"I'm ready, Timmy," I replied without further thought.
"That's fantastic! I hope you won't end up regretting it," Timothee beamed widely, his piercing blue eyes locked on the enigmatic mark.
"Why should I regret it? Isn't marrying you a decree from the Moon Goddess?" I questioned, locking eyes with him in a deep, unwavering gaze.
Timothee arched an eyebrow, then uttered, "Because I'm a Lycan loathed by many."
Silence enveloped me as Timothee's words sank in. I was aware of his secret - he was a Lycan, a werewolf of immense strength. Yet, the realization that this had led to him being shunned by his own kind struck me deeply. A wave of empathy washed over me.
However, Timothee swiftly shrugged it off, "Don't feel sorry for me, Barbara. This is my destiny, and I've embraced it."
"I can't fathom why they despise you," I whispered gently, "but that's irrelevant to me. I adore you for the person you are."
Both of us locked eyes in a moment of silence, the howling wind adding an eerie soundtrack to our unspoken connection. It was then that I realized my choice held a deeper significance.
Before, I dismissed these emotions as mere words spurred by Timothee's unwavering interest, yet now, every exchange between us ignited a genuine warmth within me.
"Behold, the sunrise," Timothee stood, guiding my gaze to witness the sun's ascent, showcasing its majestic display. I observed in silence, captivated as the light gently embraced the awakening sky.
Once shrouded in darkness, the heavens transformed into a vibrant canvas of azure brilliance. Sun rays danced around, enveloping the surroundings with warmth and splendor. Flowers bloomed, releasing fragrant whispers from the moist earth. Nature stirred, swaying to the sun's celestial choreography.
In awe of this natural spectacle, I marveled at the untouched beauty that surrounded us.
Timothee, with a tender smile, remarked, "Nature's eternal marvel, a daily gift to cherish. This pristine forest is a sanctuary of purity, inviting us to revel in its celestial dawn."
"Is that why you rise at dawn and venture beyond the mansion's walls?" I inquired, puzzled.
"Yes, the morning here rejuvenates my spirit, a new vigor each day," Timothee responded, his smile gentle, eyes gleaming with morning light.
"Daddy?" Sawyer's voice echoed from the balcony, interrupting our reverie. Their room overlooked the mansion's lush garden, bathed in the radiant glow of the morning sun.
"Yes, baby," Timothee replied. "Are you up already?"
Sawyer nodded, rubbing his eyes, still caught in the haze of sleep.
"Would you like to join us for breakfast, sweetheart?" Timothee offered warmly.
Sawyer's face lit up with joy, blinking rapidly. "I'll be right down!"
"Fetch Asher as well, dear. No need to rush!" I called out.
Sawyer glanced back, promising, "I'll wake him up!"
As his disappeared from view, I sighed, marveling at their newfound energy.
"Hey, care for some hash browns and omelets? Then, we'll head to the elders' home for our mating ceremony," Timothee proposed.
"Thank you for all your preparations, Tim," I replied, a soft smile gracing my lips.
Timothee nodded, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead before leading the way to the kitchen for breakfast. The aroma of Timothee's freshly baked hash browns filled the air, whetting our appetites. Laughter from Asher and Sawyer joined in, warming the room with joy.
"Good morning, mom, dad!" Asher and Sawyer greeted, planting kisses on our cheeks.
"Morning, boys," Timothee chuckled, tousling their hair fondly.
"How was your rest, buddies?" I handed them glasses of milk.
"I want mine warm, dad!" Sawyer shivered slightly, still drowsy.
"You're so tiny yet so particular about your warm milk," Timothee chuckled, tousling his hair gently.
"It was still warm, have your breakfast, dear." I smiled as I placed two plates of omelets and hash browns in front of both of them.
"Thank you, mom. This is a delicious breakfast." Asher, as always, was the sweet little boy he always was.
Perhaps that was one of the traits Timothee passed on to him, sweet yet fierce. Quite amusing. I sat beside Timothee, who was slowly sipping his coffee, observing our two sons enjoying their breakfast.
"This is the first time I've felt like this," I murmured, almost whispering.
"You'll feel it all the time now," Timothee chuckled. "By the way, is mom still asleep?"
I was startled, realizing that Fae Aurora had not been seen since earlier. "I'll go check on her."
I rose from my seat, heading upstairs. I found Fae Aurora still peacefully asleep in her cozy bed, but perhaps not for much longer. I gently stroked her hair and wished her good morning, only to be taken aback by how hot her body felt, like a burning flame.
I quickly searched for a thermometer and checked her temperature, revealing a rather high fever. I tried not to panic and slowly brought it down to the living room, where Timothee was with Asher and Sawyer.
"Timothee, I think mom has a fever." I tried to remain composed as I showed him the thermometer reading.
Timothee looked concerned but acted promptly, checking Fae Aurora's the temperature. "Why did she suddenly have a fever?"
"Probably due to the recent fluctuating weather, or maybe it's because of exhaustion," I replied, attempting to find a reasonable explanation.
Timothee nodded and spoke, "Alright, I'll call Healer Cruz. Stay here to monitor her condition."
I nodded. "Asher, Sawyer, finish your breakfast. I'll be back shortly after checking on your grandmother."
The boys nodded, their faces filled with concern. I swiftly ascended, striving to ensure Mom's comfort. Her trembling lips hinted at the chill she must have felt. "Mom, are you in pain all over? Why didn't you tell me?" I inquired anxiously, draping a softer blanket over her.
"Barbara..." Timothee's voice made me turn to face him. He returned, not as Healer Cruz, but as Dave.
"Where is Healer Cruz?" I asked, puzzled.
"He couldn't make it due to his mother's issue, so I'm filling in temporarily," Dave replied.
"But you're not a Healer, Dave." Dave's response filled me with deep concern.
"Forgive me, Luna. Let me try to heal her; I have some knowledge to concoct a special herb blend for Fairies. Perhaps this will help," Dave offered, presenting a bottle of herbal liquid.
Though hesitant, witnessing Mom's deteriorating condition, I accepted Dave's aid. Together, we attended to Mom diligently, but as time passed, she began convulsing. Panic set in as we tried to halt her seizures.
"Mom, what's happening?" I cried out in fear. But she had no answer; her eyes were wide open, yet she was unresponsive.
My mind raced as I tried to think of what could be causing Mom's condition to worsen. Was it something in the environment? Did she ingest something harmful? Or was this a side effect of her powers?