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Chapter 64 - Chapter 64

Command Hall – Haven Core

The hum of shields activating rippled beneath your feet, the station shifting from peace to defense mode like a well-trained beast. Crew members moved with swift, practiced efficiency, silent but determined.

You stood at the center of it all, hand resting on your very pregnant belly, feeling the tiny stirrings of the fourth life growing within you. De'rax remained at your side, a tall wall of strength, golden eyes narrowed at the tactical screen that displayed the incoming vessels.

Then—

Small, quick footsteps.

Alessa rushed in from the side corridor, her eyes sharp, her face serious. No trace of mischief now.

Trailing behind her were her younger siblings.

Ca'rdis, with his father's intense gaze and your sharp awareness, clutched a small toy blade, already tense like he could fight the stars if he had to.

Me'ha, quieter but no less brave, held his hand tightly, her eyes wide as she looked from you to the rising alert screens.

"We felt something was wrong," Alessa said breathlessly. "So I brought them to you. You're not leaving us behind."

De'rax dropped to one knee in front of them, his hands on both their shoulders. "You did good," he said softly, pride ringing in his voice. "You protected your brother and sister."

Alessa stood tall, her chin lifted. "I'm the oldest. I know what to do."

You knelt beside De'rax with a small wince—your belly heavy—but your heart full. "And what's that, love?"

"Stay together. Stay smart. Don't run toward danger unless someone else needs help more." She paused. "Also… stay out of Engineering. Ennis yelled last time."

Despite the tension, you smiled, brushing her wind-tangled hair back.

"You're stronger than I ever imagined, Alessa."

She leaned in, resting her head briefly against your shoulder. "You and Papa made me that way."

Me'ha tugged on De'rax's sleeve. "Will the baby be scared, Papa?"

De'rax gently scooped her into his arms, holding her close. "Not with you three around."

Ca'rdis climbed up beside you, curling into your side without a word, quiet strength humming from him like a pulse. Your hand rested lightly on his back as your other hand settled on your belly.

You whispered, "Your baby brother or sister's going to be just fine."

Me'ha looked up with curiosity. "Do we have a name yet?"

You and De'rax exchanged a glance—and then you nodded.

"Seren." you said softly. "Whether it's a boy or girl… their name will be Seren."

"Like a star?" Alessa whispered, eyes wide.

De'rax smiled, his voice low. "Exactly like that."

Outside, the red light of the alert system still pulsed, and Silver Lining's voice returned:

"Enemy vessels approaching within ten minutes. Awaiting final orders."

You rose slowly, the children pressed close, and your eyes met De'rax's. Strength. Steadiness. Bond.

The tension in the command hall hung like static in the air, the hum of Silver Lining's shield systems vibrating softly beneath your feet. The red warning lights still pulsed overhead—but for a heartbeat, the world slowed.

Me'ha, her soft hand pressed to your belly, looked up with bright, hopeful eyes.

"I hope it's a girl," she whispered. "I want another sister. One who doesn't try to sword fight with everything like Ca'rdis."

Ca'rdis scoffed beside her but leaned in a little closer anyway, his toy blade gripped tightly in one hand, protective already.

You smiled gently, brushing a kiss to her hair. "We'll see, little star. Seren might surprise us all."

The doors slid open behind you.

"Good," came a familiar voice—strong, steady, with the same bone-deep confidence as De'rax. "Because this child deserves to meet their family."

You turned, heart lifting as Ca'rex, De'rax's younger brother, strode in beside Tara, your cousin. Her hand rested over her visibly rounded stomach, her expression warm but serious.

Tara moved directly to you, smiling softly.

"Didn't think I'd be waddling into a war zone," she said dryly, resting her forehead against yours for a moment. "But I've got the pups."

Ca'rex clapped De'rax on the back and nodded toward the children. "You focus on the fight. We'll keep the fire lit behind you."

"Uncle Ca'rex!" Alessa ran to him and jumped up for a quick, tight hug, followed closely by Ca'rdis, who gave a serious nod, and Me'ha, who just held Tara's hand without letting go.

Tara bent low, her belly brushing her thighs, and looked into Me'ha's eyes. "Come on, little one. I bet this next sister of yours is going to be loud and bossy like you."

Me'ha blinked at her. "Good. Then I'll have someone to lead the others."

Tara laughed. "Stars, you are her child."

You placed a hand on Tara's arm, your eyes locking for just a second—fear, love, the kind of trust that only comes from surviving hell together.

"Keep them safe."

"Always."

Tara turned, leading the three children out with Ca'rex. Alessa glanced back once, her hand still holding Ca'rdis's tightly.

De'rax placed a hand on your lower back as the doors hissed shut behind your family.

"We've done everything right," he murmured low, "and now we hold the line."

You nodded slowly, hand resting protectively over your belly. "For them. For all of them."

And behind you, Silver Lining pulsed low:

"Enemy ships entering close range. Tactical briefing ready."

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