Night had fallen quietly over the Vaelorian estate. Raelynn sat on the edge of her bed, a light blanket draped over her knees as the faint hum of the evening breeze brushed through the slightly open balcony doors. Dinner had been uneventful—a solitary affair, as Elion and Sloane were still engrossed in their respective work. She had thought the silence would be peaceful, but instead, it felt hollow.
She chuckled to herself, shaking her head. Funny how things change, she thought. Before eting Elion, she had always eaten alone. It was the norm, a routine she never questioned. But now, she found herself missing the subtle comfort of company, even if it ca with Elion's occasional brooding silences or Sloane's sharp remarks.
In her hands was a small porcelain bowl filled with diced fruit. Not for herself, though she occasionally stole a piece. This was for her unexpected companion, a bat she had affectionately nad Bubble. For the past few nights, the creature had appeared on her balcony, drawn perhaps by the fruit she left out. It was oddly comforting, the way it stayed, almost as though it were keeping her company.
Sliding the glass door open, Raelynn stepped out into the cool night air. The scent of jasmine lingered from the garden below, mingling with the faint tallic scent carried by the wind. She placed the bowl carefully on the small table by the railing and smiled. "There you go, Bubble. Your nightly feast," she murmured, half-expecting the bat to swoop down imdiately.
She lingered by the balcony for a mont, looking up at the scattered stars. The sprawling night sky made her feel small, but in a comforting way, like she was part of sothing bigger.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on her door. Before she could respond, it opened slightly, revealing Elion standing in the doorway. "May I co in?" he asked quietly.
Raelynn blinked, a bit surprised by his presence. "Of course."
Elion entered, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. Moving soundlessly across the room, he stopped a few feet from the bed, arms crossed.
"Tomorrow," he began, "we'll be going to the hospital to check on the pregnancy."
Raelynn tilted her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "With Zake?" she asked, feigning innocence but unable to hide the playful glint in her eyes.
Elion's brow twitched, though his expression remained composed. "Of course with him," he replied, as if the question were absurd.
She let out a soft chuckle, leaning back slightly against the bedfra. "You're not worried Sloane will bite your head off for that?"
Elion shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough to suggest amusent. "I've stood between the two of them in crossfire for too long to care anymore."
Raelynn laughed at that, a genuine, light sound that filled the room. She rested her hand on her stomach as the laughter subsided, her gaze softening. "I still can't believe it's been a month… well, more or less. Or roughly."
Elion said nothing, his eyes dropping to her hand. His stare was so intense it was almost unnerving, like he was trying to see through her.
Raelynn noticed his focus and, without thinking, blurted out, "Do you want to touch it?"
The words hung in the air for a mont before realization hit her. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she waved her hands hurriedly. "I an—touch my stomach. Not—it's not like the baby is even there yet, right? So you can't actually feel it. Never mind, forget I said anything."
Elion's lips curved into a faint smile, the kind that was so rare it caught her off guard. "You're talking nonsense," he remarked, a small smirk tugging at his lips.
Raelynn groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I know! I know, just—forget it."
But Elion didn't move to leave. He crouched down in front of her carefully, his focus entirely on her. His larger fra seed to envelop the space between them as he reached out, his hand hovering just above her stomach.
"Is it okay?" he asked softly, his usual detached tone replaced with sothing softer.
Raelynn hesitated for only a mont before nodding, her heart fluttering in her chest.
Elion's hand settled gently over her stomach, his palm warm against the fabric of her dress. There was a quiet respect in his touch, as though he were afraid of disturbing sothing sacred.
Her eyes stayed on him, surprised by the unguarded look she caught for a fleeting mont. His brows furrowed slightly, and his lips pressed into a thin line, as though he were deep in thought.
"What are you thinking?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elion didn't answer imdiately. He let his thumb glide gently over her stomach. "I'm thinking," he said finally, "that it's strange to feel so… protective of sothing so small. Sothing I can't even see yet."
Her chest ached at his words, a flood of emotions washing over her all at once. She placed her hand over his, her fingers barely brushing against his skin. "It's not strange," she said softly. "I think it's… kind of wonderful."
When he t her eyes, it felt like the world paused for a mont, grounding her in this uncertain world, like he was silently assuring her she wasn't alone.
Rising to his feet, he let his hand linger just a mont before stepping back. "Get so rest," he said, his voice returning to its usual serious tone. "We leave early tomorrow."
Raelynn nodded, watching as he moved toward the door. Just as he reached it, he paused, glancing back at her.
"Goodnight, Raelynn," he said, a rare gentleness in his voice she wasn't used to.
"Goodnight, Elion," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Raelynn leaned back against the bed, her hand unconsciously resting on her stomach. The night felt quieter than before, but sohow, it didn't feel lonely anymore.
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