For the first time in her life, Maddy felt something close to peace. She finally understood her worth, her essence not as someone's wife, not as a failure, but as herself. She looked at the glowing sac containing Arach and smiled before leaving the former princess's prison, now transformed into her womb chamber.
She approached Sephiran, who stood focused at the entrance, eyes locked on the open cavern beyond.
"Sephiran, stay here. Watch over your brother. I need to go out and gather more 'supplies' for the family. You're stronger than any monster here, I believe in your strength. Just fight smart."
"I'll be the best guard, Mama! You can count on me!"
Maddy smiled, a quiet thought crossing her mind.
"It's good Sephiran ages quickly. If he were still a baby, I wouldn't be able to explore this cave and leave my unborn child behind…"
She placed her hand on his head and gently ruffled his hair.
"Thank you, my little prince… Mother loves you. Be safe."
