Aaron stayed in the nursery for a while, the quiet rhythm of Ellie's breathing steady against his chest. The world felt… still. Like for once, violence wasn't waiting outside the door. When Ellie finally fell into a deep sleep, he lay gently in the crib and lingered there, one hand still resting near her tiny blanket like he didn't quite trust the universe not to take her away.
He stood slowly, adjusting his cuff—when a voice murmured from the doorway:
"You look terrifying like that."
Aaron stiffened, head turning sharply.
Ken leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, gaze unimpressed. "Staring at a sleeping baby like you're about to personally declare war on anyone who breathes too louloudlyar her."
Aaron rolled his shoulders back, mask slipping back into place. "Why are you here?"
Ken jerked his chin toward the crib. "I came to check if I should start preparing a will for the next person who looks at your daughter wrong." His gaze dropped to Aaron's coat pocket—the pocket with the ring. Ken's brow slowly lifted. "Ah."
Aaron's jaw tightened.
Ken took one step closer, his voice quieter now. "So. The king of retribution is nervous. Interesting."
Aaron glared. "Leave, Ken."
Ken ignored that. "You killed a man without blinking. But proposing to her makes your pulse jump." He tilted his head. "That's how I know it's real."
Aaron didn't reply.
Ken's tone shifted — less mockery now, more solid, grounding. "You're not asking her to join your world anymore." He nodded toward Mina asleep in the other room. "You've already stepped into hers. That's what scares you."
Aaron's fingers brushed unconsciously over the ring box. "She might say no."
Ken snorted. "She moved in, survived your possessiveness, tamed your temper and lets you kiss her in front of Naarah without getting shot—she's already halfway to being your wife."
Aaron's lips twitched — almost a smile, but not quite.
Ken turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing back. "For what it's worth," he said, tone unexpectedly steady, "I was there for your war. I'd rather be there when you finally get peace."
Aaron watched him go, the words sinking deeper than he let show.
He stood for another heartbeat by the crib — then turned toward the hallway, his steps quiet but sure.
Behind him, Ellie slept soundly.
Ahead, the future waited — and for the first time, Aaron wasn't walking into it alone.