Page 15

Acacia

The warm glow of dusk bathed the forest in hues of gold and amber.

I leaned against the ancient roots of the sacred tree, breaths coming in quick bursts.

The earthy scent of moss and blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the crisp aroma of pine.

Sweat trickled down my forehead, and I clenched Thornix's hand tightly.

"You're strong, Acacia," he whispered, his voice steady yet laced with concern. His eyes, shimmering with that ethereal light, met mine. They grounded me.

A sharp pain coursed through me, more intense than the last. I bit my lip, stifling a cry. The world seemed to narrow to this single moment, the rhythm of my heartbeat, the grip of Thornix's hand, the life stirring within me.

"Focus on your breathing," he said softly, brushing a stray hair from my face. His touch sent a comforting warmth through me.

I nodded, inhaling deeply. The scent of the forest filled my lungs, calming yet invigorating. "I can do this," I murmured, more to myself than to him.

Another contraction hit, and I squeezed my eyes shut. "The baby's coming," I gasped.

Thornix moved closer, his presence a steady anchor. "I'm here."

With one final, determined push, a cry pierced the tranquil silence of the woods. Tears blurred my vision as Thornix gently lifted our son, awe etched across his features.

"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 presence was 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."

Vipin stirred, a tiny yawn escaping his lips. Thornix chuckled. "Already restless."

"Just like you," I teased.

He raised an eyebrow. "Me? I seem to recall someone who couldn't sit still during the council meetings."

A laugh bubbled up from within me. "Fair point."

Valerine's hand grasped onto a small strand of my hair, her grip surprisingly strong. I smiled down at her. "She's got spirit."

"Just like her mother," Thornix said softly.

A comfortable silence settled over us. The stars began to peek through the canopy, tiny beacons of light against the deepening sky. The air was cool, but wrapped in Thornix's cloak, we were warm.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the sounds of the forest wash over me. The distant call of night birds, the rustling of small creatures, the gentle whisper of the wind.

"Do you remember when we first met?" Thornix's voice was low, thoughtful.

I opened my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. "How could I forget? You appeared out of nowhere, all mysterious and brooding."

He smirked. "I wasn't brooding."

I raised an eyebrow. "You hardly spoke a word."

"I was cautious."

"Cautious?" I chuckled. "You scared me half to death."

He feigned offense. "I thought I was quite charming."

"Eventually," I conceded. "Once you decided to actually talk to me."

He brushed his fingers against mine. "I'm glad I did."

"Me too." I glanced down at the twins. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have them."

He followed my gaze, a gentle expression softening his features. "They are the best parts of us."

I felt a surge of affection for him. "You know, you're not as aloof as you pretend to be."

He sighed dramatically. "You've uncovered my secret."

I grinned. "I've got a talent for that."

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my cheek. "You unravel me, Acacia."

A pleasant shiver ran down my spine. "Good."

For a moment, we simply existed, two souls intertwined, surrounded by the magic of the forest and the promise of a new beginning.

"I wonder what the future holds," I mused quietly.

Thornix gazed out into the shadows of the trees. "Adventure, undoubtedly."

I chuckled softly. "As long as we're together."

He took my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. "Always."

The weight of the day began to settle over me. Exhaustion tugged at the edges of my consciousness, but I fought to stay in this perfect moment a little longer.

"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.

Read the 3rd book in the Monster Matchmaking Series: Hitched to the Shadow Creature.