Light of the Dawn | Azriel |

33. Full of Life

Isarella lay in their bed, her gaze drifting to the soft light filtering through the curtains. "I can't wait to stand," she groaned, her body still aching from the long recovery.

Azriel entered the room with a smile, his eyes full of concern yet touched with tenderness. "Well, that's good news," he said, his voice teasing but full of relief. "Madja just cleared you for walking—but nothing too crazy." He pointed at her with a grin, making her laugh despite herself.

With his help, she sat up slowly, her body still unfamiliar with the weight of standing after so long. The change was even more pronounced now that she was carrying their child. Azriel held out his hands, and Isarella reached for them, grateful for the steady support.

She gasped as she stood fully for the first time in what felt like forever, feeling the shift in her balance, the way her body had changed with the baby growing inside her. "What!" Azriel said, concern flashing across his face, but Isarella only smiled brighter.

"I have a bump!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she rested a hand gently over her rounded stomach.

Azriel's gaze immediately fell to her belly, his expression softening with love and awe. He sank to his knees beside her, his voice full of emotion as he spoke to their unborn child. "Hey little one, it's your Dad," he said, smiling as he placed a tender kiss on her stomach. "Your mom and I love you so much."

Isarella's heart swelled with joy. The man of her dreams, the one who had pulled her from the edge of death, was going to be a father. In that moment, she knew that everything was going to be okay, as long as they had each other. Azriel's presence was her anchor, and with him beside her, she felt invincible.

He held her arm gently, helping her steady herself as they walked slowly toward the family living room. As they turned the corner, a gasp echoed through the room, and Feyre rushed forward with a wide grin.

"Isa! You're showing!" Feyre exclaimed, her hands hovering over Isarella's baby bump in awe. Without missing a beat, Feyre pulled her into a quick, tight hug before stepping back to look at her.

Isarella smiled, one hand resting lovingly on her belly. This baby was everything she had ever wanted. She had always dreamed of being a mother, of giving her child everything she had never had. But there was still a lingering fear in the back of her mind—what if she couldn't keep her child safe? What if something happened during the birth, like it had with her own mother?

Madja entered for her weekly checkup, and Isarella couldn't hide the worry in her eyes as she looked up at the healer. "Are you sure I can handle a baby with wings?" she asked, the fear still present in her voice.

Madja smiled kindly, her eyes twinkling with reassurance. "Yes, Nesta's wishes must've passed down to you as well. Your baby does have wings, though I can already see them."

Isarella's eyes widened, a tear slipping down her cheek as she placed her hands lovingly over her stomach. "Really?" she whispered, awe filling her voice. Madja's smile softened with warmth and pride. The child would be so loved, she could see that already.

With Feyre and Azriel's help, Isarella was guided into the living room where the rest of the family gathered around her. Rhys smiled warmly as he walked over, pulling her into a tight hug. "I love you, my sister," he whispered, his voice full of emotion.

"Love you too, Rhys, my brother," Isarella replied, her heart swelling with love. "Also, I forgive you. You don't have to carry that burden anymore, not after all of this."

Tears welled in Rhys's eyes as he kissed her cheek, his heart finally lightened by her forgiveness.

Then, Amren surprised everyone by walking over, her usual stoic face softening as she pulled Isarella into a rare embrace. "Don't try and die on us again," Amren whispered, her voice low and full of affection.