly.
“One more push will do it.” Shannon said, “As soon as the next contraction hits, give it all you’ve got.”
I nodded. At this point, I barely had the energy to speak. It felt like I’d been in labor for days.
I felt another contraction building and bared down with all my strength. I felt an intense stretching, then a gush of fluids as my baby slipped from my body.
Then silence… No crying, nothing—just complete and total silence.
“Is something wrong with my baby?” I screamed, jerking frantically at the guy's hands, trying to see what held them in a thrall.
My desperation must have finally reached Shannon because she brought the baby to me and laid it on my chest. When I looked down, I saw what had stunned everyone into silence.
The baby, my precious daughter, was glowing. Different symbols were appearing all over her tiny body and then disappearing just as quickly. Before I could even process what was happening, a symbol that shocked us all appeared on her forehead.
A scepter, the top of the staff, bore a Nexus mark emblazoned on it—something not seen in decades—with the length encircled by a black rose.
“That’s the mark of Queen Lilibet!” Shannon gasped.
Everything Lee had told us had come true.
We watched in amazement as suddenly all the symbols faded, along with the glow that surrounded her. She looked like a normal baby, albeit a beautiful one.
I slowly raised my head and pierced Shannon with a look, “No one can know about this.”
She was quiet for a moment, then nodded her head.
“I’m sorry, but I need a little more than that.” I looked at John.
He glanced at Jesse, and they stepped up to Shannon.
Her face paled, “Please don’t hurt me, I swear I won’t tell anyone.”
“I know you won’t.” They dragged her to the head of the bed, and I adjusted my baby, so she lay on the opposite side. “But I’m afraid I can’t take the chance.”
Shannon tried to struggle, but it didn’t do her any good. I lay my free hand on her arm and closed my eyes.
My abilities had been weakening, especially this one, but the importance of this moment fueled my resolve. I felt my hand grow hot as I squeezed my eyes shut, sweat dotting my brow. After a moment, I noticed Shannon stop struggling.
“It’s done, my love.” John’s words brought instant relief. Our daughter would be safe. “She won’t be capable of saying anything now.”
I looked over and saw Shannon asleep and breathing deeply.
“We’ll take her home and find any files she might have been keeping. She’ll never remember any of this.” Jesse picked her up bridal style, and Shannon’s head flopped back on his arm.
“I hated to do it, but it’s for the best. Our baby’s life could depend on it.” I looked down at the precious bundle I was holding. Her head was covered in black fuzz, and she was staring at me with amber eyes that matched mine.
I felt a tear roll down my cheek at the sight of her. My sweet baby had a little of me and each of her fathers in her precious face. There was Frosty/ Rue’s dimples; I hadn’t even thought of his nickname in the longest time… it was too painful—Sly’s pale skin, and John and Jesse’s midnight hair.
I looked at John and Jesse, and they were both staring at her with reverence.
I had a thought, and I knew it was meant to be. “Her name is Reverie.”
John and Jesse both nodded in agreement.
“It fits her perfectly.” Jesse breathed.
“Yes, it does.” John agreed. “Let’s get Shannon home so we can get back. I don’t want to leave you both alone for long.”
Moxie chattered in irritation.
John laughed, “I know you’ll keep them safe.” He scratched behind the raccoon’s ear. “But we don’t want to be gone long, just the same.”
I looked back at the beauty in my arms. She was my life now and a part of all of us. The only thing I had left of Sly and Rue. I’d kill anything that threatened her safety. Reverie was meant for great things, and it was our job to keep her safe so she could achieve that goal.
I had a feeling that the fate of Aurathions depended on it.
I kissed her little head, and for a moment, I could see Sly and Rue gazing down at both of us with love. “I vow that I’ll do whatever it takes to keep our daughter safe.”
Of course, there was no answer, but in my heart I knew they heard me.