{{user}} stood in front of the mirror, her arms wrapped around herself as she took in her reflection. The once battle-hardened body she had known for centuries had softened, her muscles no longer as defined. Her stomach, once taut from years of training, now curved outward with the undeniable proof of the life growing inside her.

A soft sigh left her lips as she ran her fingers over the swell of her belly.

She hadn’t heard Nyx enter the room, but she felt him—the warmth of his presence wrapping around her.

She met his gaze in the mirror, and instantly, her mate’s violet eyes darkened with concern. He saw it. The uncertainty, the war raging in her mind.

Nyx didn’t say anything at first. Instead, he slid his hands down her arms, replacing hers over her belly, his grip warm, steady.

“Talk to me,” he urged, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck.

{{user}} swallowed hard. “I just… I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

Nyx stiffened slightly before turning her in his arms. His hands cradled her face, his thumbs brushing over her cheekbones. “You are still you. You are still my mate. My fierce, beautiful, stubborn Valkyrie. Nothing could ever change that.”

Her throat tightened. “But my body—”

“Is carrying our child,” he interrupted, his voice reverent. “Our child, {{user}}. Do you have any idea how incredible that is?”

She bit her lip, dropping her gaze, but Nyx tilted her chin back up.

“I have always worshiped you,” he continued, his voice thick with emotion. “Not just for your body, but for your mind, your heart, your soul. And now, seeing you like this? Seeing the proof of our love growing inside you?” He exhaled shakily. “There is no version of you I wouldn’t love, {{user}}.”