The Beast (SHORT STORY) (EDITED)

Epilogue

Yes, I know it's short, so don't come at me.
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Rune's usually stoic expression was a mask of awe as the midwife gently placed his newborn daughter in his arms. She was so incredibly small, a delicate bloom of pink against his large hands. A torrent of emotions – love, protectiveness, and a profound sense of wonder – washed over him.

He glanced at Hollis, sleeping peacefully in the bed, her face serene. A wave of overwhelming love surged through him. She had given him the most precious gift imaginable.

"I'm your daddy," he murmured softly, his voice thick with emotion as he gazed at the tiny face.

Golden eyes, so like his own in their intensity, flickered open and fixed on him.

"You look so much like your mother," he whispered, a small smile touching his lips. "I hope you won't be as... hyperactive as her, though."

The baby yawned, a tiny, endearing gesture that mirrored Hollis perfectly. He chuckled softly. "Just like your mother."

With infinite care, he laid their daughter beside Hollis and quietly left the room.

Outside, a familiar chorus greeted him. "Your Majesty." He winced internally at the title, a constant reminder of a role he never truly embraced, yet one his people insisted upon.

"It's a girl," he announced, his voice carrying a newfound tenderness and pride.

A joyous roar erupted, Brandon's being the loudest and most enthusiastic.

"I'm happy for you, dear," Esmeralda said, her kind eyes filled with warmth as she embraced him. "You deserve it."

He returned her hug, a genuine affection for the wise elder filling him. He then went back inside, his mind already focused on caring for his new family. He quietly began cleaning the birthing room, wanting to spare Hollis any unnecessary exertion when she woke. Then, he started preparing dinner, consciously avoiding any spicy ingredients, knowing it was off-limits for breastfeeding mothers – a sacrifice Hollis had accepted with surprising grace, her daughter's well-being taking precedence over her beloved spice.

He knew she carried a quiet sadness over the estrangement from her parents and the lingering disapproval of the village, but she had stood by her convictions, choosing her own happiness and the acceptance she found with his people.

"That smells good," Hollis's soft voice broke through his thoughts.

He turned quickly, his heart leaping. "What are you doing up?" He rushed to her side, gently guiding her to a nearby chair.

She pouted, a familiar expression that always melted his resolve. He leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly.

"We're not having any more kids," he said, his voice firm, though laced with concern. "It pains me to see you in pain."

Hollis giggled, her eyes sparkling. "You wanted a child, and now you're sad."

"I was naive to how it works," he admitted, a hint of sheepishness in his tone.

"It's okay," she reassured him, reaching for his hand. "I'm okay with Bloom." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Hopeful she's not like you." He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound, and kissed the top of her head. He brought her plate of mild, fragrant stew and placed it before her. "Thank you," she murmured, her gaze filled with affection.

He kissed her head again and sat across from her, his own plate filled. A profound sense of completion settled over him. He had never envisioned a family for himself, a solitary dragon content in his isolation. Yet, here he was, a husband and a father, all because of a persistent, fiery human who had seen beyond the monster and into his heart. He wouldn't change a single thing.

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I know it's not the best but I want to try short stories.

It's horrible! 😭😭