"Christian, if you don't come downstairs this instant, Charles is going to finish everything before breakfast even starts!"Mary's voice drifted through the hallway, carrying the warmth and liveliness that had become a familiar part of the Sargent Estate over the past year.Christian smiled before setting the book aside on the bedside table. Sunlight poured through the open balcony doors, dancing across the polished wooden floor while a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming roses from the gardens below.A year.An entire year had passed since the battle that changed everything.The Dark Mountains had long returned to silence, the forbidden gate remained sealed beneath layers of ancient magic, and the Veilborn existed only as a dark chapter recorded in history books. The four great Houses had rebuilt their fractured relationships, choosing cooperation instead of suspicion, and the estate that once echoed with grief had finally become the home Lord Sargent always dreamed of creat

"Your wife is asking for you."Christian did not wait for another word, his legs automatically carried him forward before his mind could catch up, his heartbeat echoing louder than the hurried footsteps that followed the doctor through the corridor. The sterile scent of the hospital faded into the background as every thought narrowed to a single person waiting beyond those doors.The doctor stopped outside one of the delivery rooms. "You can go in now, Mr. Sargent."Christian nodded gratefully before pushing the door open, the room was quiet, soft afternoon sunlight slipped through the curtains, bathing everything in a warm glow.Aurora rested against the raised hospital bed, exhaustion evident in every breath she drew, yet her smile outshone every light in the room.When their eyes met, the tension that had gripped Christian's heart finally loosened."I made it," Aurora murmured."I always believed in you, you've always been strong.” She reached toward him. "Come here."Christian c