Epilogue

EPILOGUE

K ari gripped the edges of the bed, her knuckles white with effort as another contraction rippled through her body. The oil lamps flickered, casting a warm glow across the room and creating an intimate atmosphere. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

Through half-closed eyes, she watched Wulf pace back and forth, his large frame dominating the room. She could see the worry etched on his face as he paced. In his hands, he clutched a small bundle of cloth - a tiny blanket he had painstakingly prepared for their baby.

"Wulf," she said softly, and he was at her side in an instant, his warm hand enveloping hers.

"I'm here, my love," he murmured, his deep voice a comforting rumble, and she smiled weakly, drawing strength from his presence.

As another contraction built, she closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing. Being in labor was so intense, so overwhelming, unlike anything she had ever experienced before as it swept her towards the end.

Merow bustled around the room, her experienced hands preparing everything they would need. Her calm demeanor was a stark contrast to Wulf's restlessness, and she found herself grateful for the older woman's steady presence. Merow checked on her again, then smiled.

"Time to to push."

She nodded, and gripped the edge of the bed again, her knuckles turning white as another contraction rolled through her body.

"Just breathe into it. Let the waves come," Merow instructed gently, her voice steady and reassuring, and she nodded, focusing on the older woman's voice as she tried to steady her ragged breathing.

Wulf gripped her other hand, his touch both protective and comforting. She glanced at him and saw the naked fear in his eyes, along with something else - awe, and deep, abiding love.

"I love you," she whispered, and his grip tightened.

"I love you too."

Another contraction hit and Merow urged her again to push. A surge of energy coursed through her body as she gave one final, powerful push, and the pressure that had consumed her for hours suddenly gave way to an overwhelming sense of relief. A tiny cry pierced the air, and her heart soared with joy.

"You did it, my gemshin." Wulf's voice was filled with relief as he smiled at her. "Now you'll have to decide on a name for him."

She managed a weak smile in return. They'd been debating names ever since she found out she was pregnant and she kept changing her mind.

Merow brought the baby over to them, wrapped in a soft cotton cloth.

"I think you're going to need a new name. It's a girl!"

Wulf's eyes widening in disbelief.

"A girl," he repeated softly, as if tasting the words for the first time. "But that never happens..."

Merow grinned at him.

"Tell that to her."

With trembling hands, he took the baby from the older woman, cradling her tiny form against his broad chest. Her heart swelled with love as she watched her mate hold their daughter for the first time. The tenderness in his touch, the reverence in his gaze – it was a sight she knew she would cherish forever.

Then she reached for the baby, eager to hold her child. He carefully placed the baby in her arms, and as she looked down at her daughter's tiny face, she felt a love so profound it took her breath away. The baby's eyes, still unfocused, seemed to search for her, and Kari instinctively drew her closer.

"Hello, little one," she whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion. "We've been waiting for you."

She reached out with trembling fingers to touch her daughter's cheek. The baby's pale green skin was impossibly soft, like velvet beneath her fingertips.

"She's so beautiful,," she breathed, tears beginning to slide down her cheeks.

The newborn's tiny features were a perfect blend of both her parents - she could see hints of Wulf's strong jawline and her own delicate nose. The baby's eyes, still unfocused, blinked slowly as if trying to take in the new world around her.

"Our daughter is a sign of hope," he whispered, his voice rough.

"Then that's what we'll name her - Hope."

He nodded immediately, putting his arm around her as she cradled the baby close to her chest. It was as if the entire world had narrowed down to just the three of them, existing in a bubble of pure love and joy.

Wulf leaned in, his expression awed, as he gently cupped the baby's head with his large hand. The contrast between his rough, calloused palm and their daughter's delicate skin made her heart swell even more.

Merow came to join them and Kari smiled at her, grateful for her presence and support throughout her pregnancy and labor.

"This girl is a blessing from the Gods," she said quietly. "A sign that they are watching over our people. Cherish her always."

"We will raise her with love and strength," Wulf promised.

She nestled closer to him on the bed, her body still aching from the labor but her heart overflowing with love.

"We will keep her safe," she repeated..

As they sat together, embracing their new family, peace washed over her. It had been a long journey, but she knew she'd found the place where she was always meant to be.