The villa was quiet, bathed in moonlight spilling through the tall windows. She stirred in her bed, the sheets cool against her skin, feeling the subtle rhythm of her growing belly. She turned slightly, hoping for comfort—but something pressed warmly against her back.
Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, opened just enough to see the soft curve of black fur, a warm weight curling against her. A low, rumbling purr vibrated through the bed. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Lian?" she whispered sleepily, unsure if she dared move.
The purr deepened in response, a gentle vibration that made her smile despite herself. Tentatively, she reached out a hand and ran her fingers along the soft fur. The warmth was comforting, almost soothing, and a tiny thrill ran up her spine. She realized she felt utterly safe.
The panther-like form shifted slightly, nuzzling closer. She chuckled quietly and let her eyes drift closed again. Sleep returned slowly, but this time with a sense of security she had never known. His presence, though unusual and powerful, felt protective and tender—like a shield she could lean into without fear.
Later, when the black panther shifted back into human form, he silently crawled into the bed beside her. Even in human form, his presence was commanding—yet the tension softened in the dim light.
"You feel safe?" he asked quietly, almost afraid to break the moment.
"I do," she whispered. "Even when you're… not human."
He let out a low, almost embarrassed laugh, tucking an arm around her waist. "You make it sound like I'm some kind of monster."
"You're not," she said softly, tracing her fingers along his forearm. "You're… cute, actually. And kind. Protective, but… gentle too."
His gaze softened, a rare vulnerability in his dark eyes. "I don't know how to be gentle. I'm used to control, to being harsh, to… keeping everyone in line."
"You are gentle," she said, nudging him with her shoulder. "You just don't show it. But I see it. And it's… nice. It makes me feel safe. And happy."
He swallowed, looking down at her with a mix of awe and disbelief. "You actually… like me like this?"
"Yes," she whispered. "I like all of you."
His hand found hers, fingers intertwining. "I… I could get used to this. You… you calm me. I never thought anyone could."
She smiled, pressing her cheek to his chest. "You calm me too."
They stayed like that for hours, whispering quietly, laughing softly at little observations of the day, the villa, and the baby growing inside her. Each small laugh, each soft touch, strengthened a bond they hadn't fully acknowledged yet—but now was beginning to bloom, as steady and natural as the life they were creating together.
Outside, the moon traced silver paths across the villa floor. Inside, the warmth of shared presence filled the room, a cocoon of safety, intimacy, and unspoken trust.
The sun filtered through the tall villa windows, painting warm stripes across the room. She stirred first, yawning softly, feeling the subtle weight of her growing belly. The night had been strange, magical, and safe. Lian was still asleep beside her, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
She watched him for a moment. Even with his dark hair tousled and his eyes closed, there was something endearing in the softness of his features. His usual sharpness, his unyielding presence, had melted during the night, replaced by something… gentle. Almost playful, even cute.
"Morning, sleeping giant," she murmured, nudging him lightly.
His eyes fluttered open, dark orbs shimmering with something between amusement and confusion. "Sleeping giant?" he repeated, voice rough from sleep.
"You're big. And soft. Giant," she explained with a small smile.
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. "I'll take that as a compliment." He sat up, stretching, and his gaze softened when it landed on her. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did," she said, moving closer. "Thanks for… being there. Last night."
His hand found hers instinctively. "Always," he said simply, though his tone carried more weight than just words. "You're… important to me. And to our child."
Her stomach fluttered at the words, and she reached to rest a hand on her belly. Lian mirrored her movement, gently placing his own hand over hers. The warmth of his touch made her heart skip.
Downstairs, the villa's kitchen and dining room smelled of fresh bread, roasted fruits, and brewed coffee. Lian led her, hand on her back in a subtle, protective gesture. "Stay close," he murmured, a teasing glint in his eyes.
The dining hall was bright, and already a few family members were present. His cousin Mira, always outspoken, raised an eyebrow as she noticed how he guided Diana to the main chair.
"So," Mira said with a smirk, "the fierce Lian now coddles his female? Interesting."
Lian ignored the teasing, though his jaw tightened slightly. "She is not coddled. She is respected. And protected."
"She is… glowing," Mira continued, clearly amused. "And you—" she leaned in, lowering her voice, "you bring her breakfast yourself, every morning?"
"Yes," Lian said, eyes narrowing, voice firm. "And I'll continue. She carries my child. That alone deserves protection and care."
A quiet ripple of surprise spread through the room. His father's lips pressed into a thin line. "Lian… you're… softening too much. She's meant to serve, not be spoiled."
"She serves in love, not in fear," Lian replied sharply. "And she'll have the respect I choose to give. If the world changes, maybe our rules should too."
The room fell silent for a heartbeat, then Mira giggled softly. "Well, I never thought I'd see the day the panther becomes… cute."
Lian's lips twitched with the faintest hint of a smile. "Cute is not the same as soft," he muttered, though the warmth in his eyes betrayed him.
Diana, noticing the subtle cracks in his armor, reached across the table to touch his hand. "You're amazing," she whispered. "Even when you're scary, you're amazing."
He glanced at her, a mixture of pride and bashfulness. "I… just want to protect what's mine. And that includes you."
Her cheeks warmed, and she smiled softly, feeling the quiet strength behind his words. This was Lian—fierce, protective, and yet… capable of gentleness she had never expected.