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.

just as my brothers had

Hale said to Ivy as he

almost back completely, but I will admit it

caused both Hale and I to laugh. The twins glanced up at the two of us with curiosity before slowly going back to their toys. "They're happy

at the twins; her smile brightening knowing what I

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

so much already. Some of those memories are ones that I should have been part of that I will never get

she was referring to. She'd missed the first time the 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 was and moved forward with

was thinking maybe today we can take the children outside, take them to the play in the park. They've been going there and playing with the other children for the past

They knew the moment she awoke, how strong the bond with

but if the children have been going there, then I want that to continue. It's about them, not me," she replied

go ahead and tell James to pack their bags and we can head out here in just a bit." Standing to my feet, I moved from the room to give Ivy time alone and drug Hale with me, who looked confused why I made him

as we were out

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

head, he sighed as he followed me to find James.