Lyriana and Aldric stood nearby, observing quietly.
Draven, captivated, watched as his baby sister stirred in his hands. Her tiny body shifted, and slowly—hesitantly—she opened her eyes.
"Hmm, she's awake," Draven murmured, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Hey, Elenya… nice to meet you. I'm your big bro."
Elenya simply stared at him, her vivid red eyes wide with curiosity. Draven raised his hand, gently moving it closer to her face. But as his finger neared, she suddenly opened her tiny mouth—and bit him.
"Yow!" Draven yelped, jerking his hand back. His eyes widened in surprise.
Crap! Did she just bite me?
He stared at her in disbelief. She was giggling now, a full set of sharp little teeth flashing in her smile.
What the hell? Since when are babies born with teeth?
"Mom!" he called out, still stunned.
"Hmm? What is it, honey?" Elliana answered from the bed, her voice calm.
"Ele—she has teeth!" Draven exclaimed.
"Yes, of course, honey," Elliana said with a knowing smile. "She's a vampire. They're born with teeth."
Wow… I didn't know that, Draven thought, blinking. But I guess it makes sense.
"You were born with teeth too," Kaelen added, his voice laced with amusement.
"Huh? I was?" Draven murmured. He paused, thinking. Now that I think about it, I've always had teeth, even as a baby. I just never thought it was weird…
Kaelen rose to his feet and stretched. "Alright, buddy. I think it's time we let your mom get some rest. Why don't you bring Elenya and come with me? Let's grab something to eat—for them, too."
Yeah… she just gave birth, Draven thought, a wave of understanding washing over him. She must be completely exhausted.
He turned toward the bed. "Mom?"
"Honey?" Elliana replied, her voice gentle.
"It's time for you to take a break," he said softly. "You need rest. You've done more than enough. Now it's our turn. Just take care of yourself and leave the rest to us."
Elliana blinked back tears, touched. "Oh, sweetheart, you're going to make me cry." She smiled warmly. "Thank you, honey. That means more to me than you can imagine. I'm so lucky to have you. I promise—I'll rest. But before you go, give Mommy a kiss, hmm?"
She leaned in, and Draven gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"That's my baby," she said, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her cheek to his.
"Mom, stop! I'm still holding Elenya!" Draven laughed.
"Don't worry. Look at her—she's smiling!" Elliana beamed.
Sure enough, Elenya's little face was glowing with delight, her tiny arms reaching upward.
"Looks like someone else wants to give Mommy a kiss," Elliana said, leaning down and pressing a kiss to Elenya's cheek. The baby giggled joyfully.
Draven watched the moment with a soft smile.
"Okay, okay, Ele," Elliana chuckled, gently pulling back. "Mommy will play with you more later. But for now, Mommy needs to rest."
Draven nodded and carefully hopped off the bed. "Alright, Mom, we'll be going now. But I promise I'll come see you later."
"Okay, honey. Bye!" Elliana called after him, a tired but happy smile on her lips.
"Bye!" Draven replied, walking toward the door with Elenya resting contentedly on his shoulder.
Lyriana and Aldric followed quietly, gently closing the door behind them.