Stars Restaurant’s largest private room glows with candlelight and gold wards. Brittany has filled every table with steaming dishes, bright drinks, and enough comfortable space for the reunited group.
Leon and Nayla arrive as equal Wolf Lord and queen, walking side by side. Jews embraces them first, while Brittany raises a glass behind the laden buffet.
Brittany Star
To survival, terrible plans that somehow worked, and a restaurant still standing. Eat before I start charging for sentimental speeches.
Laughter replaces old suspicion. Leon tells the story of his choosing, Nayla corrects the dramatic parts, and Jews keeps everyone’s glasses full as Rosmira watches them settle together.
Nayla Iko
There is one more truth we should share. I am pregnant, and I chose to tell you all here, among people who let me remain myself.
Rosmira
I am pregnant too. These children are not inheritances or obligations. They are futures we choose freely, together.
The room erupts in delighted disbelief, tender embraces, and relieved tears. Beneath the happiness, Voloria’s distant imprint and Eros and Invi’s quiet wager remain still, waiting for another chapter.
“Both NAyla and Ros stare at each other in complete disbelief that both are pregnant at the same time. Jews can only laugh and cry that LEon has been way to busy. Leaving everyone laughing and Leon with the biggest brain melt of his life learning he will be a dad to two so suddenly.”
For one impossible heartbeat, Rosmira and Nayla simply stare at each other across the candlelit room, identical disbelief widening their eyes.
Jews
Leon, darling, you have been far too busy. I cannot decide whether to laugh, cry, or congratulate you first.
Jews does all three at once, covering her face as laughter breaks through her tears. Brittany nearly drops her glass, then raises it higher.
Brittany Star
To the future fathers and mothers, then. Someone keep feeding them before this turns into an even larger family gathering.
Leon remains frozen between the two expectant mothers, his mouth open and his thoughts visibly gone. His enormous wolf instincts offer no useful answer.
Leon Wolfe
I am going to be a dad. Twice. At the same time. I need a moment, or possibly an entire second brain.
Rosmira and Nayla finally break into stunned laughter and reach for each other’s hands. Around them, the room erupts again, warm with joy and gentle teasing.