"Some legacies enter the world in fire and light; others arrive in silence, with eyes wide open, already seeing everything."
The silence after the first cry was the loudest sound I had ever heard. The violent, overwhelming magical manifestation of the brilliant silver-white light and the controlled purple-gold energy vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving behind a faint shimmer, a lingering scent of ozone, and a precious, wet, screaming bundle in Niko's arms.
"He is here, My King!" Niko's voice was hoarse with shock and elation. She did not wait for permission; she gently cleaned the heir and, with a swift, practiced motion, clamped and cut the umbilical cord. "A powerful Alpha Heir. Eight pounds, ten ounces. Healthy and furious!"
