Morning sunlight spilled softly through the palace windows, painting everything in gold. The air held the quiet hush of peace, a peace earned through blood, sacrifice, and unwavering love.

Selene sat against the headboard, her silver hair cascading freely around her shoulders. In her arms, little Lyra slept soundly, her small chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The soft light bathed them both, giving the newborn’s skin a faint moonlit glow.

Beside the bed, Darius sat forward with ...