Page 100 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“Yes!” Theo said, his hands outstretched beneath Idris.
I stepped back, watching my friend convulse and shake with every last bit of strength she could muster. Daxton placed a hand on my back as he eagerly watched and waited alongside me.
“Yes, Lady Idris, one more push. The baby is right there!”
“Gahhhhh!” Idris roared as she took in one final breath and bore down.
Then, the most beautiful sound in all of Valdor silenced the room. The breathtakingly precious cry of an infant cradled in the healer’s hands brought tears tomy eyes.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Skylar Cathal
Idris collapsed into Adohan’s arms as Zola gently cradled the baby.
The ebony stare of the feared spymaster, typically filled with hardened shadows, softened at the sight of her godchild.
A giant weight lifted in the room, the vice grip loosening from our chests as the baby’s healthy cries continued to boom along the walls and into the halls.
Astro came bursting through the doors. “Mother?”
Zola smiled as she lay the baby on Idris’s chest, with Adohan’s arm draping over his mate and the newest addition to their family. “Looks like you’re an older brother now, Astro. Finn alone can’t claim the title any longer.”
“I am?” Astro asked with a beaming grin.
“You have a sister now,” Adohan said with a smile so wide and bright that even the mother’s light couldn’t outshine him.
Astro sprinted across the room and knelt at his mother’s side. His hand trembled as he laid it atop thedark, curling locks of red and black. “She’s got your nose, mother.”
“Thank the Gods.” Idris sighed.
In this one moment, joy flourished and sprang free from the grasp of dread and fear. The other woes plaguing our lives came to a swift halt as we basked in the miracle of this little girl’s presence. A treasure more valuable than any trinket shining in the eyes of the proud, adoring parents.
Hearing the three of them laugh together as Idris brought the infant to her breast to feed sent butterflies spinning in my stomach. I smiled, relaxing my shoulders as Daxton’s arm wrapped around my middle.
I immediately sank into his embrace, needing to feel his touch just as much as I knew he needed mine.
“You never cease to amaze me, Spitfire,” Daxton said. “Crimson City will be forever grateful for what you accomplished here today.”
I turned toward my mate, nuzzling into the nook of his neck as his arms wrapped securely around me. “Idris did most of the heavy lifting.”
“Still.” Daxton paused as he stroked my hair, sending tranquil waves of love and comfort through his gentle touch reserved just for me. “Without your aid, this realm would have been lost. If Adohan had lost Idris—”
“You don’t need to say any more.” I tilted to meet his gaze. “I understand.”
I didn’t dare allow my mind to venture down the path Daxton was suggesting. I couldn’t allow myself tostep into that pool of dread that could so easily swallow me whole without even a second thought.
“Skylar,” Idris called out, stealing my attention. “You and Daxton need to meet her.” Idris cradled the infant in her arms, moving her to her shoulder to try and coax a burp after her first feeding.
“I’m guessing it’s Aunt Skylar now… Along with Uncle Dax,” Astro said with a wink, his gaze returning to his newest sibling, whom he couldn’t seem to get enough of.
“Fitting,” Adohan agreed, his gaze never leaving his mate or daughter. “Seeing as you saved my family not only once but twice in the short time we’ve known you.” Adohan finally tore his blazing stare from Idris and found mine. “Thank you will never be enough.”
I swallowed, bowing my head to acknowledge his words, speechless by the depth of emotion beaming in Adohan’s expression.
Daxton placed a hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward with him as we greeted the newest addition to the Ekon family together.
“Hello, little one,” I whispered.
