Chapter 88 Aria

• The moment I discover the paternity of my children is a whirlwind of emotions I never thought I would face. My chest feels like it’s about to burst as I reach Caelum and see Thorne and Elowen emerging from the hollow tree trunk. The scene around us seems frozen: the dense forest shrouded in twilight, where the silence is broken only by the rustling of leaves and the muffled sound of our footsteps.
• Their little faces are smudged with dirt, fear etched into their wide, frightened eyes. They cling to each other as if the world itself is a constant threat. To them, Caelum is not a father; he is an imposing figure, almost beast-like, someone who radiates power and danger even in silence. But then, they see me. The tension in their fragile bodies eases. Their eyes light up with recognition and hope.
• Before they can take a single step, I move. Every muscle in my body aches to close the distance between us. When I reach them, everything else disappears. The world shrinks to the warmth of Thorne and Elowen’s small bodies, their muffled sobs as we hold each other tightly, as if we never want to let go. My heart feels like it’s breaking and mending all at once.