Nyx had always thought he knew what love felt like. He had seen it in his parents, in the way his father worshipped his mother with every breath, in the way his mother softened whenever his father was near. He thought he had understood it—until you.

Now, watching you, glowing with your child, he knew he had only scratched the surface.

You stood by the balcony of your Velaris home, the night breeze stirring your silver-streaked hair. The moon bathed you in its soft light, and Nyx swore he had never seen anything more breathtaking. His mate. His love. The mother of his child.

He stepped behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, careful of your growing belly. “You should be resting, starshine,” he murmured against your ear, pressing a kiss to the curve of your neck.

“I will,” you promised, resting your hands over his. “I just wanted to feel the night air.”

Nyx smiled, nuzzling into you. “Is the little one keeping you up?” He splayed his hand over your stomach, warmth flooding his chest when he felt the faintest of movements.