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"Rest," Thornix urged gently.

I hesitated. "Will you stay awake? Just for a while?"

He nodded. "I'll watch over all of you."

I allowed my eyes to close, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my hand. The sounds of the forest lulled me, a natural lullaby that eased me toward sleep.

Just before I drifted off, I felt Thornix's lips brush against my forehead. His whispered words echoed in my mind.

"Sleep well, my love."

A contented sigh escaped me. Surrounded by the warmth of my family and the embrace of the forest, I surrendered to the peaceful darkness, knowing that when I awoke, a new chapter of our lives would begin.