Epilogue

Kiandra

Months Later, deep in the Black Desert…

A sharp pain jolted me awake. I opened my eyes, gazing into the dark expanse of Cartan's chest, feeling an unfamiliar sensation. The pain subsided, but a lingering sense of unease remained. Everything seemed unnaturally quiet, quieter than any night I had ever experienced. Then, a deafening boom shattered the silence. While I had grown accustomed to the rainless storms that occasionally plagued the desert, this one felt more powerful than any I had previously encountered. Another thunderclap reverberated through me, and the pain surged once again, causing me to groan. Cartan stirred behind me, sensing my discomfort.

"What's wrong?" he whispered in my ear. I became aware of how damp I felt between my legs.

"C-Cartan, I think the baby is coming," I managed to gasp.

"What?" Cartan swiftly turned me onto my back, and I hissed in pain as another sharp contraction coursed through me.

"Get the healers," I whispered urgently.

Cartan reacted swiftly, leaving the nest and donning pants before exiting the tent. By the time he returned, I had been moved to an open area, where the healers could work more effectively. They encircled me, but Cartan found a place at my side, providing unwavering support as I brought our son into the world. The storm outside seemed to mirror my pain, growing fiercer and louder than any previous ones, drowning out my own screams. However, the moment our son cried out loudly, displaying his strength as he left my body, everything else fell silent.

The healers carefully severed the umbilical cord and wrapped our newborn in a soft swaddle before gently placing him in my arms. I turned my head to gaze up at my Alpha, witnessing the love in his eyes as he regarded both of us. He had often professed that he didn't comprehend the concept of love, but I could see it reflected in his eyes—for me, our pack, our clans, and most importantly, our son. I pulled him closer, our lips meeting in a tender kiss.

"I love you so much," I whispered, observing his eyes glisten with the happiness.

His purring began immediately, and he pressed his forehead against mine as the healers continued their work around us. In that moment, we felt nothing but each other. This was the power of a true bond—a love that would endure for eternity.

The End