AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I have never known love until I stumbled upon the falling star that was you. I would give up eternity time and again if it meant I could spend just one more second with you.”
The sands of time ran through my hands as I watched her chest rise and fall. Her breaths slowed as she drifted on and off into slumber while I ran a hand down her arm.
As ambers and oranges filtered through the small window in the room, I watched in amazement as Heliox rose on his own. It was a perspective I never thought possible in my lifetime. Hope turned into ash like my wings every time I carried the blazing orb on my back time and time again.
But here in my arms, I was gifted with more than just my freedom. I was given not one, but two mortal souls under my care.
As I lay there beside her, watching the sun’s rays dance across her face, highlighting her dark strands in beams of brown… I realized with utter humility just how much she did for me by simply loving me.
I didn’t deserve her. I probably never would. But I was greedy enough to keep her and spend the rest of my immortal days, proving to her that I was worth her love.
“Mmm. Isolarel?” she murmured in her sleep, her little fingers reaching out. I grabbed it and gently placed it over my heart, letting the beat of the organ lull her back to sleep while I continued to watch over my beloved.
“Khepria,” I sighed. How did I not see the serendipity that was her? I closed my eyes and soaked in the warmth of the sun on my shell as I took in everything that was life without chains.
The rising of the morning sun that represented the renewal of life. I should have known the moment I heard her name.
The soundsof the rainforest came alive as the gentle patter of raindrops danced on the leaves above. The air was thick with the scent of damp soil and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. In the midst of the vibrant symphony of nature, I watched Khepria, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight, as she made her way into our feeding room.
Her pregnant belly, fully extended beyond what a mortal should be able to carry, was a testament to the life growing inside her. It was a testament to Khepria’s strength. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and awe. As I approached her from where I was sitting, my heart swelled with love. I quickly closed the distance before she could realize I was there and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close.
Her hand gently caressed my face, as she turned around in my arms with a soft smile. And then, I felt it. A strong movement—a kick—from within her womb. It was as if our unborn child was reaching out, acknowledging its father's presence.
Though pride and arrogance threatened to consume me, I let out a breath and allowed jubilation to wash over me instead.
Her eyes widened with joy, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "Did you feel that?" she whispered, her voice filled with excitement. "Our baby knows you."
I held onto the knowledge that Osiris mentioned the child being a boy. But I couldn't contain my laughter, joy and disbelief tickling me. "Our son," I said, my voice filled with pride, "he is strong like his mother and stubborn like his father."
In that moment, as I held Khepria in my arms, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here. The trials and tribulations, the moments of despair and hopelessness, had all led me to this point of exhilaration. I had faced the curse of immortality, the weight of centuries, and now, I was blessed with the love of a woman and the prospect of raising a child.
I would be the best father I could be, guiding our child with the love and wisdom I had accumulated through my penance, teaching him the ways of man and the importance of empathy and compassion.
As I looked into Khepria's eyes, I saw a reflection of my own joy and gratitude. We had been given a new chapter in our lives, and we would embrace it with open hearts and open arms.
In Khepria’s love I had found an immortality beyond even the laws of the divine.
* * *
Her screams toreinto my being. Who designed the mortal body to go through such a thing?
I paced around the room, my wings flaring everytime I winced at her cries. When she called for me, I scrambled to her side, letting her crush my shell with her dainty little hands as the local midwife did what midwives do between her legs.
I should have asked my mother more details while she was still alive or sought out Thoth. I was a fool.
Was this another punishment by the gods? Surely, this couldn’t be what all mortal women went through when giving birth?
I watched in helplessness as Khepria’s face strained on the next push, perspiration on her brow from how long she had been at it.
Just when I began to wonder how long it would take for the exoskeleton on my hand to heel after this was done, another cry pierced the air.
As I sat there, facing my beloved Khepria in all her glory and strength, new fears compounded on top of one another rapidly.
Would the child take on my cursed aesthetics? In a world dominated by men, it was only among the gods where the unusual were common. Anubis wore his head proudly as he broodingly kept to himself.
But here, would a half scarab child be shunned? I ran a hand down my face as worries crept in. Things I never had crossed my mind, threatening to drown me in gloomy possibilities.
I would destroy anyone who wished to outkast him. If worse came to pass, I would coerce Khepria to go back home with me, despite her distaste for the ones who tortured us.
