Cassian strides ahead, powerful wings folding neatly behind him as he carries the small bassinet cradling your newborn, wrapped carefully in soft blankets. The halls of the healer-led center in Velaris echo softly with the gentle murmurs of staff and the faint scent of healing herbs. After arranging a horse-drawn carriage outside, he allows you to walk only the short distance from the birthing room to the carriage, there’s no way he’d have you, still bleeding and aching from labor, making the journey on foot all the way home. That would be too far.

Outside, the air is cool and fresh, a welcome contrast to the sterile warmth of the healer’s center. The carriage waits patiently, its polished wood gleaming faintly in the fading light. Cassian carefully places the bassinet with your child inside the carriage first, then with two free hands, he lifts you up with ease, settling you beside your newborn.

He wraps an arm around you inside the carriage, steadying you, while his other hand rests protectively on the bassinet, never taking his eyes off your child. The hired driver, waiting at the reins, glances back as Cassian gives the quiet command to move.

“Take it slow over the cobbles,” he says, voice low but firm.

The horse shifts under the driver’s careful touch, and the carriage begins to move. Cassian leans close, murmuring softly to you, “You did so well. I still can’t believe this little one is ours.”

You reach out, fingers curling instinctively around your baby’s tiny hand through the soft blankets, and the weight of this moment settles deep into your heart. Cassian’s hold tightens around you, a silent promise that no matter what comes next, you’ll face it all together.