Night descended quietly over Frostwind.
The damaged palace had been sealed off, and restoration arrays hummed softly in the background. Cracked walls repaired themselves, broken pillars rose back into place, and shattered tiles slowly reformed under the glow of formation lights.
After the battle, Arin had been confined to his chambers for recovery.
Not by doctors.
By his wives.
Royal Bedchamber
Arin lay on the massive jade bed, shirtless, his upper body wrapped in glowing healing bandages. Faint golden runes moved slowly across his skin, repairing internal injuries.
Elara sat beside him, gently applying medicinal essence to his shoulder.
Her touch was careful.
But her eyes were full of anger.
"You're reckless," she said softly.
He smiled weakly. "Still alive though."
She flicked his forehead.
"Don't joke."
Seren leaned against the window, arms crossed.
"You scared everyone," she muttered. "Especially me."
Mira stood nearby, holding a crystal tablet.
"Medical analysis: You were 0.4 seconds away from organ collapse."
Arin blinked. "…That close?"
"Yes."
Elara sighed. "Idiot."
But she leaned down and kissed his cheek.
Auren slept peacefully in a floating cradle beside the bed, wrapped in soft light. Tiny dragon illusions drifted around him like fireflies.
Arin watched him quietly.
"He's growing too fast," he murmured.
Mira nodded. "His cultivation speed is abnormal. At this rate, he may reach Spirit Realm before age three."
Seren snorted. "Great. Our baby will beat generals soon."
Later — Midnight
The palace was silent.
Moonlight streamed through open curtains.
Only Arin and Elara remained awake.
Seren and Mira had left to rest.
Auren slept soundly.
Elara lay beside Arin, her head resting on his chest.
His heartbeat was steady now.
Strong.
She traced patterns on his skin.
"When I felt you fading…" she whispered. "I thought I'd lose you."
He wrapped his arm around her.
"I promised I'd come back."
Her eyes shimmered.
"You always do dangerous things."
He smiled. "Because I have something worth protecting."
She looked up at him.
Their faces were inches apart.
Breathing intertwined.
The moonlight bathed them softly.
Slowly…
He leaned down.
She met him halfway.
Their lips touched.
Gentle.
Warm.
Lingering.
Not rushed.
Not fiery.
But deep.
Filled with trust and years of shared struggles.
Her hand slid to his chest.
His tightened slightly around her waist.
The kiss deepened.
Soft sighs escaped.
The world faded.
Only them remained.
Curtains fell.
Moonlight dimmed.
Love bloomed quietly.
Early Morning
Arin woke up to warmth.
Elara slept in his arms, her hair spread across his chest.
Auren floated nearby, giggling quietly while glowing faintly.
"Ba-ba…"
A tiny spark popped.
Arin smiled.
"My two treasures."
Outside — Council Hall
Meanwhile, generals and ministers gathered.
Mira stood at the front.
"Based on current intelligence…"
"The Upper Realm will intervene within three years."
Silence fell.
"Our preparations begin now."
Back in the Chamber
Arin gazed out the window.
Determination returned to his eyes.
"If they're coming…"
"I'll be ready."
For my family.
For my dynasty.
For my son.