---- Chapter 14. "Deep breaths, that's it," Kaelen's voice was the only thing anchoring me. The labor lasted a full six hours. Every contraction felt like my soul was being torn apart, every push drained all my strength. Finally, a loud cry broke the silence of the valley. "It's a boy!" Kaelen's voice trembled as he carefully wrapped the bloodied infant ina prepared cloth. "He's healthy, he's... perfect." I weakly reached out and took our child. He had Kaelen's dark hair and my lighter eyes, his tiny face scrunched up, but I could already see features that blended both of ours. "Orion," I whispered the name I'd chosen long ago. "Meaning 'rising light.'" Kaelen knelt by the bed, his eyes filled with an indescribable emotion. "The most fitting name. ---- He will be a new beginning." "My new beginning," I corrected, my voice soft but firm. He nodded silently, not arguing. ''You need to rest. I'll go prepare some food to help you regain your strength." After Kaelen left, I carefully studied the little life in my arms. This child, who had endured so much turmoil to come into the world. The union of an Alpha and Luna, a broken vow, a dangerous escape Orion seemed to sense my thoughts, his tiny hand gripping my finger with surprising strength. "You truly have Alpha blood," I whispered with a smile. Kaelen soon returned with hot soup and bread. He helped me sit up, propped pillows behind me, and then handed me the food. ---- "Eat something, you need to get your strength back," he said softly, his gaze lingering on Orion." Can... can I hold him for a moment?" I hesitated, then nodded. Watching Kaelen carefully lift Orion, his eyes filled with awe and love, a complex emotion stirred in my heart. "He has your eyes," Kaelen whispered. "And your jawline." "But his hair and temperament are like yours," I had to admit. "That natural Alpha presence." We shared this peaceful moment, almost forgetting the threats outside and the pain of the past. However, reality soon reminded us. A distant wolf howl broke the tranquility. Closer than before, more purposeful. Kaelen immediately tensed, handing Orion back to me. "They seem to have found something. I'll go