30. Ariana

CHAPTER 30

ARIANA

T he blanket feels soft under me as I stretch out, the warmth of the sun kissing my skin. The lake stretches before us, sparkling in the afternoon light, a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who refused to let Armstrong fall into ruin.

"Remember when this place was a toxic swamp?" I say, leaning back on my elbows and glancing at Valen. He sits beside me, a rare, relaxed smile playing on his lips.

He chuckles, a low rumble that I feel more than hear. "Yeah. We used to joke that you’d grow an extra limb if you fell in."

I laugh. "It’s amazing what people can do when they care enough."

"People like you," he replies, his eyes softening as he looks at me. "You’re part of the reason Armstrong is healing."

"Me? I’m just one person."

"One person who’s made a difference." His hand brushes against mine, sending a shiver up my spine. "Never underestimate your impact."

We fall into a comfortable silence, watching as birds skim the surface of the water. It’s hard to believe this serene scene was once marred by war and pollution. Armstrong’s recovery mirrors our own journey—fraught with challenges but worth every effort.

"I think it’s more than just the cleanup," I muse aloud.

"Oh?"

"It’s about rebuilding trust, too. Among people, communities... even between us."

Valen nods slowly. "You’re right. Trust is fragile but powerful when it’s earned."

"Like how you’ve shown me," I say softly, feeling the weight of my words settle between us.

He shifts closer, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. "I’ll keep showing you every day."

I lean into him, feeling his strength and warmth envelop me. The lake reflects our intertwined figures, and for a moment, everything feels perfect.

"I love this place," I whisper.

"Me too," he says, his voice tinged with something deeper than just affection for the scenery. "It’s become home because of you."

We share a tender kiss, sealing our connection in this peaceful moment. The world around us may still bear scars from its past, but here by the lake, it feels like anything is possible.

As we pull apart, Valen grins at me mischievously. "Ready to swim?"

I raise an eyebrow. "You first," I challenge.

Without hesitation, he stands and strips off his shirt, revealing his muscular form bathed in golden sunlight. With a wink, he dives into the clear water.

I watch him for a second before following suit, laughter bubbling up as I splash into the lake after him. Together, we swim in the crystal-clear water that symbolizes our shared hope for Armstrong and our future.

Life has thrown its worst at us, but here we are—surviving and thriving side by side. And in moments like this, it’s easy to believe that love really can conquer all.

As we dry off together, the sun continues to warm our skin, the lake's gentle waves lapping in the background. I wrap the towel around my shoulders, stealing glances at Valen. His golden skin glistens, droplets catching in the light like tiny jewels. He catches me staring and raises an eyebrow.

"Something on your mind?" he asks, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Just thinking," I reply, attempting nonchalance. "About the future."

He sits down beside me on the blanket, his eyes searching mine. "The future, huh? Got something specific in mind?"

"Well," I begin, feeling my cheeks warm despite the cool breeze, "you mentioned wanting children once."

He nods slowly. "I did. And I still do."

"How soon do you think you'd like to start trying?"

Valen tilts his head, considering my question carefully. "That depends," he says finally. "When would you like to?"

His answer makes me smile—he's always been considerate of my feelings. "I want to start growing our family within the year," I say, watching his reaction closely. "But only after my community library program is finished. My mom said the first few months really knock you out, and I don't want to be out of commission when we're so close to the finish line."

He nods, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Sounds like a good plan," he agrees. "You’ve put so much into that program; it deserves your full attention until it's done."

Relief floods through me, and I can't help but throw my arms around him. "Thank you for understanding," I whisper against his chest.

His arms wrap around me, holding me close. "Of course," he murmurs into my hair. "We’re in this together."

I pull back slightly to look up at him, our faces inches apart. His green eyes are softer than I've ever seen them, filled with a warmth that makes my heart swell.

"You know," I say with a grin, "you're not as intimidating as you think you are."

"Is that so?" he replies, amusement flickering in his gaze.

"Yeah," I tease. "You’re kind of a softie."

"Don't let that get out," he warns playfully, tightening his hold on me.

"I won’t," I promise, kissing him lightly on the lips.

As we sit there by the lake, wrapped in each other’s arms and dreams of our future taking shape between us, everything feels right. The hardships of Armstrong seem distant for now, overshadowed by the promise of what we’re building together—a family, a home filled with love and laughter.

And as Valen’s hand slips into mine, I know we’re ready for whatever comes next.

Dinner that evening is a quiet affair, the kind that speaks volumes in silence. Valen and I sit across from each other at a small table in the garden, lanterns casting a warm glow over our meal. The chef has outdone himself tonight—every dish a masterpiece of flavors and creativity.

Valen leans back in his chair, nodding appreciatively as the chef explains the inspiration behind the main course. “I must say, you’ve been on fire lately,” he says, his green eyes glinting with genuine admiration.

The chef beams, a rare sight. “Thank you, sir. It’s all about experimenting with what Armstrong has to offer now that we’re getting fresh supplies.”

As the chef retreats back to the kitchen, I catch Valen’s eye and smile. “You’ve changed, you know.”

He arches an eyebrow. “Have I?”

“Yes,” I say, setting down my fork. “You’re more open now. Like just now, with the chef. A few months ago, you wouldn’t have given him more than a passing nod.”

He chuckles softly. “Maybe you’re rubbing off on me.”

“Maybe,” I reply, my heart swelling with pride.

He reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. His touch is warm and reassuring. “And you’ve grown too. You’re more confident, more outspoken.”

“Thanks to you,” I admit.

“No,” he counters firmly. “That’s all you.”

I shake my head. “We’ve helped each other grow.”

He nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. “I suppose we have.”

I glance around the garden—its lush greenery a testament to our shared efforts to breathe life back into Armstrong. “Remember when we first met? You were this brooding mystery man, and I was just trying to keep my head above water.”

“I remember,” he says with a smile that softens his usually stern features.

“Look at us now,” I continue. “We’ve come so far.”

He squeezes my hand gently. “I’m proud of us.”

“Me too,” I whisper.

We finish our meal in comfortable silence, the sounds of the night wrapping around us like a blanket. As we stand to leave, Valen pulls me into an embrace.

“I love you,” he murmurs against my hair.

“I love you too,” I reply, feeling a surge of warmth and contentment.

Together, we walk back toward the estate, our steps in sync—a testament to how far we’ve come and how much further we’ll go together.

The next day, I stand in the middle of the empty room, its bare walls echoing the promise of new beginnings. The sunlight filters through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the hardwood floor. This room has been untouched for so long, but now, it’s ready for a transformation.

Valen steps into the room, his presence commanding even in this quiet moment. "What are you planning now?" he asks, his voice a mix of curiosity and affection.

I turn to him, a smile playing on my lips. "A nursery," I say simply.

His eyebrows lift in surprise. "A nursery? Already"

"Yes," I nod, feeling a surge of excitement. "Over here," I point to the far corner of the room, "is where I want the crib. And over there," I gesture to the opposite wall, "the changing table."

Valen’s eyes follow my movements, and I can see pride flicker in his gaze. "You’ve thought this through."

"Of course," I reply with a grin. "It’s important to be prepared."

He steps closer, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into his side.

"You’re really taking over as master of the house," he murmurs, his voice filled with admiration.

We stand there for a moment, holding each other amidst the empty space that will soon be filled with life and laughter. The world outside is still healing from its scars, but here in this room, we’re building something beautiful—a beacon of hope for our future.

"Think we’ll need more shelves?" Valen asks, breaking the silence.

"Definitely," I laugh. "And lots of storage for all those tiny clothes and toys."

He chuckles, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I’ll make sure it’s perfect."

"I know you will," I whisper back.

The empty room holds so much promise now. It’s not just about the furniture or decorations; it’s about what this space represents—our love, our commitment to each other, and the life we’re creating together.

Valen tightens his hold on me slightly. "You know," he says thoughtfully, "I’ve never been more excited about anything in my life."

"Me neither," I admit softly.

We stay like that for a while longer—holding each other close in an empty room filled with endless possibilities—knowing that whatever comes next, we’ll face it together with love and unity as our guiding light.

The End

For a slice of life between Valen and Ariana join my newsletter at: https://www.subscribepage.com/AthenaStorm