IN WHICH - The last thing that Hope Mikaelson expected when she came out of Malivore was to still be alive, the second last thing she expected was to be disowned by most of her living family, and the final last thing she expected was some ancient be...
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THIRD PERSON POV
CHAPTER 39
The days had grown quieter, though not in a peaceful way. The tension in the air was palpable, and Hope was doing everything she could to keep her mind occupied. With Judith strapped snugly to her chest in a handmade wrap, she worked alongside Maggie and Beth, preparing the lower part of the prison for potential new residents. The group had discussed expanding their numbers if they could find decent survivors, and Hope was determined to make sure the space was ready.
Rafael padded behind Beth like a shadow, his amber eyes ever-watchful as she moved through the space. Hope caught him occasionally nudging her when she paused too long, urging her to keep moving or stay alert. It made her smile faintly. "He's like your personal bodyguard," Hope teased, glancing over her shoulder at Beth.
Beth rolled her eyes but smiled. "I think he's more like my babysitter," she quipped. "Doesn't let me do anything without hovering."
Rafael let out a low, playful growl in response, and Hope chuckled. "Well, considering how many times he's saved our butts, I wouldn't complain. Besides, it's kind of sweet. I mean, you've got a loyal wolf tailing you 24/7. That's peak romance in some stories."
Beth blushed, shooting Hope a look. "You're ridiculous."
Maggie, who had been arranging supplies on a makeshift shelf, smirked. "Ridiculous, but not wrong," she said. "He hasn't left your side since we left the farm. You've got yourself a furry admirer."
"Stop it," Beth protested, but her cheeks were glowing red now. "He's just protective, that's all."
Hope laughed softly as Judith cooed against her chest, drawing her attention. She glanced down and adjusted the baby's wrap, smiling as the infant blinked up at her. "And you," she said to Judith, "are the cutest distraction I've ever had. You're lucky you're so cute, or I'd put you to work like the rest of us."
Judith gurgled, as if in agreement, and Maggie leaned over to tickle the baby's foot. "She's the best thing to happen to this place," Maggie said softly. "You know, seeing you with her... it's like she's yours. You're good with her."
Hope's smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered. "She's a good kid," she said simply. "Easy to love."
Maggie gave her a knowing look but didn't press further. Instead, she nudged Beth. "Come on, let's move some of these boxes. Hope's hogging all the work again."
"I am not!" Hope protested, her tone playful. "You're just slow."
"Oh, it's on now," Maggie shot back, grabbing a small box and pretending to hurl it at her.
"Careful, Maggie," Hope teased, stepping aside and shielding Judith theatrically. "I've got a baby here. You don't want to traumatize her."
Beth giggled as she picked up another box. "You two are like kids yourselves. Poor Judith's going to grow up thinking this is normal."
