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“This is how I want to remember you always,” he told me. “Blushing cheeks. Laughing. That love in your eyes. I want to see that always.”
“You will, my love,” I promised, as he took my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it tenderly.
I gazed back at him, feeling that heavy weight lift off my back. There was still so much healing left to be done, but I knew that in his heart, I found comfort and strength, which would continue to guide me in our life together. No matter what happened, we were bound by a love that was pure, passionate and never-ending. With him, I had found everything I ever wanted, without even knowing what exactly that something was.
Our love story was just beginning, and it would be a tale of love, triumph and a future filled with endless possibilities.
Epilogue– One Year Later
Adrian
I had to rush back. It was of the utmost importance that I do so. I promised. I had to be there. Lilith needed me there.
My horse galloped at the speed of light. The pounding of hooves echoed in my ears, drumming like mad. My mind was consumed by thoughts of urgency. The wind whipped through my hair, and I leaned forward, urging the horse to go faster. Every second felt like an eternity. Lilith was waiting for me. I couldn’t let her down. I had to go away, but I promised I would be back by nightfall.
As the castle’s towers came into view, I pushed my horse even harder, determined to reach Lilith as quickly as possible. Time seemed to stand still, and I prayed that I wasn’t too late.
Finally, the castle gates loomed before me, and with a swift motion, I dismounted from my steed. Without pausing, I sprinted through the castle grounds, passing by servants who nodded in my direction, smiling mysteriously. I was breathing heavily, my breaths coming in sharp gasps that cut through my lungs. But none of that mattered.
My legs carried me through the hallways, my mind racing with uncertainty and determination. I needed to find Lilith and ensure her safety. The castle felt like a labyrinth, but I pushed forward, determined not to let anything stand in my way. Finally, I reached Lilith’s room, my heart pounding in my throat. I knocked, and without waiting for a response, I burst through the door.
“Lil!” I called out to her, lying on the bed in a pale white nightgown, her face of the same color. She looked exhausted. And yet, it seemed that it was far from over. On the contrary, it was only the beginning. I thanked my lucky stars for making it on time, just as I promised her I would be.
I rushed over to her side, taking her by the hand. “Does it hurt?” I asked tenderly.
“Not yet,” she shook her head. She tried to smile, but it was a weak effort. Still, I appreciated it. “I mean, it’s bearable.”
I squeezed her hand in mine. I felt the warmth of her touch, the strength of her grip, and I knew I had to be her rock. She needed me, and I almost didn’t make it on time. I didn’t want to miss this for anything in the world. This was the most important moment in a man’s life. In a vampire’s life. In the life of anyone who shared this kind of love with his partner. It didn’t matter what sort of a creature we were.
“I’m right here, Lil,” I whispered, leaning in and kissing her sweaty forehead. “Just like I promised I would be. You are not alone. I will be with you every step of the way.”
Her grip tightened, as she bit her lower lip, trying to stifle the pain. I sat by her side, my heart aching for her, but also filled with overwhelming love and admiration for her strength. Two servants who had been well versed in the skill of laboring children were already there, having prepared everything. I could see clean towels, sheets, hot water. Everything was ready, including the happy parents. I couldn’t wait to see whether we would have a little boy or a girl. After all, it didn’t matter. I would be happy with either.
The following hours passed quickly for me, but I figured much less quickly for Lilith. With every breath she took, I could see determination in her eyes, the unwavering resolve to bring new life into this world, into our world. I wiped her forehead with a damp cloth. I kept telling her what a great job she was doing. I helped her breathe as she was taught to do. I told her that she was facing this immense challenge with grace and bravery. That made her smile even through the contractions.
“You’re doing wonderful, my love,” I murmured. “Just keep breathing through it, OK?”
She nodded, unable to say anything, but she heard me. She knew I was there, by her side, and that was enough. I kept holding her hand tightly, reminding her that she was not alone.
“We’re in this together,” I kept reminding her over and over again.
At first, the pain came gradually. I could see it on her face. She could breathe through it. But at one point, it was becoming unbearable. She would twist and turn. She would grit her teeth, refusing to shout and scream, although the servants who were there tending to her, told her it was perfectly normal to do so if she felt the need.
But she didn’t. She tried to keep her pain to herself. She tried to bring it to an end as quickly as possible, but it had to go slowly. It had to be painful. It was simply how those things were. I felt horrible that I wasn’t able to help her in any way other than to hold her hand. I wanted to take all of her pain away, but I couldn’t.
I watched as she bit her lower lip, closing her eyes. I watched as she squeezed the bed sheets, her entire body pushing. Her face would become red, then blue, then purple with all the strain. She would have a few moments of peace, then it would come back all over again, even more painful. But that was a good sign, the servants said. It meant that the baby would be coming very soon.
I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t wait for it. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops that I would become a father at any moment, with the woman I loved more than life itself. Seconds stretched into minutes, minutes into hours. I kept kissing Lilith’s sweaty forehead and doing what she wanted me to do. She would grip at me, keeping me close.
And then, the first cries of our newborn baby filled the air. Lilith’s face lit up with joy and relief. My heart swelled with emotion as I witnessed the miracle of birth right before my veryeyes. I’d seen many things in my life, but nothing as beautiful, as pure, as tender as this.
“You did it, my love,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion as I kissed her lovingly. “You were incredible.”
Our eyes met and in that moment, we shared a bond that was deeper than any words could ever express. Lilith had brought our child into the world. She was holding her in her arms, as the baby cooed softly. Lilith looked up at me, her eyes swelling with tears.
“Meet your daughter, Adrian,” she said.
I gazed at this little creature, who was pure perfection in every way. In this tiny, fragile life, I saw a future filled with hope and endless possibilities. I didn’t dare take her into my arms. She looked so small, so delicate. I was afraid that I would hurt her somehow.
