Extra Chapter 27 – The First Steps(POV Luna)
The moment was so small, so fleeting, that I almost missed it.
A tiny shift in weight. A hesitant push against the ground. Wobbly little legs trembling under their own strength.
And then, just for the briefest second—balance.
I gasped, my heart leaping to my throat. "Rhydian!"
He was across the room, talking to one of the royal advisors by the fireplace, but at the urgency in my voice, he turned immediately. His sharp, battle-hardened instincts took over, scanning me first, then our daughter in my lap. His tense expression softened the moment he realized what was happening.
I could feel his breath catch from across the room.
Our daughter—our tiny, precious miracle—was trying to stand.
Rhydian was at my side in an instant, crouching beside me as we both watched in breathless awe.
"She's doing it," he whispered, his voice thick with something unspoken. Pride. Wonder. Maybe even a little fear, the same kind I felt tightening in my own chest.
Our daughter clutched onto the low wooden table in front of her, her chubby fingers gripping the edge as if the world itself depended on it. Her small brow furrowed in deep concentration, her lips pressed together in determination—so much like her father.
I reached out instinctively, my hands hovering just behind her in case she stumbled, but I forced myself to hold back.
She needed to do this on her own.
One tiny foot shifted forward. Then another. She wobbled but held firm, her tiny body adjusting, testing.
Rhydian sucked in a sharp breath, his hands curling into fists at his sides like he was resisting the urge to scoop her up.
"I don't think I've ever been this nervous," he muttered.
I let out a shaky laugh, my eyes never leaving our daughter. "Not even in battle?"
"Not even then." His voice was quiet, reverent.
Our daughter lifted her head then, looking between us, her golden eyes bright with excitement. She let out a small giggle, clearly proud of herself, and my heart clenched so hard I thought it might break.
"You did it, sweetheart," I breathed, my voice thick with emotion. "You're standing."
Rhydian exhaled slowly, running a hand through his dark hair. "Gods help us. She's going to be unstoppable."
She let go of the table suddenly, her little arms flailing as she tried to balance.
And then—
She took a step.
A single, shaky step forward.
And then another.
And then—she tumbled.
I reached out without thinking, catching her just before she hit the floor, cradling her close against my chest. She blinked up at me, startled but unharmed, and for a second, I thought she might cry.
But then—she laughed.
It was a sweet, pure sound, filling the room like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
I pressed my lips to her forehead, unable to stop the warmth that flooded through me.
"You're incredible," I whispered. "So, so incredible."
Rhydian leaned in, pressing a kiss to the top of her dark curls. "She's fearless," he murmured, his voice laced with pride. "Like her mother."
I met his gaze over our daughter's head, my chest tightening.
It wasn't just about the steps. It wasn't just about her learning to walk.
It was the first milestone of many. The first sign that time was moving faster than I was ready for.
She was growing.
One day, she wouldn't need my hands to steady her. She wouldn't need my arms to catch her.
One day, she would run.
And eventually—she would fly.
Tears burned the edges of my vision, but I swallowed them down, pressing another kiss to her temple.
For now, I would cherish this moment.
For now, I would hold her close.
For now, I would be her safe place.
No matter how many steps she took, no matter how far she went—
I would always be here, waiting to catch her.