New Life Stirring
(Third–person’s POV)
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of the royal bedchamber, casting a golden glow across Olivia’s sleeping form. Matthew watched her from the doorway, his heart swelling with love. Six months had passed since her miraculous recovery, and each day she grew stronger.
Dr. Aris Lowell had just left after performing her weekly examination. The news she’d delivered had left Matthew stunned, joy coursing through his veins.
Olivia stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Matthew? How long have you been standing there?”
“Not long,” he replied, moving to sit beside her on the bed. “How are you feeling?”
She stretched, a small smile playing on her lips. “Surprisingly good. Did Aris leave already?” Matthew nodded, taking her hand in his. “She did. And she left us with quite the news.”
Olivia’s brow furrowed. “What news? Is something wrong?”
“Wrong?” Matthew laughed, the sound rich with joy. “Quite the opposite, my love. You’re pregnant.”
Her eyes widened. “Pregnant? But how-”
“Twins,” Matthew continued, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re having twins, Olivia.”
Tears filled her eyes as her hand instinctively moved to her stomach. “Twins? Are you certain?”
“Aris confirmed it. She said your vitals are stronger than she’s ever seen them. Theodore’s heart…” He paused, the name no longer causing him pain. “It’s given you strength beyond what any of us expected.”
Olivia closed her eyes, feeling the steady beat of Theodore’s heart in her chest. Sometimes she still felt echoes of him–not memories exactly, but impressions, emotions. Now, there was nothing but warmth.
“He would be happy for us,” she whispered.
Matthew nodded, any lingering jealousy long since faded. “Yes, he would.”
–
The news spread quickly through the pack. What had once been whispers of concern about their Luna’s health transformed into celebrations of new life. The pack saw it as a symbol of renewal, of hope for the future.
Leo and Aurora were perhaps the most excited of all.
“Will they be boys or girls?” Leo asked one evening as they sat in the newly prepared nursery.
Olivia smiled, running her hand over her growing belly. “One of each, I think.”
“How do you know?” Aurora questioned, her small hand joining Olivia’s.
“I’ve been having dreams,” Olivia admitted. “I see them–a little girl with dark hair like mine, and a little boy with golden eyes like Matthew’s.”
Leo nodded solemnly. “Dad’s watching over them. I can feel it.”
Olivia pulled him close, kissing the top of his head. “I think you’re right.”
As the months passed, Olivia’s pregnancy progressed with remarkable ease. Where her pregnancy with Aurora had been fraught with complications, this time she bloomed with health.
“It’s extraordinary,” Dr. Aris remarked during one examination. “Your body is stronger than I’ve ever seen it. The twins are developing perfectly.”
Olivia smiled, thinking of the heart beating in her chest. “I have good help.”
At night, her dreams grew more vivid. She saw her children taking shape, felt their spirits forming. Sometimes, in the space between sleeping and waking, she could swear she felt Theodore’s presence–not as a ghost or a memory, but as a guardian, watching over the new life growing within her.
(Olivia’s POV)
The first contraction hit me like a wave, powerful but not overwhelming. Outside, a winter storm raged, snow piling against the windows of our chambers.
“Matthew,” I called, my voice steady despite the pain.
He was by my side in an instant, his eyes alert. “Is it time?”
I nodded, taking a deep breath as another contraction began. “Call Aris.”
The next few hours passed in a blur of controlled pain and focused breathing. Unlike my
previous births, I felt strong, capable. Theodore’s heart beat steadily in my chest, lending me its power.
Matthew never left my side, his hand in mine, his voice a constant reassurance.
“You’re doing beautifully,” he murmured, wiping sweat from my brow. “Our children are
coming.”
+25 Points
Aris directed me with calm efficiency. “One more push, Olivia. The first twin is almost here.”
With a final effort, I felt my daughter slide into the world, her cry piercing the air moments
later.
“A girl,” Aris announced, placing the squirming bundle on my chest.
Tears streamed down my face as I gazed at her perfect features–my dark hair, Matthew’s strong chin.
“Rosemary,” I whispered, the name coming to me naturally. For Rose, my lost daughter, and for Theodore, whose sacrifice had made this moment possible.
Matthew’s eyes glistened as he touched her tiny hand. “Rosemary,” he agreed.
Before I could savor the moment further, another contraction gripped me. Our son was eager to join his sister.
He came faster, with barely three pushes, announcing his arrival with a lusty cry that made everyone in the room laugh.
“And a boy,” Aris said, her voice thick with emotion. “Both perfectly healthy.”
As he was placed beside his sister on my chest, I gasped. His eyes, already open, were a brilliant gold–just as I’d seen in my dreams.
“Gabriel,” I said, looking up at Matthew. “Our little messenger of hope.”
Matthew leaned down, kissing me tenderly before pressing his lips to each tiny forehead. “Rosemary and Gabriel. Our miracles.”
The pack’s celebration was immediate and joyous. Even through the snowstorm, I could hear the howls of congratulation rising from the territory.
Leo and Aurora were the first visitors once Aris deemed it appropriate. They approached the cribs with wide–eyed wonder.
“They’re so small,” Aurora whispered, peering at her new siblings.
Leo reached out, letting Gabriel grasp his finger. “I’ll protect them,” he promised solemnly. “Always.”
3/4
<
+25 Points
My heart swelled with love as I watched my children together–the family I’d never dared dream I could have.
That night, after everyone had gone and Matthew slept beside me, I dreamed of Theodore. He stood in a field of moonlight, holding the twins in his arms, his smile peaceful and
content.
“I’ve finally helped you regain your happiness, Livvy,” he said softly. “May you always be happy.”
Then he dissolved into the wind, the twins floating gently back to me. I woke with tears on my cheeks but peace in my heart. Theodore had found his rest at last.
One month later, we held the traditional celebration for the twins‘ first month. The entire pack gathered, bringing gifts and blessings for the Alpha King’s heirs.
As I stood with Matthew, Leo and Aurora at our sides, the twins cradled in our arms, I felt a completeness I’d never known before.
“Happy?” Matthew whispered, his arm around
my
waist.
I looked at our children–Leo, growing tall and strong; Aurora, sweet and fierce; and the twins, our new beginnings–and nodded.
“Complete,” I answered. “For the first time in my life, I feel completely whole.”
4/4
