The hospital corridor was quiet, lit by the soft glow of night lights. Inside room 219, Celine lay in bed, exhausted but holding the baby close, while Adrian watched over them like a sentinel.
A gentle knock at the door broke the silence. "Celine? Are you awake?" a familiar voice called softly.
Celine's face brightened instantly. "Bella! You came!" she whispered, a relieved smile spreading across her tired face.
Isabella stepped inside, carrying a small overnight bag. "Of course I came. I couldn't leave you alone tonight," she said warmly, her eyes scanning the room. "How are you feeling?"
Celine exhaled shakily, relaxing slightly. "Tired… but better now that you're here."
Adrian stepped aside, letting Isabella move closer. She gently took Celine's hand. "I'll stay with you tonight. You sleep, I'll watch the baby and keep you company. You're not alone."
Celine's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you… I really needed someone here," she murmured, eyes glistening.
Adrian gave Isabella a subtle nod of approval, appreciating the support. "It means a lot," he said quietly, then returned to his place by the bed, keeping one eye on the sleeping baby.
The night was unusually quiet, but the baby's cries pierced through the stillness like a warning bell. Celine cradled the little one against her chest, rocking him gently, but his wails seemed more urgent than a normal newborn's.
Adrian stirred beside her, golden eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. "He's… restless tonight," he murmured, placing a steady hand on Celine's back.
Isabella, a close friend and helper, quietly stepped in, whispering, "Let me help. Sometimes babies can sense… things we cannot."
As Isabella gently rocked the baby, humming softly to soothe his cries, her eyes fell on a faint glow across the infant's shoulder blade. At first, she thought it was a trick of the moonlight, but the light pulsed steadily, like a heartbeat of its own.
"Adrian… Celine… do you see this?" she whispered, voice barely audible. "What… what is that mark? Why is it glowing?"
Adrian's jaw tightened subtly, his golden eyes flickering with a mix of concern and calculation. He gently placed a hand over Isabella's, pressing it lightly.
"It's… nothing," Adrian said carefully, keeping his voice calm, though his pulse raced. "Just a mark… a birthmark. Nothing to worry about."
Isabella blinked, unconvinced. "A… birthmark? It's glowing, Adrian! I've never seen anything like this. Are you hiding something from me?"
Celine, holding the baby closer, glanced nervously at Adrian. "It's okay, Isabella… there's nothing to worry about. He's fine."
Isabella finally nodded, swallowing her fear. She forced a smile at Adrian and Celine, though inside her chest, anxiety twisted like a coiled serpent. She had never seen a birthmark like this before—not one that glowed with its own life.
Silently, she decided to hold her worries in, keeping them locked in her mind. Without a word, she gently stepped away from the baby, letting him rest peacefully in Celine's arms.
For the first time that night, the room felt calm. The baby's soft breathing echoed through the quiet, and slowly, Celine exhaled a shaky sigh, pressing her forehead to her child's. Adrian's protective gaze softened only slightly, though the golden glow in his eyes never fully dimmed.
Finally, the baby's tiny eyelids fluttered closed, succumbing to sleep. Relief washed over everyone—Celine, Isabella, and even Adrian.
Yet Adrian remained vigilant. Every shadow, every flicker of light, every creak in the old house kept him alert. His hands stayed close to Celine and the baby, ready to protect them at a moment's notice.
Celine looked at him, sleepy but aware. "Adrian… you can relax for just a moment. He's safe."
Adrian shook his head slightly, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. "For now," he murmured. "Always, I'll be ready."
The room finally settled into silence, broken only by the soft, rhythmic breaths of their child and the quiet pulse of the glowing mark, a subtle reminder that the world outside was still dangerous, and destiny was only beginning to unfold.
When morning came, soft sunlight spilled into the room, casting a warm glow over Celine and the baby. He lay peacefully in her arms, tiny fingers twitching as if responding to the gentle rays.
Celine yawned and stretched, brushing strands of hair from her face. "Finally… some rest," she murmured, glancing down at her child with a mix of love and awe.
Adrian was already awake, standing by the window. His golden eyes scanned the surroundings, alert as always. Even in the quiet morning, he couldn't fully relax. Every sound, every movement outside the window, kept him on edge.
Isabella quietly entered with a tray of breakfast. "Good morning," she whispered, careful not to disturb the baby.
"Thanks Bella!", Celine whispered
"No worries, Bella replied, I'm here for you
After a quick breakfast at the hospital, Celine and Adrian, with Isabella at their side, waited as Dr. Hawke entered the room. His presence was calm and professional, but there was a sharp attentiveness in his eyes.
"Good morning, Celine, Adrian," he greeted, giving a polite nod to Isabella. "We're here to make sure both mother and child are healthy."
Celine carefully held the baby against her chest, while Adrian stayed close, his golden eyes alert to every movement of their child.
Dr. Hawke continued, "Before we proceed, I'll need some details—your names, the baby's name, date of birth, and other basic information. We'll prepare the official birth certificate and medical records."
Celine provided the necessary details, and Adrian confirmed them with a careful nod. Dr. Hawke recorded everything meticulously.
Then the doctor began the physical examination. "Your vitals are excellent, Celine," he said. "And the baby… everything seems normal. No complications. Good job keeping both of you safe."
Celine exhaled, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. Adrian held the baby securely, still alert, noting the faint shimmer of the mark on his shoulder. Though Dr. Hawke saw nothing unusual, Adrian's protective instincts remained on high alert.
"Everything looks perfect," Dr. Hawke concluded. "You're free to go home now. Keep monitoring him, and schedule regular check-ups."
Adrian gently lifted the baby, murmuring to Celine, "See? Nothing to worry about—at least for now."
Celine smiled weakly, resting her head against Adrian's shoulder. Isabella followed closely, still eyeing the faint glow of the baby's mark, worry simmering quietly inside her.
After completing the check-up, Celine, Adrian, and Isabella carefully carried the baby to the car. Adrian secured him in his arms, ever vigilant, while Celine settled beside him, her hand lightly resting on the little one's head.
The engine roared to life, and they began the drive home. The city passed by quietly, sunlight filtering through the windows, casting soft patterns across the car interior. For a moment, it felt peaceful—like the world had paused just for them.
Celine glanced at Adrian, her eyes full of love and fatigue. "I can't believe it's finally over… at least for now," she murmured.
Adrian's golden eyes never left the road, alert to every movement outside. "Nothing is ever really over, not with what we're carrying," he said softly, his voice protective.
Isabella held the baby close, humming a gentle tune. As the little one stirred, a faint shimmer appeared on his shoulder–the crescent-claw mark glowing just enough to catch Isabella's eye. She froze for a moment, realizing again that this child was unlike any other.
Adrian noticed her pause but gave no explanation, his jaw tight. "It's nothing unusual," he said quietly.
The car moved quietly along the streets, sunlight spilling softly through the windows. Celine sat beside Adrian, gently resting her hand on Aric's tiny head, while Isabella held the baby carefully in her arms, feeling the warmth and weight of him.
"Adrian…" Isabella's voice was soft, filled with curiosity as she looked down at Aric. "Why did you name him Aric? What's so special about that name?"
Adrian glanced at her from the driver's seat, his golden eyes sharp yet calm. He took a measured breath, choosing his words carefully.
"Aric…" he began, voice low and steady, "it's not just a name. It carries strength, destiny… and purpose.
Isabella studied him for a moment, sensing there was more he wasn't saying, but she didn't press. Instead, she smiled softly and adjusted Aric in her arms, content for now.
Celine glanced at Adrian, sensing his protective caution. The car continued along the road home, peaceful on the surface–but Adrian's vigilance never wavered, and the faint shimmer on Aric's shoulder remained a secret only he and Celine knew.