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"We have a son! He's perfect," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

I reached out, and Thornix placed the tiny bundle against my chest. Our baby boy blinked up at me, his eyes a deep green flecked with hints of Thornix's luminescent glow. A soft tuft of hair, the color of autumn leaves, crowned his head.

"Vipin," I whispered, the name rolling off my tongue like a melody.

Thornix smiled, his gaze never leaving our son. "A fitting name."

I marveled at the tiny fingers that curled around mine, his skin warm and soft. A profound sense of love and protectiveness washed over me. "Hello, little one."

As I soaked in the moment, a sudden, sharp pain jolted me back. My breath hitched. "Wait... there's?—"

Before I could finish, another contraction gripped me, even more intense. Surprise flashed across Thornix's face.

The midwives scrambled back to Acacia.

"Another?" Thornix asked, eyes wide.

I nodded, overwhelmed. "I didn't know."

He moved swiftly, his composure returning. "You're incredible," he said, awe mingling with his usual calm demeanor.

The next few moments were a blur of pain and determination. With each breath, I focused on bringing this unexpected life into the world. Thornix's steady presencewas my anchor, his hand supporting me, his whispered encouragements urging me on.

Finally, a second cry rang out, a softer, melodic sound that seemed to harmonize with the whispering trees. Thornix gently lifted our daughter, his expression one of pure wonder.

"Valerine," I said, the name coming to me in a rush of emotion.

He placed her beside Vipin, both nestled against me. Valerine's eyes were a captivating blend of my green and Thornix's shimmering light, her tiny features delicate and serene.

"Twins," Thornix murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. "We are truly blessed."

I laughed softly, a mix of exhaustion and sheer joy. "They had quite the surprise planned for us."

He leaned in, his forehead resting gently against mine. "They take after their mother, full of surprises."

I smirked, teasing. "Or their father, mysterious and unpredictable."

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Vip and Val, our children."

The forest around us seemed to come alive, leaves rustling in a gentle breeze, the soft glow of fireflies beginning to dot the twilight. The sacred tree's branches swayed as if in acknowledgment, its ancient energy enveloping us.

I took in the scent of the forest, rich earth, fragrant blossoms, the subtle hint of wild herbs. It was as if nature itself was celebrating with us.

Thornix glanced at the twins, a rare softness in his gaze. "They embody both our worlds."

I nodded, emotion swelling in my chest. "Our fiery spirit and your deep connection to nature."

He traced a fingertip along Valerine's cheek, her skin reflecting the faint patterns of leaves. "They'll have abilities beyond our imagining."

A flicker of worry crossed my mind. "Will they be accepted?" I asked, voicing the fear that had lingered beneath my joy.

He met my gaze, unwavering. "They are a bridge between humans and the forest dwellers. Perhaps they will bring understanding."

I sighed softly. "I hope so."

He tilted my chin upward. "No matter what, we'll protect them."

The conviction in his voice eased my doubts. "Yes, they have us, who loves them more than life itself."