Chapter 40 - The Peaceful Horizon
William gently laid the sleeping baby into the beautiful wooden bassinet by the bed, pulling the soft blanket up to his chin.
He walked over to the window and wrapped his arms around Chloe from behind, resting his chin on the top of her head.
"He is finally asleep,"
William whispered into the quiet night.
"It was a perfect day,"
Chloe murmured, leaning back into his solid, unbreakable embrace.
She looked out at the rolling hills of the estate, bathed in the soft, silver light of the moon. She remembered the fear she used to feel walking these halls, the constant, suffocating dread of the woman who had tried to destroy her.
But as she stood there, wrapped in the arms of the man who had gone to war for her, she felt an absolute, unshakeable peace.
The monsters were gone. The golden cage had been unlocked, its bars melted down to forge a shield for their son.
"I love you, William,"
Chloe whispered, turning her head to kiss him.
"I love you more,"
May you like
William replied, his dark eyes shining with eternal devotion.
They stood together by the window, looking out at the endless, brilliant horizon stretching infinitely before them. The storm had broken, the darkness had been banished, and they were, for the rest of their lives, entirely and beautifully free.
