The Bride of the Lost Village

The Weight of Destiny

The morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the ornate room where Seraphina lay resting. The family doctor had just arrived, his expression a mixture of awe and caution as he examined her. His words echoed in the silent room like a thunderclap.

"Wao, it's twins!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement. "First in the Stormrider lineage! Congratulations, Alvin!" He clapped Alvin on the back, grinning from ear to ear.

Alvin stood by Seraphina's bedside, a mixture of pride and concern in his eyes. "They're strong, aren't they?" he asked, his voice low but filled with a palpable sense of relief.

The doctor nodded, his gaze shifting to Seraphina, who lay propped up by soft pillows. "Luckily for you, my lady, you're still young. Otherwise, your body might not have been able to handle them," he continued, his tone becoming more serious. "Everyone knows lycan pregnancies are difficult, especially for a non-lycan like yourself. Even though they're hybrids, they're stronger than regular lycans. Carrying them is no easy feat."

Seraphina smiled weakly, her hand instinctively going to her belly. The weight of the doctor's words pressed heavily on her, but she met Alvin's gaze, and in his eyes, she found strength.Alvin leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You're doing wonderfully," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin. "Rest now. Mother will be with you."

As Alvin straightened, his mother, Evelyn, stepped into the room, her regal presence filling the space. She approached the bed, her sharp eyes softening as she looked at Seraphina. "Your first task," Evelyn said, her voice calm and measured, "is to ensure these babies arrive safely into this world. Twin lycan pregnancies are rare and dangerous. We've kept yours hidden for a reason."

Seraphina nodded, understanding the weight of what was expected of her. She knew that the fate of the Stormrider lineage, and perhaps more, depended on the safe birth of these children. Alvin gave Seraphina one last look before he left the room, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what lay ahead. As much as he wanted to be by her side every moment, duty called. There were meetings to attend, plans to be made, and wars to prepare for.

In the council chamber, Alvin sat at the head of a long table, surrounded by his trusted advisors and warriors. The air was thick with anticipation as maps of enemy territories were spread out before them.

"We're ready to strike," one of the council members said, his eyes gleaming with eagerness.

"Now that you possess the ancient power and the strongest sorceress, the odds are finally in our favour."

Alvin frowned, his fingers tracing the lines of the map. "We're not ready yet," he replied firmly.

"We wait until my sorceress is prepared. Seraphina's power is still growing, and with the twins, she'll need time."

Another council member leaned forward, a wolfish grin on his face. "Then we use this time to build the pack. Strengthen our forces. With the lost village on our side, we could be unstoppable. This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity, Alvin. Twins, both you and your sorceress are stronger than any before you."

Alvin nodded, but his mind was still with Seraphina. "I agree," he said after a moment. "Let's aim for an attack eight months from now. We'll prepare for it. But in the meantime, our focus must be on the pack and Seraphina. Without her, we're nothing."

The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in. They all knew how vital Seraphina was to their plans. Without her, the ancient power they sought to wield would be incomplete.

For the next two months, Alvin threw himself into his work. He spent long hours training the pack, honing their skills, and preparing for the battles ahead. But no matter how busy his days became, he always found time for Seraphina. Each night, he would return to her, sitting by her side, his hand resting protectively on her growing belly.

"How are you feeling?" he would ask softly, his voice full of concern.

"Tired," she would reply with a small smile, her hand covering his. "But they're strong, just like their father."

In the blink of an eye, two months had passed, and Seraphina was halfway through her pregnancy. Her belly had grown considerably, and the weight of carrying the twins was beginning to take its toll. Despite the exhaustion, there was a quiet strength in her, a determination to see this through.

One evening, as Alvin returned from a particularly gruelling day of training, he found Seraphina sitting by the window, her hand resting on her swollen belly. The golden light of sunset bathed her in a soft glow, making her look almost ethereal.

"You're halfway there," Alvin said gently, coming to stand beside her. "Halfway through this journey."

Seraphina looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and resolve. "I'm ready for whatever comes next," she whispered. "For them. For you."

Alvin knelt before Seraphina, his head resting gently against her round belly, the warmth of her skin calming the storm inside him. He closed his eyes, pressing soft kisses along the curve where their twins nestled within her. His voice dropped to a low whisper, tender and full of love.

"Hey, little ones," Alvin murmured, his breath warm against Seraphina's skin. "Your father is here, and I can't wait to meet you both. You're strong, just like your mother. Keep growing, and soon, you'll be in our arms."

Seraphina watched with a soft smile as Alvin continued speaking to their unborn children. His presence, so steady and reassuring, gave her a sense of peace amid the difficult pregnancy. She ran her fingers through his hair as he kissed her belly again, his affection wrapping around her like a protective shield.

The moment was interrupted by the quiet sound of the door opening. Evelyn entered the room, her elegant figure carrying a sense of quiet authority. In her hands, she held a tray with supplements carefully prepared for Seraphina. She approached with the same calm grace she always possessed, but there was a softness in her eyes as she looked at her son and daughter-in-law.

"These will help strengthen you," Evelyn said, setting the tray down. She knelt beside Alvin, her hands glowing faintly with magic as she placed them gently over Seraphina's belly. "And now, let's make sure our twins are well protected."

A soft, golden light spread from Evelyn's hands, infusing Seraphina's body with warmth. The magic flowed through her, strengthening both her and the babies within. Seraphina felt a gentle surge of energy, a soothing sensation that eased the weight she had been carrying for the past two months. Evelyn's magic was ancient and powerful, designed to protect and nurture, to ensure the health of the future heirs.

"They'll be safe," Evelyn whispered, her voice a promise. "You and the twins are my priority now. Rest, my dear."