The chamber was still, save for the soft crackle of the hearth and the rhythmic breathing of the two people Thornak loved more than life itself.
He sat propped against the headboard, Lara curled into his side, her head resting on his chest, fast asleep. In her arms lay their newborn son, wrapped in soft linen, his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath.
Thornak's eyes lingered on them, his mate and his child. Just months ago, he had lived in the cold silence of command, his life ruled by duty, war, and the unyielding expectations of kingship. Now the weight on his shoulders had shifted, heavier in some ways, yet infinitely sweeter.
Lara had brought light to the dark places of his soul. Laughter to a home once ruled by silence. And love, raw and consuming, healing love, to a heart that had forgotten how to hope.
As he looked at the boy nestled in her arms, his throat tightened. He couldn't imagine life without them. Didn't want to. Wouldn't survive it.
Carefully, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Lara's forehead, letting his lips linger there. She didn't stir, but a soft breath escaped her, and her hand instinctively tightened around their son.
Thornak closed his eyes, holding them both close.
Everything had changed.
And for the first time in his life, he wouldn't change a thing.
....