Ara’s POV
[A year later]
Peace, at last.
The war was over. The howls of battle had long faded, replaced by laughter echoing through the halls of the palace. For months, there had been no whispers of Cario—no sightings, no threats. Just… silence. It was both comforting and unsettling.
But today, I refused to let shadows creep into my heart.
My arms cradled the tiny warmth of my entire world—our daughter, Elysia. A soft giggle escaped her as she played with the golden ribbon tied around her wrist. Her golden eyes shimmered under the gentle sunlight streaming through the open balcony, flecks of violet dancing within them like stardust. My little sun and moon.
“She’s beautiful,” Damon said softly, stepping behind me. He tickled her tummy, drawing a high-pitched laugh from her. “Just lik
