40. Claire

40

CLAIRE

T he night is crisp, and stars twinkle overhead. It's been almost a year since our magical wedding night. Thrag has brought me to the little abandoned cabin on the side of the settlement to show me something. My breath forms clouds in the winter air as we stand outside the doorway of the cabin.

"Ready?" he asks, his deep voice a low rumble that sends a thrill through me.

I nod, my heart fluttering with anticipation. "As I'll ever be," I say softly.

He opens the door, and I gasp, my hand flying to my chest. The cabin, once a forgotten relic, is transformed. Candles cast dancing shadows upon the walls, and the scent of pine mingles with the warm spice of cinnamon, filling the room with the essence of the season.

My eyes land on the centerpiece—a towering Christmas tree, its branches adorned with handcrafted ornaments and strung with dried berries. Garlands of evergreen entwined with holly berries drape across the mantle, and mistletoe hangs in the doorway, its presence an open invitation for stolen kisses.

Thrag stands beside me, his arms crossed over his broad chest, a look of pride etched onto his face. "Merry Christmas, Claire," he says.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I throw my arms around him. "How did you do this?" I whisper.

He chuckles. "I had a little help from our friends," he admits. "They were more than eager to bring a bit of your human tradition to life."

The sound of laughter and music drifts in from outside as the villagers begin to arrive, their faces alight with joy. Children dart around the room, their eyes wide with wonder at the magical scene before them.

I pull Thrag aside, away from the growing crowd. My hands tremble as I take his in mine. "You've done so much," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "This is... it's more than I could have ever imagined."

He leans down, his breath tickling my ear as he whispers, "I would move mountains for you, Claire."

My heart swells, and I rise onto my toes, pressing my lips to his in a kiss that speaks of love and gratitude. We stand there, under the mistletoe, lost in each other as the world around us fades into a blur of warmth and light.

Pulling away, I glance around the room, taking in the laughter and camaraderie that fills the space. "I never thought I'd see the day when an orc would teach me the true meaning of Christmas," I say, a smile tugging at my lips.

Thrag grins, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And what meaning is that?" he asks.

I squeeze his hand, my gaze meeting his. "That love can flourish in the most unexpected places, and that hope is the greatest gift of all," I say.

He nods. "I may not have understood it before, but I do now. You've shown me that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found," he admits.

The festivities continue throughout the night, with music and dancing, feasting and merriment. And as I look around at the faces of our friends, I realize that this—this unity and acceptance, this shared joy—is the true magic of the season.

My heart soon thrums in my chest, a wild rhythm that matches the flickering glow of the candles around us. Thrag's hand is warm in mine as I pull him toward a quiet corner of the cabin. His amber eyes watch me curiously as I lead him away.

"I have a special surprise for you, too," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the din of the festivities.

He tilts his head, his golden gaze filled with curiosity. "A surprise?" he asks.

I nod, my smile widening. "Yes," I say, reaching into the pocket of my cloak. My fingers close around the small, handcrafted ornament I've been hiding for days—a tiny figure carved from wood, painted with delicate strokes to resemble an infant swaddled in blankets. I hold it out to him, my heart pounding with anticipation.

Thrag takes the ornament from me, his brow furrowing as he examines it. "Did you make this?" he asks, his voice filled with wonder.

"I did," I say, my voice trembling slightly. "But it's more than just a decoration, Thrag."

He looks up at me, his eyes questioning. I take a deep breath, the words I've been rehearsing for days caught in my throat. "You're going to be a father," I say softly, watching his face for any sign of reaction.

For a moment, he's completely still, his eyes wide with shock. Then, a slow smile spreads across his face, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "A father?" he repeats, his voice choked with emotion. "Claire, you've made me the happiest being alive."

Before I can respond, he lifts me off the ground, spinning me around as laughter bubbles from my lips. His joy is infectious, filling the room with warmth. He sets me down gently, his hands cradling my face as he gazes into my eyes. "I love you, Claire," he says.

"I love you too," I whisper, my heart swelling with love for this incredible orc who has become my everything.

Our lips meet in another kiss that seals our eternal love, a promise of forever. The world around us fades into the background as our hearts beat as one.

Thrag pulls away slightly, his eyes roaming over my face with a tenderness that takes my breath away. "We're going to have a family," he says, his voice filled with wonder.

I nod, tears of joy streaming down my cheeks. "Yes," I say, laughing through my tears.

He takes my hand, placing it over his heart. "I never knew I could feel this much joy," he admits, his voice thick with emotion. "You've given me a gift beyond measure, Claire."

I lean into him, my hand resting on the gentle swell of my belly. "We're in this together," I say, my voice steady despite the tears that continue to fall. "We'll build a life for our child, filled with love and laughter and all the magic of Christmas."

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