“Nice.”
But he wasn’t listening. Valek gazed at Liana as if he held a precious jewel in his arms. He cuddled her a little longer before heading to the bassinet. Slowly, and with great care, he lowered her to the small mattress. I held my breath.
Valek straightened with his arms empty. “She popped the null shield and didn’t even wake up.” He grinned.
Was she a void? Did that mean she had no soul and would never find peace in the sky? I projected my awareness toward her and was blocked, but I sensed the spark of life that was her soul. I sagged back on the bed in relief. Did it really matter what she was? Not at all. As long as she was happy and healthy and safe from harm. We could determine the extent of her abilities when she was older.
Valek rolled the bassinet back beside my bed, then kicked off his boots and slid under the covers with me. Wrapping his arms around me, he pulled me close. I snuggled against him, listening to his heartbeat while breathing in his unique musky scent.
We’d survived so much, and I would never take moments like this for granted. I savored the peace, knowing full well that once the rest of the herd learned of Liana’s arrival, we’d be inundated with visitors.
I was on the edge of sleep when Valek said, “I’m sorry I didn’t keep my promise sooner.”
I opened one eye. “What promise?”
“That we’d be together.”
“I know I just had a baby and might not be thinking clearly, but I’m pretty sure we’ve been together for nine years.”
“No. We’ve been living two different lives. I worked for the Commander while you were the Liaison. We were lucky to spend two weeks together at one time. If you add up all the days, it wouldn’t fill two years.”
He had a point. “And now?”
His arms tightened. “Now we’re truly together. Body, mind and soul.”
Liana hiccupped and started crying.
“And baby,” I added.
“And babies,” he amended. “She’s going to need a brother.”
EPILOGUE
VALEK
Valek watched as Yelena set Liana in the sling, securing the baby to her stomach before she mounted Kiki. Yelena’s bat flew over and grabbed the edge of her hood. It hung upside-down from the fabric as it settled in for the trip. Much to Yelena’s delight, the little creature had shown up mere hours after Liana was born. She hadn’t seen it since the baby was conceived.
He checked the sling’s straps, looking for weak or frayed spots. “Are you sure she’ll be warm enough?” Valek asked his wife. The warming season had just ended, but the air was crisp despite the morning sunshine. Plus Liana was only five months old.
“Yes, she’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure you want to ride? I can get a wagon,” he offered.
Kiki and Yelena stared at him. He didn’t need to use magic to know what they were thinking, but he thought he’d asked a legitimate question.
“All right,” he said. Valek checked through the saddle bags on Onyx. “Did you remember to pack—”
“Valek, get your butt in that saddle before we leave without you,” Yelena said in exasperation, but then she relented. “It’s my fault. I’ve spoiled you.”
Confused, he asked, “What do you mean?”
“You’ve gotten your wish for the last five months. Other than trips to the market and Council Hall, Liana and I have been safe in Irys’s tower while you’ve been learning about your magic. You’re out of practice.”
“Practice?”
“Yes. You haven’t had to squelch your overprotectiveness during that time.”
“It’s not...” Well, that was part of it. “Sorry, love.” He secured the bag’s flap, then swung into the saddle.
Setting off at a walk, Onyx followed Kiki to the Keep’s main entrance. The guards waved them through the gate. The horses navigated the busy Citadel’s streets. A few Helper’s Guild members waved to them as they hurried on their various errands. Fisk had rebuilt his guild, but he was also helping the Sitian Council. After regaining control of Sitia from the Cartel, the Councilors had realized their security measures were woefully inadequate. They hired Fisk to develop and implement new protocols. Fisk, in turn, hired Valek as his primary consultant. He’d enjoyed working with the young man. Plus it kept his skills sharp. Their first task had been to apprehend and arrest the members of the Problem Gang—a task Fisk had relished.
Valek and Yelena exited the Citadel through the northern gate. “Do you think we should keep this pace?” Valek asked her. “Trotting or galloping might jar the baby too much.”