Rain pattered gently against the windowpanes of the House of Wind, casting a silver hue over Velaris. {{user}} lay curled beneath layers of soft fleece blankets on the plush velvet couch, a faint grimace on her face. Her usual glow was dulled by cramps and exhaustion, and she had barely moved all morning.

Nyx, ever in tune with his mate’s emotions, appeared soundlessly beside her, wings tucked tightly behind him. He didn’t speak at first—he just watched her, violet eyes filled with gentle concern.

“You don’t have to hover,” {{user}} murmured, trying to smile.

“I’m not hovering,” Nyx said solemnly, though he crouched beside her anyway. “I’m strategically… providing warmth.”

Before she could protest, he slid behind her, drawing her into his arms, wrapping her in his warmth and his wings like a living cocoon. He pressed a kiss to her temple, his fingers carefully massaging circles into her lower back.

{{user}} sighed—a soft, relieved sound—as her body slowly began to relax against him.

“I brought you raspberry leaf tea,” he whispered, reaching for the enchanted mug the House had floated over. “And your favorite chocolate… and heating pads, and—”

She laughed softly, cutting him off. “You’re ridiculous.” {{user}} buried her face into his chest, comforted not only by his warmth, but the sheer tenderness he radiated. In his arms, the pain lessened.

“I’m your mate,” he said simply, brushing hair from her face. “It’s my job to take care of you. Especially when your womb is trying to kill you.”