The nausea eventually passed, leaving Martina drained but still wrapped in the comfort of Elias’s arms. She lay there for a long time, nestled against him, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It grounded her, reminded her of what they had fought for—not just power, not just survival, but this. A future. A family.
Elias didn’t say much. He rarely did when emotions ran high, but his actions spoke louder than words. He held her close, tracing slow, deliberate circles against her back, his fingers warm and reassuring. She could feel his protective nature in every touch, the way he adjusted her position to make sure she was comfortable, the way he watched her, even as she tried to relax.
After a while, she let out a soft breath and tilted her head up to look at him.
“You’re star
