Page 35 of World At War

I wrap my arm around her shoulders, drawing her close as we watch over our little ones. There’s a peacefulness in the air, a sense of contentment that washes over us both as we stand together in the nursery's quiet.

For a moment, time seems to stand still as we bask in the warmth of our family’s love. In this moment, there are no worries or fears, just the simple joy of being together, surrounded by the ones we hold most dear.

As I gaze at Tiamat, I’m overwhelmed by a profound sense of gratitude for everything she is and everything she means to me. She’s been my rock, my partner in life, and the mother of ourchildren, and I couldn’t imagine facing this journey without her by my side.

With a gentle squeeze of her hand, I silently convey all the love and appreciation that fills my heart. Together, we stand in silent vigil, watching over our sleeping children, grateful for the blessings we’ve been given and the family we’ve created together.

She slowly turns her gaze on me and there’s a sadness there. “How long was I gone?” Her brows furrow as she looks between us and the babies.

“A little over a month.” Now I’m confused. I look over her features as I see her bottom lip quiver.

“It was only a few days for us.” She looks down at her hands, turning them back and forth, looking them over. “Four sleeps in the Underverse and two in the Fairy.” She turns away from the door and goes and sits on the hope chest at the foot of our bed. I watch her lower her head into her hands.

“Tia?” Knox sits on the floor at her feet and looks up at her. His eyes search hers as his hand caresses her calves.

Inhaling slowly, her gaze turns to my brother. “I didn’t know … I’ve missed so much.” Shaking her head, she drops it into her hands.

I motion to my brother and we move to sit on either side of her and try to offer our support. “You’re back and that’s all that matters. The babies won’t remember you being gone.” I kiss her shoulder, trying to reassure her.

“A dragon’s memory is very long and starts very young. I remember when my mother left to go to war against the Strigoi.I remember talking Ladon into chasing after them, so we weren’t left behind.” Tear fill her eyes as she looks between the two of us. “They will remember that I left them behind.” Her eyes fall to her hands in her lap as we watch her shudder. Knox dives in and pulls her against him. The damn breaks the minute she’s in his arms.

With a sense of urgency fueled by the longing to reconnect with our mate, I hasten to the bathroom, determined to create a soothing sanctuary for Tiamat. The ache of her absence weighs heavily on my heart, and I’m keenly aware of the need to reassure her of our unwavering love and support.

As I fill the tub with steaming hot water, I handpick a medley of aromatherapy oils, each one chosen with Tiamat’s preferences in mind. The fragrant scents fill the air, mingling with the steam rising from the bath, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity.

Adding her favorite rose-scented bath bomb to the water, I watch as it dissolves, releasing a burst of color and fragrance. It’s a slight gesture, but one that I hope will bring her comfort and solace after her long absence.

With each passing moment, the anticipation builds, my eagerness to see Tiamat and reassure her of our love growing stronger by the second. Through the bond, I can sense her pain and longing, and it only fuels my determination to provide her with the care and comfort she deserves.

As the bath fills, I can’t help but feel a surge of emotion welling up inside me. The thought of being reunited with Tiamat, of holding her close and comforting her, fills me with a sense of profound joy and gratitude.

With the bath prepared to perfection, I step back and take a moment to gather my thoughts. Our mate’s emotional well-being is paramount, and I’m determined to do whatever it takes to help her feel loved and supported as she returns to us.

As I approach the bedroom, I find Tiamat nestled in Knox’s arms; her form curled into his embrace. It’s a rare sight to see her so subdued, and my heart aches at the sight of her vulnerability. “Baby, let us take care of you,” I murmur softly, my voice laced with concern as I join them in the room.

Knox rises slowly, cradling our mate gently as he carries her towards the bathroom. Tiamat’s silence speaks volumes, and I can’t help but feel a pang of worry gnawing at my chest. “Can we give you a bath, sweetheart?” I inquire, seeking her permission before assuming anything. Her nod is barely perceptible, her voice barely above a whisper as she gives her consent. “Yes, please...” she murmurs, her words weighed down by the weight of whatever burden she carries.

Knox insists on hearing her verbal confirmation, his gentle demeanor a testament to his care and concern for our mate. Slowly, we remove her armor and underclothes, handling her with the utmost gentleness and care. With each piece of clothing shed, it feels as though we’re peeling away layers of her pain, exposing the raw vulnerability beneath.

Once undressed, we guide Tiamat towards the waiting bath, the warm water beckoning with promises of comfort and solace. Knox slips into the tub first, the steam rising around him as he settles in, creating a cocoon of warmth and safety. With gentle hands, I lift our mate and lower her into the water, supporting her as she eases herself into the soothing embrace of the bath.

As I join them in the tub, I can sense the tension in Tiamat’s body, the weight of her burdens pressing down upon her. It’s as though she’s lost in a sea of thoughts and emotions, her usually vibrant spirit dimmed by the shadows of her experiences. My heart aches at the sight of her distress, and I long to provide her with the comfort and reassurance she so desperately needs.

Together, we sit in the warm embrace of the bath, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words and unexpressed emotions. I reach out to Tiamat, my hand finding hers in the water, offering a silent gesture of support and solidarity. It’s a small comfort, but one I hope will remind her she’s not alone—that we’re here for her, every step of the way.

As the minutes pass, the tension eases from Tiamat’s shoulders, her rigid posture slowly giving way to a sense of relaxation. The warmth of the water seeps into her bones, chasing away the chill of her solitude and replacing it with a sense of warmth and belonging.

I watch as the lines of worry soften on her face, the furrowed brow smoothing out as she allows herself to surrender to the comfort of the moment. It’s a minor victory, but one that fills me with a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

In the quiet intimacy of the bath, we find solace in each other’s presence, our bond strengthened by the shared experience of caring for our mate. It’s a reminder of the depth of our love and the unwavering commitment we have to one another, even in the face of adversity.

As we soak in the warm embrace of the bath, I find myself overcome with gratitude for the precious moments we share. It’s these simple moments of connection that remind me of what truly matters—the love and support of those closest to us. Andas I gaze at Tiamat, her features softened by the glow of the candlelight, I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together, as a family.

Chapter 24

Knox

After bathingTiamat and settling her into bed, I can see the exhaustion etched into every line of her face. It’s as though the weight of her absence has taken its toll on her, leaving her drained beyond measure. My heart aches at the sight of her, knowing that while she may physically be back with us, her mind and spirit are still grappling with the trauma of her experiences.

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