And Then There Were Four (Lilith Carrie)

Damian.

The moment I walked into the room and saw Ivy awake, I was blown away. I didn't think it would ever be possible, and I had slowly started to lose hope, but the moment I heard her voice through my mind, I knew it couldn't be real. How many times had I actually contemplated hearing her?

More than I can count, that's for sure.

For a moment I thought I was losing my mind, but when Talon and Hale took off running up the stairs, I knew it must have been real and the possibility had made my heart soar.

I thanked the gods for bringing her back to me, but I just prayed it would be forever this time. I couldn't survive losing her again.

A few days had passed since then, and with every moment she was awake, I slowly found myself going better and better. I didn't feel hollow and empty anymore. I didn't feel like I was the reason she was gone. Instead, we spent every moment together as if nothing had ever happened.

As if the war and everything else had only been a dream.

Sitting in the living room with Ivy and the twins, I watched her sit on the floor as the twins handed her various toys. I had waited so long to see this, and now that I could, I wanted to hold the memory forever. The twins had their mother's back, and from the looks in their eyes, they were happy.

She was the love of my life, and I hated it took me so long to realize. But now she was back, and I was going to make sure I showed her just how much she meant to me. Just how much she meant to this family. There was no way in hell I was ever walking away from her again. I would never keep a secret from her again. Those days were long over.

lesson just as my brothers had learned

today?" Hale said to Ivy as he stepped

completely, but I will admit it will take some time before I run laps around

Hale and I to laugh. The twins glanced up at the two of us with curiosity before

back at the twins; her smile brightening knowing what I said was true. "I'm happy that I'm home as well. I have already

plenty of time to make new memories," Hale replied, causing her smile to fall slightly

I missed out on so much already. Some of those memories are ones that

twins had crawled, eating solid foods, those very first steps that they took. She wanted those memories but would never have because of what had happened. Regardless, though, she didn't hold a grudge because of it. She accepted what

children outside, take them to the play in the park. They've been going there and playing with the other children for the past

awake again. They knew the moment she awoke, how strong the bond with her had grown. The problem was we had kept everybody at bay for the time being, wanting to make sure she was ready to see everyone before they tried to force themselves upon her, eager to win her favor

the time but if the children have been going there, then I want that to continue. It's about them,

and tell James to pack their bags and we can head out here in just a bit." Standing to my feet, I moved from

as we were out of

deserves time alone with them. Instead of one of us always

head, he sighed as he followed