“He’s alive,” the man said flatly, almost like he couldn’t believe it. He turned the infant gently, his hands awkward and unsure. Then he added, his tone softer, “It’s… it’s a boy. A strong one, too.”
My breath faltered. A boy?
Rydan’s son. His heir.
Tears flooded my eyes, distorting the image before me. Whether he was a girl or a boy didn’t matter to me. I just wanted to cradle him, press him against my heart, whisper soft reassurances even though I couldn’t promise safety. But instead, I hung uselessly in the dark, unable to do a thing.
The warrior looked uncomfortable, unsure of how to proceed. He clutched the baby awkwardly, as if the small life in his arms was too much responsibility. My lips trembled. “Please… Please let me down. I just want to hold him.”
His jaw clenched, his eyes darting around as though he expected punishment for even considering it. “I’m sorry. I… I can’t. Alpha Rydan gave strict orders. You’re to remain where you are.”
“I’m begging you…” My sob was barely a breath.
He looked from me to the child, now whimpering softly, and finally gave a reluctant nod. “Alright. But I have to inform the Alpha first.”