Caim

Epilogue #2: The Love We've Made

Aurélia

I lean against the kitchen counter, watching the chaos unfold in our backyard through the French doors. The summer air is thick with laughter and the sound of children playing. My eyes automatically find Raven, sitting cross-legged under the oak tree with Valentina. Even at eight, she carries herself with a quiet grace that reminds me so much of Silas. She's still wearing her training clothes from their morning session – she never misses a chance to train with her father, soaking up his teachings like a sponge.

"Training went well?" Zara asks beside me, noticing my gaze.

"Three hours this morning," I smile, remembering how Raven had beamed with pride when Silas praised her form. "She's just like him – wouldn't stop until she got every move perfect."

From the living room, I hear Leora's delighted squeal followed by Aurélio's matching laugh. My two-year-old twins are as different as night and day – Leora, all De Luca charm with her father's smile, and Aurélio, my quiet observer with eyes that seem to take in everything.

"Need help?" Silas appears behind me, pressing a kiss to my temple. I watch as Raven's eyes light up at the sight of her father, though she maintains her composed demeanor. The bond between them has been unshakeable since day one.

"Can you check on the twins? I think they're terrorizing Sofia again." I smile as he heads toward the living room, pausing to scoop up both toddlers in one smooth motion. Raven immediately rises from her spot, gravitating toward her father as she always does when he's near.

Outside, Liyah sits under another tree, baby Ezekiel sleeping peacefully in her arms while Zayne and Jeremiah play tag with Ginger and Gianna. Her oldest, Zayne, has Spencer's height already at seven, making him tower over his three-year-old brother Jeremiah, who toddles after the older kids with determined steps.

"Finny, careful!" Amina's voice carries across the yard as her five-year-old daughter Josephine climbs higher on the play structure. Elliot hovers nearby, ready to catch her if needed, but Finny just flashes that fearless smile she inherited from her mother.

Valentina, looking so much like Camilla it makes my heart ache sometimes, has moved to sit with Raven again. They're speaking in low voices, probably sharing secrets as they often do. At eight, Val has Landon's intelligence combined with my sister's fierce attitude. Watching Landon with her, how he's raised her with all the love and stories about her mother, fills me with gratitude.

"Remember when this yard was just for target practice?" Silas murmurs as he returns to the kitchen, Raven naturally falling into step beside him. She's already asking about their next training session, her voice soft but eager.

I laugh, watching them. "Now it's for water balloon fights and birthday parties. Though some still prefer the training area."

"Best of both worlds," Silas agrees, resting one hand on Raven's shoulder while watching Leora wobble over to where Jeremiah is playing with building blocks. Aurélio follows his sister, always her protective shadow despite being younger by four minutes.

"Aunt Réli!" Finny bounds into the kitchen, her curls wild from playing. "Can you paint my nails like you did for Raven? Please?"

"After lunch, sweet girl. Speaking of which—" I raise my voice, "Kids! Food's ready!"

The response is immediate – a stampede of little feet heading toward the outdoor tables we've set up. Spencer and Liyah wrangle their boys while Zara and Marcus help their twins get settled. Amina and Elliot make sure Finny actually sits down instead of bouncing around in excitement.

I watch as Silas helps the twins into their seats, Raven automatically taking her place between them to help. Though she's often quiet in large groups, with family she shows her nurturing side, especially with her siblings. Being the daughter of a Don means she doesn't get many normal social interactions, making these family gatherings particularly special for her.

"They're getting so big," Liyah says softly, coming to stand beside me with Ezekiel still snoozing in her arms. "Sometimes I look at them and can't believe we're here, living this life."

I know exactly what she means. Looking at our families merged together like this – Raven showing Valentina her newest defensive moves while helping the twins with their food, Zayne helping Jeremiah with his juice box, Ginger and Gianna teaching Leora and Aurélio a clapping game while Finny provides enthusiastic commentary – it feels like a dream.

After lunch, the water balloon fight begins as promised. Even the adults get involved, though Liyah stays dry on the porch with Ezekiel, documenting everything on her phone. Silas gets pulled in by Raven's rare but precious wide smile, letting her lead their "tactical assault" on the others. She's in her element, applying her training playfully, her quiet demeanor giving way to joyful strategy as she directs her father and siblings.

Later, as the sun starts to set and the kids are dried off and changed, we all gather around the fire pit. The younger ones are nodding off – Aurélio already asleep in Silas's arms, Leora fighting to keep her eyes open in mine. Raven sits between us, leaning against her father's shoulder as she speaks softly with Valentina about their next training session together.

"Daddy," she whispers, looking up at Silas with eyes that mirror his own, "can we train together again tomorrow?"

"Of course, principessa," he answers, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Early, before your siblings wake up?"

She nods, that small, satisfied smile appearing on her face. I watch them, my heart full of love for this quiet bond they share. Catching Silas's eye over our children's heads, his smile still makes my heart skip a beat. This is everything I never knew I could have – a family built on love instead of fear, strength tempered with tenderness, and a daughter who carries the best of both of us in her quiet, determined spirit.

Words: 998

A/N:

That's officially it guys. I know I already made a big deal about it, but I seriously can't believe this is done. This story means so much to me and I hope you guys enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Along with that, if you guys are really into the story, you can tune into my second story, Saudade, coming out soon.

Saudade is a continuation of the world of Caim, following the oldest Daughter of the De Lucas, Raven. We get to look into Raven's world after she's kidnapped by a strangely familiar man, forced to work for him. What will she do to keep her family safe? How will she get away? And most importantly, what can she do when she starts to catch feelings?

For real this time guys, this is it 🩷 I hope you guys enjoyed reading this so much, love you all. Bye 🥲