You snatched the dagger from the nightstand the moment the sounds of chaos shattered the night’s silence. Pain throbbed through your body with every step, but you pushed forward, forcing yourself toward the bassinet. Your son whimpered softly, his tiny form squirming as you scooped him into your arms, holding him close with one hand while gripping the blade in the other.

Then the door crashed open.

An enemy soldier stepped through, his face twisted in cruel anticipation. Firelight from outside flickered across his armor as he stalked toward you, each step deliberate, taunting. You stood your ground despite the tremble in your limbs, heart pounding as you shielded your son.

But he never reached you.

A blur of wings and shadow tore through the doorway, slamming the intruder to the ground with a bone-rattling crash.

Nyx.

Your mate was a storm of fury, shadows writhing around him like living blades. In seconds, the threat lay unconscious at his feet, and Nyx turned to you, his chest heaving, eyes wild as they found yours.

Your knees buckled, your strength finally giving out as you sank to the ground, clutching your son protectively to your chest. Nyx was there in an instant , wrapping you both in his arms, shielding you with his body and wings as though he could protect you from the world itself.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered hoarsely, pressing his forehead to yours. “I won’t let anything touch you. Either of you.”