Alina nodded. "Of course."
She lifted the baby carefully and placed her in Dante's arms.
He held her like she was made of starlight. His large hands cradled her tiny body. His crimson eyes never left her face.
"Hello, little one," he whispered. "I'm your father. I've been waiting for you."
The baby blinked up at him. Her dark crimson eyes held his.
"I'm going to protect you," he continued, his voice soft and fierce. "Always. From everything. I'm going to teach you and love you and keep you safe."
The baby yawned again.
Dante laughed. A wet, joyful laugh. "You're already bored of me."
Alina laughed too. "She has your attention span."
"She has your patience."
They looked at each other. At their daughter. At the family they had built together.
"Lilith," Alina said quietly.
Dante looked at her. "What?"
"I want to name her Lilith."
Dante repeated the name softly. "Lilith Nightshade."
He smiled. "It's perfect."
