Two years later, the household welcomed another child: Corvin Valemont, the second son. The birth was less stormy than Alaric's, smoother and quieter, yet no less significant. The keep rejoiced; Alaric, now old enough to toddle through the halls, watched wide-eyed as the nurse carried the swaddled infant past him.
"Brother," Alaric whispered, reaching out his small hands. Corvin responded with a muffled cry, already showing that he too would have a strong will.
Seraphine and Liora took immediate responsibility, guiding Alaric to be gentle, teaching him how to be protective rather than overbearing. Edric chuckled as he watched his first son try awkwardly to cradle the infant, a mixture of pride and mischief in his eyes.
Mariel, recovering from the strain of childbirth, embraced her growing brood. Each child brought not just joy, but responsibility, and she taught the Valemont children from the first that love required care, attention, and discipline.