Extra Chapter 20 – Beneath the Moonlight, Once Again (POV Luna)
The night air was cool, carrying the crisp scent of autumn as I stepped onto the balcony. A soft breeze played with the loose strands of my hair, and above me, the moon hung in the sky—full and bright, casting its pale glow over the sleeping kingdom below.
It had been a long time since I had last stood here like this, with only the stars as my witness. The last time, my heart had been heavy with uncertainty, my mind tangled with thoughts of war and duty.
But tonight…
Tonight was different.
A warm presence settled behind me, and before I could turn, strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back against a familiar chest. I exhaled softly, leaning into the embrace as Rhydian rested his chin on my shoulder.
"You're awake," he murmured against my skin, his voice deep and laced with quiet amusement.
I smiled. "So are you."
His arms tightened slightly, his body radiating warmth even in the cool night air. "Couldn't sleep."
I knew the feeling. It wasn't exhaustion that kept me awake—it was the overwhelming sense of peace. A foreign sensation after years of chaos, but one I was slowly learning to embrace.
Our daughter stirred in my arms, a soft, sleepy sigh escaping her lips, but she didn't wake. I glanced down at her tiny form, nestled securely against my chest, her dark lashes resting against her rosy cheeks.
She was perfect.
And ours.
I traced a fingertip along the curve of her chubby hand, marveling at how something so small could hold so much of my heart.
Rhydian's lips pressed gently against my temple. "She loves sleeping in your arms," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.
I smiled. "She feels safe."
He chuckled softly. "So do I."
I turned slightly, meeting his gaze. The silver in his eyes caught the moonlight, making them glow in the darkness.
There was a time when those eyes held nothing but shadows—when the weight of the crown, of duty, of war had left little room for light. But now, as he looked at me, at our daughter…
All I saw was love.
I reached up, brushing my fingers along his jaw. "This is different, isn't it?"
His brow lifted. "What is?"
I turned back to the moonlit horizon, my grip on our daughter tightening just slightly. "The last time we stood here, everything felt so uncertain. We were so afraid of what was to come. And now…" I glanced down at the sleeping child in my arms, my heart swelling. "Now, we have everything."
Rhydian was silent for a moment, then he exhaled, resting his forehead against the side of my head. "We do."
I felt his heartbeat, steady and strong against my back.
He was right.
We had fought for this.
Through battles and betrayals, through blood and loss, through the endless storm of fate trying to tear us apart.
And yet, we had survived.
Together.
I tilted my head, resting my cheek against his shoulder. "Did you ever think we'd get here?"
His grip on me tightened slightly. "I used to dream of it."
I smiled, closing my eyes for a brief moment. "Me too."
We stood there in silence, wrapped in each other, wrapped in the quiet of the night. There was no war waiting beyond the walls. No enemy lurking in the shadows.
For the first time, there was only us.
Rhydian shifted, one hand slipping from my waist to brush gently over our daughter's tiny back. His touch was so tender, so reverent, that it made my chest ache.
"What are you thinking?" I whispered.
His lips brushed against the shell of my ear. "That I never truly understood what happiness felt like until now."
I turned slightly in his arms, looking up at him. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes—his eyes spoke volumes.
"I love you," he murmured, his fingers trailing lightly down my spine.
My throat tightened. "I love you too."
His gaze flickered downward, to the small bundle in my arms. His features softened, something almost vulnerable flashing across them.
"And I love her," he whispered.
I swallowed hard, overwhelmed by the depth of his voice, the raw sincerity in it.
"I never thought I could love something so much," he admitted, his fingers grazing over our daughter's tiny hand. "That I could love so much it physically hurts."
I pressed my forehead against his, exhaling shakily. "Me neither."
His hand came up, cupping the back of my neck as he pulled me into a kiss. It was slow, unhurried—a promise wrapped in warmth and moonlight.
When we pulled away, I let out a quiet laugh. "She's going to wake up if you keep distracting me."
Rhydian smirked. "She's already the best sleeper in the kingdom. Takes after her mother."
I rolled my eyes, nudging him lightly. "I was trying to be serious."
"I am serious." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his expression soft. "You've given me everything, Luna."
I stared at him, my heart full, my soul whole.
"No," I whispered, my fingers tangling with his. "We gave each other everything."
His thumb brushed over my knuckles, his gaze dark and intense. "And no matter what happens, no matter what comes next… we'll always have this."
I nodded. "Always."
We looked down at our daughter together, watching the steady rise and fall of her little chest. She had no idea how much she had already changed our world.
Rhydian leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Sleep well, little one."
I smiled, shifting her slightly in my arms so that she was closer to my heart.
Rhydian exhaled, pulling me close once more.
And beneath the silver light of the moon, we stood as a family—strong, unbreakable, infinite.