Chapter 316 – The Light That Waits at Dusk
The gates of Takamagahara shimmered open at Alex's arrival.
The golden sky—eternally caught in the glow of evening—bathed the floating palace in hues of amber and rose. Clouds like silk rippled beneath his feet as he walked the familiar path toward Amaterasu's private sanctum.
It had been two weeks since his last visit.
The goddess of the sun had not summoned him.
She had simply sent a message:
"If you're free… I'd like to see you."
No command.
Just a wish.
He found her by the veranda, seated where sunlight kissed the horizon, wrapped in a soft crimson and gold kimono. Her long, luminous hair flowed freely down her back, and a subtle glow outlined her form — gentler than before.
Her hand rested lightly on her belly.
It wasn't large yet.
But it had begun to show.
And somehow, that changed everything.
When she turned to him, her usual playful smirk was absent. Instead, her expression was calm. Quiet. Maybe even… shy.
"You came."
Alex nodded. "Of course."
She gestured for him to sit beside her.
He did.
The silence between them wasn't awkward. It was peaceful.
He noticed her watching the horizon — not speaking, just listening to the wind. After a while, she whispered:
"The baby's growing well. I can feel it."
Alex glanced at her hand.
She smiled faintly.
"It's not just life… it's warmth. Like something inside me is always looking up at the sun."
He didn't reply.
He simply reached over and gently placed his hand over hers.
They stayed like that for a while.
Then, in a voice barely above the breeze, she said:
"Will you stay the night?"
Alex turned to her, surprised.
She met his gaze, no teasing in her tone.
"Not for anything more than this," she said softly. "Just stay with me. I want to fall asleep next to you. I don't want to feel alone anymore."
Night never truly fell in Takamagahara — only dimmed, like a candle slowly shielded behind a curtain.
Lanterns of warm gold floated into the air as the stars blinked into existence overhead. A soft breeze passed through the sliding doors of Amaterasu's room, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming lotus and summer rain.
She lay upon a futon of sun-colored silk, her long hair spread out around her like a halo.
Alex sat beside her, helping her adjust the pillows behind her back.
Her body had changed.
Her once-flat stomach now rose gently beneath her robes — full and round, the unmistakable sign of imminent birth. Not swollen in the human sense, but radiant. Her skin shimmered faintly, as if light lived beneath it.
She noticed his eyes linger, and smiled softly.
"It's almost time," she whispered.
"Divine children grow differently. Time wraps around us — what would take nine months for a human takes a fraction of that here."
She gently placed his hand atop her belly.
"A few more days, maybe. Or less."
Alex didn't speak.
He simply listened.
Because beneath his palm, something moved.
A soft flutter of life.
A warmth that wasn't just heat — but recognition. As if the being inside knew him already.
Amaterasu closed her eyes and sighed, her hand over his.
"I used to think I would raise this child alone."
"That I didn't need anyone. That I couldn't trust anyone."
Her voice trembled — not from fear, but from release.
"But I'm glad it's you."
Alex looked at her.
She met his gaze.
"I don't want a throne. I don't want to rule over you. I just want… this. Peace. Family."
She paused, then added in a murmur:
"And maybe… to be loved. Not as a goddess."
"But as a woman."
Alex leaned in.
He didn't promise anything with words.
He just kissed her — soft, slow, and steady — and when they pulled apart, they didn't need to say anything more.
Later that night, she lay curled against him, head on his shoulder, his hand still resting over her child.
The room was quiet.
Her breathing slow.
But her glow… was brighter than ever.
Chapter 317 – A Star Born Beneath the Sun
Takamagahara shimmered under a strange stillness.
Even the floating lanterns above the palace slowed their drift. The ever-golden clouds parted overhead, revealing a clear sky for the first time in centuries — as if the heavens themselves were holding their breath.
Alex woke to a faint warmth pulsing against his chest.
Amaterasu stirred in his arms.
She sat up slowly, a quiet gasp escaping her lips. Her hands moved instinctively to her belly.
And then—
She smiled.
"It's time."
The divine midwives appeared in silence, cloaked in silk, their movements graceful and reverent. They spoke no words. They didn't need to. The moment had been written into the light itself.
Alex stood at Amaterasu's side the entire time.
She never looked afraid.
Only focused. Steady. Serene.
She never once cried out — though her breath grew shallow and her glow intensified.
"Stay with me," she whispered.
He held her hand.
He didn't let go.
And when the light pulsed — when the moment came — there was no pain.
Only radiance.
And then…
A cry.
Soft.
Bright.
Not like a scream — but like the first note of a new symphony.
In Amaterasu's arms lay a baby girl.
Small. Delicate.
Her skin kissed by divine warmth.
But her hair — black as moonless night.
And her eyes — not golden like her mother's, but deep, dark, and endless.
Just like Alex's.
The goddess held her daughter close, tears shimmering at the corners of her eyes.
"She's beautiful," she whispered.
Alex knelt beside them, overwhelmed by something beyond words.
Amaterasu looked at him.
"She takes after you."
The child blinked once.
And smiled.
Just barely.
But it was enough to make the entire sky above Takamagahara shimmer with new light — not golden, but starlit.
A new celestial body had entered the world.
Not merely divine.
Not merely human.
But born from both.
The living room of Alex's home was unusually quiet.
It wasn't the kind of silence born from tension — but from expectation. A warmth hung in the air, the way it does before a celebration begins… before a miracle walks through the door.
And then—
The door opened.
Alex stepped in first, carrying a small bundle wrapped in divine silk the color of starlight and fire.
Behind him, Amaterasu followed, graceful and glowing — her aura more peaceful than any of them had ever seen.
The women were already waiting.
Ciel.
Vira.
Hanabi.
Airi.
Morgan.
Nefertiti.
Reyne.
Even Queen Ileana and Mircella had returned for this moment, quietly watching from the corner.
No one asked why.
They all knew.
Alex turned, carefully revealing the child in his arms.
A soft coo escaped from the bundle — and then small fingers reached upward, grasping gently at the air.
Black hair.
Black eyes.
A softness in her expression that didn't come from Amaterasu's divine pride, nor from celestial blood.
It came from him.
The room went still.
Not out of surprise.
But awe.
Ciel stepped forward first, her voice barely a whisper.
"She looks like you, Alex…"
Vira peeked closer, golden eyes narrowing.
"But there's a glow in her skin. Like moonfire."
Hanabi knelt down in front of the child, her tails twitching with curiosity.
"What's her name?"
They all leaned in slightly.
Even Mircella looked intrigued.
Amaterasu walked beside Alex, her hand resting on his back.
She smiled softly.
"Her name is…"
Alex answered with her.
"Yuka."
The name settled in the room like a lullaby.
Ciel repeated it quietly.
"Yuka…"
Morgan tilted her head, thoughtful.
"It suits her."
Queen Ileana nodded in approval.
"Strong. Gentle. A name of dusk and bloom."
Airi, who had said nothing, simply smiled — her eyes soft as she looked at Alex and Amaterasu standing side by side.
Reyne leaned over and whispered to Nefertiti.
"Looks like we've got a new little sister."
Nefertiti smirked. "Or future chaos bringer."
The room laughed softly.
But Yuka didn't cry.
She blinked.
Looked at each of them.
And smiled.
Chapter 318 – The Child of Dawnlight
The afternoon was calm.
Yuka, now swaddled in soft divine silks, was passed carefully from one pair of loving arms to the next.
Each of the women took their turn.
Ciel cradled her first, her golden eyes filled with rare softness. She brushed Yuka's dark hair with one finger and murmured something only the child could hear.
Hanabi, sitting beside them, giggled as Yuka tried to grasp at her ears. "You're already a troublemaker," she whispered fondly.
Morgan didn't say much when she held her. But the gentle way she rocked the child… and the faint shimmer in her eyes… said enough.
Even Reyne, typically bold and sharp, softened like morning light. "She's got your frown," she teased Alex. "Let's hope she doesn't get your sarcasm."
But when the baby began to squirm — her little mouth opening and closing in a searching motion — everyone stepped back.
Amaterasu smiled knowingly and took her gently from Airi's arms.
"She's hungry again."
No one questioned it.
The women gave her space as Amaterasu sat beside a warm lantern, unfastening the front of her robe with practiced grace. Yuka latched on immediately, quieting with peaceful gulps.
The goddess let out a contented sigh, running fingers through her daughter's hair.
"She always drinks slowly," she said. "Like she's trying to remember the taste."
The others watched in quiet admiration.
But then—
After the baby was fed and let out a tiny, sleepy sigh…
Vira stepped forward with an almost mischievous glint in her eye.
"May I hold her?" she asked with unusual politeness.
Amaterasu blinked, then nodded and passed Yuka to her.
Vira rocked her gently, gazing into those black eyes… then smiled slyly.
"Would you like to try my milk, little one?"
Some of the others turned, eyebrows raised.
Alex's mouth opened slightly.
Before anyone could object, Vira brought the baby to her chest — exposing herself with confident ease.
"Come on… just a taste."
Yuka blinked.
She latched on for a few seconds, drinking experimentally.
But then — with a small noise — she pulled away and reached toward Amaterasu, her tiny hand grasping at the air.
Vira's eyes widened.
"...She rejected me?"
Amaterasu gave a small, smug smile. "She knows what she wants."
Vira let out a tiny, frustrated breath and handed the baby back.
"Fine."
She pouted slightly, then glanced at Alex.
Her voice turned playful.
"Well, if she doesn't want it…"
She crossed her arms under her chest and gave him a teasing look.
"You'll have to drink it instead."
Alex blinked.
"Vira—"
"No excuses," she said proudly, tapping her chest. "You've been trained for this. Come on."
Amaterasu, cradling the now-dozing baby, didn't interrupt. She merely raised an eyebrow with an amused smirk.
Ciel sighed quietly.
"Here we go again."
After the laughter and teasing faded, Alex gently excused himself, brushing his fingers once more across Yuka's tiny hand.
"I'll go make something for everyone."
Vira perked up immediately. "Don't forget dessert."
Hanabi raised her hand. "Make mine spicy!"
Reyne added, "Mine better be sweet."
Nefertiti waved lazily from the couch. "I'll take whatever has meat."
Alex gave them all a flat look that softened into a small smile.
"You'll get what I serve."
He disappeared into the kitchen.
Soon, the house was filled with the familiar rhythm of cooking — the chopping of vegetables, the sizzle of oil, and the aroma of spices drifting through the air. Every woman in the house had, at some point, admitted this was their favorite sound.
It wasn't just food.
It was care.
It was home.
In the middle of the prep, Alex paused.
He glanced to the side where a smaller tray sat — not for a grown woman this time, but for the newest life in the house.
He smiled quietly to himself and began preparing something special.
Boiled rice grains crushed into silky porridge.
A fine paste of sweet carrot, lotus root, and a drop of healing nectar for nutrition.
No magic.
Just love and precision.
"She can't eat much yet," he murmured, "but she'll try."
He warmed the dishes.
Portioned them.
Garnished everything just the way they liked it.
When he returned to the dining area, each plate was placed in front of the women with quiet care — no grand announcements, just Alex being Alex.
At the very end, he approached Amaterasu, who still cradled Yuka in her lap. He set down a small golden bowl with a matching spoon.
"For her first taste of food. Just a little."
Amaterasu smiled — soft, proud, and a bit surprised.
"You made something for her, too?"
Alex nodded. "Of course."
He dipped the spoon and brought it gently to Yuka's lips.
The baby blinked up at him… then took the spoon carefully.
A soft gurgle.
A tiny, pleased sound.
Everyone leaned in.
Ciel whispered, "She likes it."
Hanabi clapped silently, her tails swishing.
Even Morgan smiled.
Alex relaxed, just a little.
He had faced gods, dragons, and apocalypse…
But somehow, that tiny approval from his daughter felt like the greatest victory of all.
They didn't talk much after that.
There was no need.
The clinking of chopsticks. The soft breathing of a sleeping baby. The warm light overhead.
That was enough.
Ciel sat beside Morgan, exchanging quiet glances. Vira leaned comfortably against Alex's arm while still pretending she wasn't watching every bite he took. Hanabi told a story in hushed tones that made Airi smile despite herself. Reyne had already claimed the dessert bowl with unspoken authority.
And at the head of the table, Amaterasu cradled little Yuka, who now slept with her tiny mouth slightly open, a trace of rice porridge at the corner of her lips.
The family, once fragmented by origins, power, and pride…
Now shared something simple.
A table.
A meal.
And the beginning of a new life.
Chapter 319 – The Cross and the Cradle
The Vatican sky was overcast, cloaked in pale morning clouds.
But to Alex, it felt warmer than usual.
He stood at the edge of the central cloister — where light filtered through stained glass and sacred relics lined the marble walls. It had been some time since he last visited this place.
Yet when he walked, the guards did not stop him.
The monks bowed.
And the doors opened on their own.
Because they knew who he was.
And whom he'd come to see.
In a quiet garden at the rear of the cathedral, a young woman knelt before a fountain — a cross in one hand, a cloth of prayer in the other.
Mary.
Her blue hair fluttered gently in the breeze, her eyes closed as she recited a prayer in silence.
Alex stood behind her for a moment before speaking softly.
"Mary."
She opened her eyes slowly… and smiled.
Not surprised.
"I knew you'd come."
She stood, dusting her knees, and walked over with graceful calm. Her presence was as peaceful as ever — the warmth of a summer chapel.
Alex looked at her, eyes soft.
"I wanted to ask if you had time… to meet someone."
Her smile deepened.
"Your child?"
He nodded.
"Her name is Yuka."
Mary pressed a hand to her chest, as if to contain the joy rising within her.
"Of course. I'd love to."
But then…
A strange shimmer passed across her eyes — a faint spark, like stained glass struck by moonlight.
She blinked once.
Tilted her head.
And grinned.
"We're both coming."
Alex blinked.
"...Mira?"
The soft-spoken nun stepped back — and something shifted in her gaze.
Her posture changed. Her voice curled with a teasing lilt.
"You didn't think I'd miss seeing the baby, did you?" she purred.
"Besides… I'm curious to see if she inherited your mouth or Amaterasu's chest."
Alex exhaled slowly. "It's a baby, Mira."
"So? I'm not jealous." She winked. "Yet."
Mary giggled softly behind the mischief — clearly still present, even if slightly behind the wheel.
"Let's go," she said, gently taking Alex's hand.
A flash of light.
And in an instant, the garden vanished—
Replaced by the warm wood and golden morning glow of Alex's home.
The scent of food still lingered from earlier.
And in the center of the room, swaddled and resting in her mother's arms, was Yuka.
Mary gasped, hands to her lips.
Mira, for once, said nothing.
They walked forward together.
Yuka opened her eyes.
And smiled.
Mary stepped closer, her fingers gently brushing the silk wrapped around Yuka's body. Her gaze softened even further, if such a thing were possible.
"She's so small… and yet, I can already feel something vast inside her. Like a sky that hasn't yet formed stars."
Amaterasu nodded quietly. "She is more than either of us."
Mary knelt and pressed her forehead gently to Yuka's — whispering a small, silent prayer of blessing that warmed the room.
Ciel watched from across the space, leaning lightly against a column, arms crossed.
"So this is the quiet side of your other self…"
But before anyone could speak again—
A soft shimmer passed through Mary's body.
Her posture shifted. Her expression lifted into something sharper — playful, confident.
And Mira emerged.
Gone was the modest nun's demeanor. In its place stood a figure of grace and danger — dark curves in celestial contrast.
But her voice, when she looked at the baby, was not mocking or sultry.
It was…
gentle.
"Hey, little one…"
She sat down beside Amaterasu, her wings folded neatly behind her.
"I thought you'd be a brat," she muttered with a grin. "But… you're adorable."
Yuka blinked at her with wide black eyes.
Mira held out a single finger, extended like a claw.
Yuka reached out… and grabbed it.
The entire room paused.
Even Vira raised an eyebrow.
Amaterasu smiled faintly. "She doesn't fear your darkness."
Mira looked down at the tiny fingers curled around hers, surprised by the sudden warmth in her chest — a warmth she didn't remember ever asking for.
"Tch. Fine. You win."
She shifted Yuka into her arms with surprising skill, holding her like a practiced older sister.
"Don't get used to this," she whispered. "I'm just making sure no one else corrupts you before I do."
Mary's soft laughter echoed behind her thoughts.
The others watched in quiet amazement.
Ciel smiled knowingly.
Hanabi whispered to Airi, "I didn't think she could smile without biting someone."
Airi murmured, "Neither did I…"
Mira gently rocked Yuka, her tail flicking behind her in slow arcs.
"She's heavier than I expected."
"Because she's real," Alex said softly, watching the scene.
Mira looked up — and for a moment, her expression wasn't teasing.
It was proud.
"She's yours."
"Ours."
The stars had settled low in the sky.
A warm wind drifted through the house, rustling the light curtains as moonlight poured softly across the floor.
In one quiet corner of the home, Mira sat with her legs curled beneath her, wings folded and armor gone. Her long lavender hair shimmered under the night glow as she stared out the window, eyes tracing the sky.
Beside her, in a mirror of posture and silence, was Mary — modest once more, hair tied back, hands resting in her lap.
Neither of them spoke for a long while.
Until Mary asked, quietly:
"Do you think we're allowed to feel this way?"
Mira didn't look at her. But her voice was softer than usual.
"You mean… like we want to be close to her?"
"Like we… already are," Mary whispered. "Even though we didn't give birth to her."
Mira turned her head slightly.
"You're really asking if we're allowed to love her that much?"
Mary looked down at her folded hands. "Yes."
For a moment, the only sound was the rustling of the night wind.
And then—another voice entered gently from across the hall.
Amaterasu, barefoot, wrapped in a light robe, stood beside Alex, who had just finished putting Yuka down to sleep.
She smiled at them — calm, radiant, certain.
"You're not just allowed."
"You're already her mother."
Both Mary and Mira looked up in surprise.
Alex stepped forward beside her, hands in his pockets, gaze soft.
"Everyone here — everyone in my harem — is her mother."
Amaterasu continued, her voice steady.
"And when any of you have children… I will be their mother, too."
Mira blinked.
"That's… a lot of responsibility."
"It's love," Amaterasu said simply. "And that's what makes us a family."
Mary brought a hand to her chest, her eyes glimmering.
"Then I'll do my best," she whispered.
"We both will," Mira added, quieter than expected.
In the hallway behind them, Ciel stood silently, unseen.
Vira stirred in her sleep, curled beside the crib.
Hanabi mumbled something about "noodle soup for babies."
Yuka slept soundly, wrapped in soft light.
The house was full.
Not just with people.
But with something sacred.
Belonging.
Chapter 320 – Light Returns to the Sky
Morning came softly.
The light that filtered through the windows was different from any other day — not because it was brighter, but because it lingered, as if reluctant to pass.
Amaterasu stood in the entryway of Alex's home, fully dressed in flowing robes of celestial white and crimson. Her long golden hair shimmered like morning fire, and in her arms was her daughter.
Yuka.
Swaddled, calm, blinking up at the world with curious black eyes.
Alex stood beside her in silence, one hand resting gently on the child's head. His other wives — Ciel, Vira, Hanabi, Airi, Morgan, Reyne, Mary (and Mira within), Nefertiti, Ileana, and Mircella — were gathered behind them. Not as bystanders.
But as mothers.
No one questioned her return to Takamagahara.
They simply watched.
Amaterasu turned slightly, her gaze sweeping across the group.
"I've stayed longer than I expected."
"And I've come to love this house more than I thought I ever could."
She looked at Alex.
"But it's time I return."
He nodded once. "I understand."
She reached out and took his hand, placing Yuka in his arms one last time.
The baby looked up at her father, blinked twice, then smiled — a soft, knowing curve of the lips that made everyone watching feel something warm flicker in their chest.
Then Amaterasu leaned down and kissed the child's forehead.
"I'll bring her back to visit."
"And when she's older, she'll come on her own."
She turned to the others.
"You're not just his family anymore."
"You're hers, too."
One by one, the women nodded.
Even Mira, lounging lazily against the wall, gave a small wave. "You better not spoil her too much before I get the chance."
Hanabi crossed her arms. "We'll spoil her better."
Amaterasu smiled at the chorus of voices — different, but united.
Then she took Yuka back into her arms.
A divine gate of gold and sunlight shimmered behind her.
She stepped forward.
Paused.
Looked over her shoulder.
And with a quiet voice, said:
"Alex… thank you for giving me this happiness."
Then—
She vanished into light.
The gate faded.
And the room was quiet.
The gates of Takamagahara shimmered open with a low hum, light peeling back like a curtain drawn from the heavens.
Amaterasu stepped through in silence — but the moment her foot touched the sacred stone of the Celestial Path, the entire realm reacted.
The sky deepened.
The wind held its breath.
The spirits bowed.
She carried her daughter with effortless grace, her robes drifting like sunrise mist. In her arms, Yuka blinked at the divine world with the same curiosity she had shown the mortal one — unafraid, calm, and alert.
She was, after all, born of both.
Word spread faster than lightning.
By the time Amaterasu reached the central court of the gods, they were already waiting.
Susanoo leaned against a cloud-carved pillar, arms crossed, trying to act indifferent but clearly straining not to walk over.
Tsukuyomi stood nearby, quiet and unreadable — yet his gaze never left the child.
Omoikane, the god of wisdom, scribbled notes furiously, mumbling to himself about "divine blood ratios" and "unprecedented hybrid soul energy."
And then—
"Is that her?!"
A loud voice echoed through the court.
Raijin, the thunder god, barreled forward with eyes wide.
"Let me see! I wanna hold her!"
"You'll scare her," Amaterasu warned calmly.
Raijin stopped mid-charge, skidding on golden tiles. He stood up straighter, then knelt dramatically.
"Aunt Amaterasu, I respectfully request to be her uncle!"
"You're not even related," Tsukuyomi muttered.
"Still counts!"
Not to be outdone, Fūjin appeared in a swirl of wind, landing with exaggerated flair.
"Then I'll be her second uncle! I bring wind blessings!"
"I already have that covered," Amaterasu replied with a faint smile.
From the side, Sarutahiko stepped forward slowly.
"I'll settle for being her guardian uncle."
"You just want an excuse to train her with a spear," Amaterasu said dryly.
Even Izanagi, ancient and quiet, appeared like a ripple in space — gazing down at the child with unspoken reverence.
"So… this is the child born from a mortal hand and a sun goddess," he said. "The gods will feel this."
Yuka, nestled in her mother's arms, looked around at the towering figures of heaven.
And then—
She yawned.
Softly.
The gods froze.
Raijin gasped. "She's so cute…"
Tsukuyomi whispered, "…She blinked at me."
Fūjin sniffled. "I think I'm crying."
Amaterasu smiled to herself and looked down at her daughter.
"You've already conquered heaven without saying a word."
The house was quiet again.
The warmth of Yuka's presence still lingered, but the morning air had shifted — like the calm after a season of celebration.
One by one, they began to move.
Queen Ileana rose with regal ease, her long gown flowing like moonlight. She exchanged a glance with her daughter, Mircella, who gave a slight nod — delicate and proud, as always.
"It's time we return," Ileana said softly.
"The Crimson Court is always watching," Mircella added, her lips faintly curled. "And we've been away long enough."
Alex walked them to the door, saying nothing.
But Mircella turned at the threshold, stepping up on her toes and gently brushing a kiss against his cheek.
"I'll come visit soon," she whispered. "You're mine too, remember?"
Ileana chuckled behind her. "She gets that from me."
With a sweep of velvet and silver, they vanished into mist — returning to the vampire stronghold beneath the ancient monastery.
Vira, too, prepared for departure.
She stood at the gate in her elegant traveling attire, golden clasps adorning her sleeves, her long silver hair braided with forest leaves.
"Alfheim still has need of me," she said flatly, as if that truth annoyed her.
But then she looked at Alex — eyes softening just slightly.
"Next time… you'll come to me."
She turned sharply, portals of green and gold blooming open behind her, swallowing her in swirling sigils of sunlight.
In the living room, Mary stood near the window, her hands folded, her breath slow.
Mira was already peeking through, tapping the glass with amusement.
"We're ready," Mary said gently. "If the Vatican needs us, we should go."
Alex offered a faint smile and nodded.
"I'll take you there."
With a flick of his fingers, the space around them bent like liquid — and they disappeared together into sanctified light, bound for the holy city.
On the garden path, Airi stood alone, her phone in one hand, her other resting on her chest.
"My family asked me to return for a bit."
"It's nothing urgent," she added quickly. "But… I think I need some space. Just for a few days."
Alex didn't ask more.
She looked up at him and smiled — not with distance, but with quiet understanding.
"I'll come back."
Then she turned and walked down the path — not vanishing like the others, but choosing the longer way home.
And just like that…
The house fell into silence.
Alex stood alone for the first time in weeks.
But it wasn't lonely.
It was simply…
peaceful.