Page 47 of Eternal Mate

I got up and stepped over, my attention drawn to the tiny bundle in a cradle. My niece, absolutely furious to have woken up alone, was batting at the air with tiny clenched fists.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from her, captivated by her innocence and the future she represented.

The last piece of Michaelson that was left in the world.

Time seemed to stand still as I cradled the little girl in my arms, marveling at the precious life Lucia had brought into the world. Her cries subsided now that she was being held, those golden eyes peeling open with a grumpy expression, and I reluctantly handed her over to her mother when she made a smacking noise with her little gummy mouth.

Lucia's tired eyes met mine, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I named her Mikaiah," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of weariness and pride.

I nodded, my heart swelling with love for my niece. "Mikaiah... that's a beautiful name."

But life continued even in the midst of tragedy, and as Lucia collapsed back onto her bed, she barked orders at the guards who stood at attention.

"Increase the security around the palace immediately," she commanded, her voice firm despite her exhaustion. "No one enters or leaves without my explicit permission. And gather the advisors for an emergency meeting. We have much to discuss."

“Aria and the others are here,” I quickly added. The guards hesitated for a beat. “We… ran into some trouble, but Aria’s okay. I just don’t want any nasty surprises coming up if they’re caught off guard.”

Lucia smiled, clearing her throat. “Please put out the message that the King is dead, as well. I doubt we’ll find them, but I want the Resistance members who are here to know they’re safe.”

The guards scrambled to carry out her commands, their footsteps echoing down the hallway as they dispersed.

I watched them with a combination of awe and trepidation. The magnitude of what had just transpired had shaken me.

The hostile takeover had been completed all too soon, and Lucia would soon be crowned as the Queen. The weight of responsibility now rested upon her shoulders.

I could only hope that she would find the strength to lead her people with wisdom and compassion.

Turning back to Lucia, I noticed the tiredness on her face. She seemed so fragile at that moment, a stark contrast to her fierce determination during our mission.

I approached her cautiously, concern evident in my voice as I said, "Lucia, you should rest. You've been through so much."

She glanced up at me, a fleeting smile gracing her lips. "Rest will have to wait, Sariel. There's much to be done. Our people need stability, and I must ensure that the transition of power is smooth and secure."

I nodded, understanding her massive responsibilities. "I'll be here to support you in whatever you need."

Her eyes softened, gratitude shining through the fatigue. "Thank you, Sariel. I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law."

She paused, a wistful expression crossing her face as she looked down at the now-nursing Mikaiah. "I wish Mikey could be here to witness this. He would have been proud."

The mention of Mikey stirred up a pang of sorrow within me. The pain of his loss was still raw, and his absence was felt acutely at that moment.

I took a deep breath. "Lucia, I'm so sorry,” I whispered.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she reached out to grasp my hand tightly. "I loved him, Sariel."

My heart hurt for her, for the missed opportunities and the words left unsaid. "He knew, Lucia. I'm certain of it. And he loved you too, with all his heart."

A faint smile touched her lips, mingling with the tears. "Thank you."

She released my hand, her gaze shifting to Mikaiah with a watery smile.

At that moment, I realized the strength that emanated from my family even amidst the depths of sorrow. We were wounded, yes, but we were also resilient.

You’re safe? I asked, feeling Aria’s exhaustion and jitteriness through the bond.

Yeah. I ended up in our old room, somehow. Anyway, it’s been quiet for a while.

Her response settled my nerves. I could feel her fluttering behind my eyes, taking in the scene. There was a burst of joy, then grief.

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