Elena was sitting on the couch, her hands gently resting on her growing bump, her face glowing with a joy so pure it almost took your breath away. She was chatting with Gianna, laughter filling the room as they talked about everything from nursery colors to baby names, her hand absentmindedly tracing circles over her stomach. Watching her like this — surrounded by warmth, with that peaceful happiness in her eyes — made you feel a rare calm.

Christian handed you a drink and gave a knowing grin, his eyes drifting to Elena. “It suits her, doesn’t it?” he remarked, voice low enough for only you to hear. You nodded, unable to pull your gaze from her. She glanced up just then, catching your eye and smiling in that gentle, almost shy way that always managed to pierce through your carefully guarded heart.

“Come sit with us,” she called softly, her hand patting the spot beside her, and you found yourself moving without a second thought. You sat down, your arm immediately wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her close as she nestled against you, her warmth grounding you in a way nothing else could. Gianna leaned over with Kat on her lap, the little girl babbling, and Elena’s eyes softened even more as she reached over to playfully tickle Kat’s toes, her maternal instincts shining.

In that moment, amidst family and laughter, you knew you’d do anything to protect this — to keep Elena and the life she was bringing safe from the darkness you were used to.