23. Draven

Chapter 23

Draven

The past month has been a blur of worry and anxiety, each day passing like an eternity as I wait for any sign of my mate. Tiamat's absence weighs heavily on my heart, her presence in my thoughts was the only solace in the darkness of uncertainty. But today, everything changes.

As the portal rips into existence before us, my heart leaps into my throat, pounding with anticipation. Aurora's voice echoes through the hall, her words ringing with hope and excitement. Nikita is bringing my mate home.

I move closer, my eyes fixed on the swirling vortex of energy, my breath catching in my chest as I wait for her arrival. Tiamat steps through the portal, her boots hitting the floor with a soft thud, and in that moment, everything else fades away. It's as if time stands still as I drink in the sight of her, my heart soaring with joy at the sight of her beautiful face.

Without hesitation, I move towards her, my steps quickening as I close the distance between us. And then she's in my arms, her warmth enveloping me as I hold her close. In that moment, everything else fades away, and it's just the two of us, lost in each other's embrace.

I bury my face in her hair, inhaling the familiar scent of her, my heart overflowing with love and relief. She's here, she's safe, and that's all that matters. All the worry and anxiety of the past month melts away in her presence, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and happiness.

I hold her tight, never wanting to let her go, as if by holding her close I can keep her safe from harm. And in that moment, everything feels right in the world. She's my mate, my partner, my everything, and having her back in my arms fills me with a sense of completeness I never knew was possible.

As we stand there together, lost in each other's embrace, I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, as long as we have each other, we can overcome anything. And with that knowledge, I allow myself to relax, to let go of the worries and fears that have plagued me, and to simply bask in the warmth of her love.

As I watch our daughter, Melinoe, take her first tentative steps towards her mother, my heart swells with pride and joy. It's been a challenging journey for her, overcoming the obstacles that come with being the youngest and smallest of our children. But here she is, defying the odds and taking her first independent steps, a testament to her strength and determination.

Tiamat's eyes glisten with tears as she drops to her knees, opening her arms wide to welcome our daughter into her embrace. Melinoe giggles with delight, her chubby legs wobbling as she makes her way towards her mother. It's a moment of pure magic, one that I'll treasure forever.

As I watch the scene unfold before me, I can't help but marvel at the bond between mother and daughter. Tiamat's love for Melinoe shines through in every smile and every gentle touch, a reflection of the fierce maternal instinct that has always defined her.

As my brother and I gently pick up our sons, I can't help but feel a surge of pride and love for my family. The bond between Tiamat and Melinoe is palpable, and I know that their moment together is something special, something to be cherished.

With our sons safely cradled in our arms, we wait patiently for Tiamat and Melinoe to finish their tender embrace. It's a beautiful sight, watching the two of them together, mother and daughter united in love and affection.

Once Melinoe is settled in her crib, I turn my attention to Tiamat, offering her a supportive hand as she stands up. She leans against the door frame, her eyes fixed on our sleeping children, a soft smile playing on her lips.

I wrap my arm around her shoulders, drawing her close as we watch over our little ones. There's a peacefulness in the air, a sense of contentment that washes over us both as we stand together in the nursery's quiet.

For a moment, time seems to stand still as we bask in the warmth of our family's love. In this moment, there are no worries or fears, just the simple joy of being together, surrounded by the ones we hold most dear.

As I gaze at Tiamat, I'm overwhelmed by a profound sense of gratitude for everything she is and everything she means to me. She's been my rock, my partner in life, and the mother of our children, and I couldn't imagine facing this journey without her by my side.

With a gentle squeeze of her hand, I silently convey all the love and appreciation that fills my heart. Together, we stand in silent vigil, watching over our sleeping children, grateful for the blessings we've been given and the family we've created together.

She slowly turns her gaze on me and there's a sadness there. "How long was I gone?" Her brows furrow as she looks between us and the babies.

"A little over a month." Now I'm confused. I look over her features as I see her bottom lip quiver.

"It was only a few days for us." She looks down at her hands, turning them back and forth, looking them over. "Four sleeps in the Underverse and two in the Fairy." She turns away from the door and goes and sits on the hope chest at the foot of our bed. I watch her lower her head into her hands.

"Tia?" Knox sits on the floor at her feet and looks up at her. His eyes search hers as his hand caresses her calves.

Inhaling slowly, her gaze turns to my brother. "I didn't know … I've missed so much." Shaking her head, she drops it into her hands.

I motion to my brother and we move to sit on either side of her and try to offer our support. "You're back and that's all that matters. The babies won't remember you being gone." I kiss her shoulder, trying to reassure her.

"A dragon's memory is very long and starts very young. I remember when my mother left to go to war against the Strigoi. I remember talking Ladon into chasing after them, so we weren't left behind." Tear fill her eyes as she looks between the two of us. "They will remember that I left them behind." Her eyes fall to her hands in her lap as we watch her shudder. Knox dives in and pulls her against him. The damn breaks the minute she's in his arms.

With a sense of urgency fueled by the longing to reconnect with our mate, I hasten to the bathroom, determined to create a soothing sanctuary for Tiamat. The ache of her absence weighs heavily on my heart, and I'm keenly aware of the need to reassure her of our unwavering love and support.

As I fill the tub with steaming hot water, I handpick a medley of aromatherapy oils, each one chosen with Tiamat's preferences in mind. The fragrant scents fill the air, mingling with the steam rising from the bath, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity.

Adding her favorite rose-scented bath bomb to the water, I watch as it dissolves, releasing a burst of color and fragrance. It's a slight gesture, but one that I hope will bring her comfort and solace after her long absence.

With each passing moment, the anticipation builds, my eagerness to see Tiamat and reassure her of our love growing stronger by the second. Through the bond, I can sense her pain and longing, and it only fuels my determination to provide her with the care and comfort she deserves.

As the bath fills, I can't help but feel a surge of emotion welling up inside me. The thought of being reunited with Tiamat, of holding her close and comforting her, fills me with a sense of profound joy and gratitude.

With the bath prepared to perfection, I step back and take a moment to gather my thoughts. Our mate's emotional well-being is paramount, and I'm determined to do whatever it takes to help her feel loved and supported as she returns to us.

As I approach the bedroom, I find Tiamat nestled in Knox's arms; her form curled into his embrace. It's a rare sight to see her so subdued, and my heart aches at the sight of her vulnerability. "Baby, let us take care of you," I murmur softly, my voice laced with concern as I join them in the room.

Knox rises slowly, cradling our mate gently as he carries her towards the bathroom. Tiamat's silence speaks volumes, and I can't help but feel a pang of worry gnawing at my chest. "Can we give you a bath, sweetheart?" I inquire, seeking her permission before assuming anything. Her nod is barely perceptible, her voice barely above a whisper as she gives her consent. "Yes, please..." she murmurs, her words weighed down by the weight of whatever burden she carries.

Knox insists on hearing her verbal confirmation, his gentle demeanor a testament to his care and concern for our mate. Slowly, we remove her armor and underclothes, handling her with the utmost gentleness and care. With each piece of clothing shed, it feels as though we're peeling away layers of her pain, exposing the raw vulnerability beneath.

Once undressed, we guide Tiamat towards the waiting bath, the warm water beckoning with promises of comfort and solace. Knox slips into the tub first, the steam rising around him as he settles in, creating a cocoon of warmth and safety. With gentle hands, I lift our mate and lower her into the water, supporting her as she eases herself into the soothing embrace of the bath.

As I join them in the tub, I can sense the tension in Tiamat's body, the weight of her burdens pressing down upon her. It's as though she's lost in a sea of thoughts and emotions, her usually vibrant spirit dimmed by the shadows of her experiences. My heart aches at the sight of her distress, and I long to provide her with the comfort and reassurance she so desperately needs.

Together, we sit in the warm embrace of the bath, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words and unexpressed emotions. I reach out to Tiamat, my hand finding hers in the water, offering a silent gesture of support and solidarity. It's a small comfort, but one I hope will remind her she's not alone—that we're here for her, every step of the way.

As the minutes pass, the tension eases from Tiamat's shoulders, her rigid posture slowly giving way to a sense of relaxation. The warmth of the water seeps into her bones, chasing away the chill of her solitude and replacing it with a sense of warmth and belonging.

I watch as the lines of worry soften on her face, the furrowed brow smoothing out as she allows herself to surrender to the comfort of the moment. It's a minor victory, but one that fills me with a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

In the quiet intimacy of the bath, we find solace in each other's presence, our bond strengthened by the shared experience of caring for our mate. It's a reminder of the depth of our love and the unwavering commitment we have to one another, even in the face of adversity.

As we soak in the warm embrace of the bath, I find myself overcome with gratitude for the precious moments we share. It's these simple moments of connection that remind me of what truly matters—the love and support of those closest to us. And as I gaze at Tiamat, her features softened by the glow of the candlelight, I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together, as a family.