*** I’m sitting on the edge of my bed, flipping through a book Niklaus left on the nightstand, when Kristina knocks softly on the door. Her face appears, a mix of relief and weariness as she sees me. I motion her in, my heart aching a little at her stricken expression.“Hey, Kristina,” I greet her,
NiklausI lean back in my chair; the leather creaking under the shift of my weight, and rub at the bridge of my nose, feeling the onset of a headache. Laz sits across from me, his expression grim. The maps and various reports spread out between us only adding to the sense of chaos that has settled
VerenaFeeling queasy again, I clutch the edge of the sink, my reflection in the mirror a ghostly shade of pale. These past few days have been a whirlwind of nausea and exhaustion, with Niklaus playing the unexpected role of caretaker. He’s been incredibly supportive, even though we’re both clueless
VerenaThe kitchen smells like garlic and basil, the warm aromas mingling as I stir the marinara sauce simmering on the stove. I’ve decided to make spaghetti carbonara, Niklaus’s favorite, hoping to infuse some normalcy and comfort into our evening after the tumultuous events of the past few days.B
NiklausI’m pacing my office, the clink of ice in my whiskey glass barely audible over the storm of thoughts raging in my mind. I pour another drink, the amber liquid doing little to soothe the churn of emotions. Anger, fear, regret—it’s a toxic cocktail, and I’ve gulped it down greedily.I’m pissed
VerenaAs I stir awake, I feel Niklaus’s arm tighten around my waist, holding me close. His presence is a bittersweet reminder of last night’s turmoil. The memory of his reaction to my news still lingers painfully in my mind, but the comfort of his embrace begins to soothe the raw edges of my emotio
Niklaus nods, his expression resolute. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to support you both—through the pregnancy, the spell, everything. You’ll never have to worry about facing anything alone again, kitten, not while I’m here.”“Speaking of together,” I say, shifting closer to him under the sheets, “
NiklausI’m buried under a mountain of paperwork, the aftermath of the hotel bombing stretching out like a never-ending headache. Each document is a reminder of the chaos Ares brought into our lives, each signature is proof of the hours I’m losing over this shit. My office is a mess, papers strewn
“I love you so fucking much,” he breathes against my lips, his forehead resting against mine. His voice is a husky whisper, carrying the weight of his emotions. “Thank you for everything — for our son, for this life, for a future that looks brighter every damn day because of you. You’ve given me a f
VerenaI sit quietly in the softly lit room; the air filled with the subtle scent of lavender and sage. Nastassja moves around with an air of focus, setting up the final components for the soul extraction and replacement ritual. My mind drifts to Niklaus and Arsenio, sleeping peacefully under his f
“In all lives that may come, and in all universes that may exist, you will always be my son, my light, and my hope. You have King blood in you and you are destined for greatness. By my will, and by your forefathers' blessings, so will it be.”After reciting the vow, I lean down and gently kiss Veren
“A son…” he whispers, then he murmurs something in Greek, I’m assuming—a prayer or a promise, perhaps both—before leaning over to kiss my forehead.“Thank you, Verena,” he chokes out, his voice breaking. “Thank you for giving me a son, a blessing.”His gratitude, so heartfelt, so raw, eases the last
VerenaThe pain is indescribable, a relentless, consuming force that grips my entire body. I’m clutching the sheets, my knuckles white, screaming as another contraction hits. Niklaus is beside me, his face etched with concern, his hands attempting to comfort me, but right now, I’m not having any of
I nod, understanding her struggle. “That’s completely valid, and I get it. Kris disappeared when you needed her. It’s not something you can just forget.”She sighs, looking down at her hands before meeting my eyes again. “I know. And I’m glad she’s doing good now, really. But you’re right, it feels
NiklausI’m perched at my desk, staring blankly at the papers strewn across it, but my mind is miles away, focused on the ticking clock and the phone beside it. The quiet of the office amplifies the occasional rustle of leaves outside, a cruel reminder of the waiting game I’m now playing. Three mon
“I didn’t teach you any dark magic because I was terrified of the implications it would have. You have Peter’s blood; my blood, and with that comes an addiction to dark magic,” she admits. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The pull? The lure to take things a step further? I know how it feels, darling, a
VerenaThe sun is warm on my back as I move among the tables laid out on the pack lands, the laughter of children bubbling around me like a cheerful stream. I’m arranging the final touches for the picnic we’ve promised them, smoothing a tablecloth here, straightening a plate there. The ladies of the