Page 13
Madison
I stretched languidly against Hugh's warm chest, breathing in his familiar scent as the morning sun painted golden stripes across our bedchamber.
Six months had passed since we'd destroyed the cursed rings, and the transformation of Trent Manor had been nothing short of miraculous.
Where once the gardens had struggled with sickly plants and barren patches, roses now climbed the ancient stone walls in riotous abundance, and the conservatory bloomed with exotic flowers.
Even the great oak that had crashed through the library window had sprouted new growth from its fallen trunk, creating a natural archway that the children from our school delighted in racing through.
“You're thinking too loudly,”
Hugh murmured against my hair, his voice rough with sleep.
His arm tightened around my waist, pulling me closer against the solid warmth of him.
“What occupies that brilliant mind of yours this early?”
I turned in his arms, marvelling as I always did at how his stormy-grey eyes softened when they met mine.
The shadows that had once writhed chaotically around him now danced playfully with the golden light that emanated from my touch.
Our magic had learned to complement rather than compete, creating a balance that felt as natural as breathing.
“The school inspection today,”
I said, though truthfully my thoughts wandered far beyond administrative concerns.
“Lord Pemberton's committee arrives this afternoon to evaluate our ‘unconventional’ teaching methods.”
Hugh's laugh was low and rich, sending vibrations rumbling through his chest and making my pulse quicken.
“Unconventional.
Yes, I suppose teaching young empaths to shield their abilities whilst encouraging young shadow-workers to embrace their power might raise a few eyebrows amongst the traditional magical families.”
His fingers traced a lazy pattern across my bare shoulder, sending pleasant shivers down my spine with each touch.
“Margaret brought her sister from the village yesterday,”
I said, though my concentration wavered as Hugh's lips found the sensitive spot below my ear.
“Emma's abilities manifested when she turned seven.
The poor child was picking up every emotion from the marketplace crowds.”
“Hmm,”
Hugh hummed against my throat, his breath warm on my skin.
“And you worked with her for three hours straight.”
His voice carried gentle reproach.
“You must remember to rest, darling.
You're carrying precious cargo.”
I pressed my hand to the gentle swell of my belly and smiled.
Our child grew stronger each day.
Even now, I could sense the dual nature of the life within me. Shadows and light intertwined in perfect harmony, just like Hugh and I.
“I think she recognises your voice already.”
I said, having noticed how the baby kicked whenever Hugh entered a room.
Hugh's hand covered mine over our child, his palm warm and broad.
“She'll be born into a world where her abilities are celebrated rather than hidden.
She’ll never need to fear what she is.”
The wonder in his voice made my chest tighten with emotion.
Gone was the man who'd once pushed me away out of fear of his own nature.
In his place sat someone who'd learned to embrace both light and darkness, who'd discovered that true strength came from balance rather than control.
A knock at the door interrupted our quiet moment, followed by Olivia's familiar voice.
“My lord and lady, breakfast is ready when you are.
Young Master Timothy from the school has already asked three times if Lord Trent will be joining the morning lessons.”
I smiled at the mention of Timothy Crowdon, a twelve-year-old shadow-worker whose abilities had frightened his family so thoroughly they'd brought him to us in tears.
Under Hugh's patient guidance, the boy had learned to craft beautiful sculptures from the darkness itself.
“Tell Timothy he'll be down shortly,”
I called through the door, before turning back to Hugh with mock sternness.
“You've created a monster, you know.
That boy follows you about like a besotted puppy.”
“Better besotted than terrified,”
Hugh said, but his expression grew serious for a moment.
“I see too much of my younger self in him.
The fear and isolation, the certainty that his nature makes him dangerous.”
I cupped his cheek, feeling the slight roughness of morning stubble beneath my palm.
“And now he creates art instead of hiding in the shadows.
You've given him that gift.”
Hugh turned his head to press a kiss to my palm, his lips warm and soft.
“We've given him that gift.”
“The committee will see the value in what we're doing,”
I said with more confidence than I felt.
“They must.”
Hugh's eyes darkened with desire that sent need racing to my core, banishing all thoughts of inspections and responsibilities.
“Whatever they decide, we'll face it together.”
His hand slipped beneath the silk of my nightgown, and up my leg, his palm hot against my skin.
“But first, I believe I owe my wife proper attention.”
“Hugh,”
I breathed as his lips found mine.
He shifted above me, careful of my growing belly, his weight supported on his forearms.
The morning light caught the silver streak at his temple, more pronounced now but somehow making him even more distinguished.
I threaded my fingers through his dark hair, marvelling at how this man could still make my pulse race with nothing more than a look.
“I love you,” he said.
Before I could respond, he deepened the kiss.
His tongue swept against mine with practised skill.
My body responded instantly, arching into his touch as his hands roamed further up my leg.
But eventually, duty called, and we parted to dress for the day.
“You look radiant,”
Hugh said as he helped me with the buttons of my yellow morning dress.
His voice carried the warmth that never failed to make me feel cherished.
“Motherhood suits you beautifully.”
I turned in his arms and adjusted his cravat.
“Just as fatherhood will suit you rather well too.
All the school children adore you.”
We made our way downstairs as the sun rose over the east wing.
I paused for a moment, noticing the raven perched on the old, toppled oak.
Its black feathers gleamed in the bright morning light. I thought of all the potential cursed artefacts out in the world, and of poor Ravina, trapped in her own misery by the weight of Darius’s betrayal.
I’d found my happiness, and I hoped with all my heart that one day, she found hers too.