� �� When Ava and Ries told the rest of the family, they all seemed shocked. All except Eva who had the same look Angelina had when she'd come to examine her. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?" Ava asked her mother who simply nodded. Ava wasn't surprised. Given their lineage it would have probably been more surprising if her mother hadn't known. Ava knew she had to take every precaution to ensure her daughter was protected, though most days it seemed her unborn daughter was the one doing the protecting. When the time finally came, Ava had insisted that Ries take her down to Lumen. Ava took deep breaths as she got into the river as if knowing just what she needed to do. Ries was at the edge of the riverbank holding her hands as she faced him, slowly crouching. In that moment, her ancestors appeared, their forms translucent and emitting a soft golden glow as they spoke their encouragement. Ries sent out word to their family. Favian, Arrden and Hilarid had already been on their way having sensed Ava's labor through their blood bond. Angelina arrived first, coming through a portal as soon as Ries's message rang. She instructed him to get into the water with Ava who was now in a squatting position taking deep breaths with her eyes closed and her hands gripping Ries's tightly. When Ries got into the water, he placed Ava's hands around his neck and put his hands on her waist. Ava's body was now glowing like the sun, the glow getting increasingly brighter the closer she got.

Lucjan stepped forward from the other ancestors and placed his hands on Ries's shoulders. Ries, knowing what he needed to do, used their bond to help ease Ava's discomfort as she baby made its way out. Ries knew when it was time and crouched down, his hands open between Ava's thighs as he gently held the baby's head as the rest of its body eased out of Ava. Ries didn't know how but he knew just what to do. The moment the baby was out, a powerful blast of golden light burst from Ava's body, knocking the wind out of those who stood on the riverbank. Ries handed the baby to Angelina who cut the umbilical cord, his arms instinctively wrapping around Ava who soon slumped unconscious into his body. Ries moved to get Ava out of the water but Lucjan squeezed his shoulders and shook his head. "Give it a few minutes, she needs to be in the water," his voice echoed in Ries's mind. A few minutes later Ava stirred awake in his arms and Ries felt something brush past his calves in the water. Ava took a few deep breaths and her eyes fluttered closed, her body starting to glow again. Ries held her close to him firmly. "What's happening?" He telepathically asked Lucjan as he felt a warmth in his body. "The river's healing her," Lucjan's voice echoed in response.

� � � After a few minutes Ava stood firmly on her feet, her pain gone, as she held out her arms for her wailing daughter who was now in her mother's arms. Ries held her as she held their daughter, letting the glowing waters wash over her tiny body, cleaning her. "We'll call her Alanna," she said softly as she looked lovingly into her daughter's purple eyes that had glowing golden specks. Ries smiled. "It's a beautiful name," he said softly, kissing Ava's temple and shoulder as he stared at his daughter. She had red curls just like her mother, with bright streaks of gold. Alanna's tiny body glowed as if filling with light as Ava held her in the water, her cries now silenced as she smiled up at her parents. Once the glow faded, Ries helped Ava onto the bank, following her. Ava reached up her hand, looking into Ries's eyes with so much love it felt like his heart would burst of his chest and leaning in to kiss him. "We did it," she whispered as she leaned her forehead into his. "You did great amica mea, I'm so proud of you. I love you," Ries whispered back, kissing her again. The others stood back watching silently, giving the new parents a chance to take in the moment. "I love you too," Ava whispered in between the soft tender kisses they shared.

Soon, the rest of the family surrounded them, congratulating them. Eva and Janan's eyes were already swollen and their faces wet. It seemed like they had been crying the entire time they were there. Their hearts were full of pride and gratitude, being able to have survived this long to watch their daughter grow up, find a true love and give life to a special child, especially in a world that didn't look too kindly on their kind. They were blessed. Eva couldn't stop sobbing as she embraced her daughter and her son-in-law, her husband following suit. "I can't believe I have a granddaughter!" Eva giggled between her sobs, grabbing her husband's hands. "I'm so proud of you, my child," Angelina said tearfully, raising her hand to cup Ava's cheek as she kissed her forehead and then did the same with Ries. Ava couldn't stop the tears that flowed freely down her face at the love she received from her family. "My son finally has a sister," Hilarid said cheerfully, clasping his hand on Ries's shoulder with Mateo in his other hand. "You are a miracle," he whispered as he kissed Ava's cheek. He had been scared for a moment when he didn't know what was happening with the blast of light and even more when she'd fainted. He was relieved that she was alright.

� � �� Favian and Arrden embraced the new parents, congratulations them warmly before stepping back slightly. Favian wrapped his arms around his beloved. "I think we should maybe add to our family. All this baby fever is getting to me," Arrden whispered to Favian sniffing back his tears. "I think we should look into it too," Favian whispered back as he planted a gentle kiss on his beloved's temple. Ava and Ries turned to their ancestors who still floated above the river. Lucjan stepped forward and kissed both Ava and Ries on the cheek, leaving a warm glow of light that seemed to spread throughout their bodies before fading. "You've done so well. Thank you for bringing my beloved forth," he said, his voice more raspy than usual. The other ancestors took turns congratulating the new parents, each speaking a blessing over them and placing glimmers of light into their hands that seemed to be absorbed into their bodies.

� �� Ava had been fully healed in the river when she gave birth but she still took time to rest. Ries dared not leave her side, he was always with her making sure she had everything she needed and that she got time to rest. The rest of the family also offered their support generously, making sure there was at least one of them around to help at all times. It was their absolute pleasure to help take care of little Alanna. Alanna's magic made an appearance by the time she was two months old and she always had this knowing look in her eye. Ava and Ries often spoke to her knowing that she understood them even though her speech wasn't coherent. Hilarid often came over, bringing little Mateo with him. Little Alanna seemed to have inherited both her parents' abilities and then some, which barely came as a surprise to the family. That didn't mean it still didn't catch them by surprise when she'd randomly use her magic while she was still so young. Sometimes they'd be at the dinner table and one of them would open their mouth to ask for salt only to see a cup of salt floating above the table towards them. For most of them, other than Ava, Ries, Eva and Angelina, it was her penetrating gaze and the knowing look on her face. It felt like she was looking into their very souls, making them feel bare. It was slightly unnerving to say the least but they loved and adored her.

5 years later

� � � Favian and Arrden had adopted a son whose mother had passed away giving birth to him shortly after arriving in Ortus. She had been a refugee and had been badly injured in an ambush by the Venator Order. The scoundrels seemed to have been upping their game, lacing their weapons with deadly poisons that were infused with magic by the Donatus who worked with them or those who'd been broken into working for them. Favian and Arrden's son was named Vallen. Vallen was only one year younger than Alanna. Vallen spent a lot of time around Alanna and Mateo since their parents were around each other just about everyday. Eva and Janan were more than happy to host family dinners as often as they could which for them was just about every other day, unless one of the family members couldn't make it. They considered Hilarid, Favian and Arrden to be their children since they became family, blood or no blood, and they took every chance they could to spend time with them and their grandchildren. The grandchildren made them feel older than they looked. The Donatus didn't age the same way mundanes did, they aged slower and lived much longer than the mundanes. It was hard to know how old they were by just looking at them. Ava had become the high priestess of Ortus, giving Angelina much more time to spend with her grand godchildren. She still helped Ava around at the Fanum but she spent more time in the Lucian mansion with the children. Eva and Janan had invited her to move in with them when she passed the mantel of high priestess to Ava.

� � � Ava enjoyed her work as high priestess, Ries was always with her and Alanna always insisted on tagging along to the Fanum and learning everything there was to learn, helping wherever she could. Hilarid had met a young lady named Milani who was four years younger than him. She had come into Ortus as a refugee. It took him some time to warm up to her before he finally agreed to see her. The rest of the group thought she was a bit pushy with Hilarid but they wanted Hilarid to find love again, they just weren't too certain of Milani. There was just something about her that was off to them, other than the way she had seemingly pushed her way into Hilarid's life. She was always a bit curious, a bit too curious about the family specifically. None of them had shared any family secrets with her. It hadn't escaped them that most of the time she was around, the magical beings they shared their home with would always disappear or glamor themselves. None of them had been able to get through into her mind telepathically. She had a block that didn't seem natural, it was unlike many of the wards they had encountered. It certainly didn't help that the children didn't seem to like her much, most of all Alanna. Alanna wouldn't even greet her whenever she saw her, she would always give her a hostile look and make sure to stay far away from her.

� �� One afternoon Mateo came to Ava's home after a class with Angelina. His expression clearly communicated that something was wrong. Ries was out in the backyard, tending to the garden there. "What's wrong honey?" Ava asked little Mateo as he sat down in the living room, taking out one of the scrolls Angelina gave him from his little satchel. Mateo simply pouted and raised his chin up, "I'm not going back home," he announced defiantly. "What happened?" Ava asked, sitting down next to him. "Milani's done something to papa, something's wrong with him," Mateo replied his pout still firmly fixed on his adorable face. "Can you tell me what's wrong with him?" Ava asked wrapping her arm around the little boy. "Something's changed in him since Milani started hanging out at our house almost everyday. It's like his senses are kind of turned around," the little boy said somberly. "For example, he loves her singing and I'll have you know she sings horribly. Not only that but now he no longer loves the music he used to love. It's like his hearing is backwards," he added. Ava found that to be curious. She didn't question the little boy any further, he was an intelligent little boy and she knew there had to be some truth in his words. "Why don't you do some reading while I bring you one of those chocolate cakes you like? How does that sound?" She asked softly hoping to lift Mateo's spirits. Mateo immediately perked up and nodded enthusiastically as Ava headed to the kitchen and came back with two cakes. "I'll be in the kitchen, let me know if you need anything, okay?" She said, standing back up. "Okay auntie, thank you," the little boy said. Ava sent out a telepathic message to Favian, Arrden and Hilarid, asking them to come over for dinner. She sent a separate message to her husband, Favian and Arrden explaining the situation, letting them know that she had a plan to test out Mateo's observations.

� �� When Ries came back into the house, he cleaned up and joined his wife in the kitchen, hugging her warmly from behind and kissing her neck. She felt so good in his arms, he couldn't help but steal a few more kisses, eliciting a string of quiet little moans from her that immediately made him hard. He sneaked a hand under her shirt, one of his shirts that he absolutely loved on her, kneading her breast and pinching her nipple, causing her to instantly arch her body to lean into his touch. Tingles erupted all over Ava's body from his touch and his soft kisses and she bit back a moan, her breath growing heavier. "I love how responsive you are to me amica mea. Now we cook but later I want you in nothing but this shirt and then I'm going to fill you up deliciae," Ries whispered into her ear, rubbing his hardness into her back and nipping at her lobe before stepping back to calm himself. "Where do you want me?" He asked, clearing his throat, his husky voice laden with lust. The innuendo in his question didn't go unnoticed by Ava, who looked back at him and giggled, biting her lip seductively as her sex clenched. Goddess, he knew just how to get under her skin. "You can roast the meat I laid out on the sink," she said. "Make it well done just how I like it," she added with a chuckle throwing a wink his way before turning her attention back to the potatoes she was mashing. Ries felt his cock twitch in anticipation growing harder. He stepped towards her, grabbing her hips tightly and rubbing his cock on her supple cheeks. "Coming right up," he said lowly before stepping away again, the rasp in his voice giving away just how aroused he was.

� � � Dinner was ready and Favian and Arrden had already arrived when Hilarid arrived. Unfortunately, he'd brought Milani with him. Alanna, Vallen and Mateo were playing in the living room while the adults sat in the dining room as Ava and Ries served dinner. "My darlings, dinner's ready!" Ava called out to the children. Alanna frowned when she walked in and spotted Milani, narrowing her eyes at her before she turned to her mother. "Can we eat in the living room while the adults eat here?" She said, batting her lashes adorably at her mother. "Of course honey, go on, I'll be right behind you with enough food for the three of you," Ava said kissing her daughter's forehead. Alanna was the leader of the little gang of children who were thick as thieves. Ava walked into the dining room after serving the children to find Ries still standing, waiting for her to arrive as he pulled out a chair for her before settling down next to his wonderful wife.

Ava magically turned on some music that she knew Hilarid had always loved in the background as they dug in. "Hilarid, do you remember this song? You always loved it since you were young, never quite grew out of it," Ava baited. Hilarid went to open his mouth to say something and Milani quickly threw a glance his way mumbling under her breath. Hilarid closed his mouth and his brows furrowed as his eyes clouded over, turning darker than their usual shade. "I-I don't think I like it anymore," he said quietly. Ava saw a slight smirk flash over Milani's face before she quickly masked it, her gaze fixed firmly on the bowl of food before her. Everyone else had been watching their friend keenly while pretending to mind their business. Ava frowned, exchanging worried glances with her husband. Arrden smirked throwing a not so subtle side eye at his beloved who smiled, pretending to be fully focused on his meal. When dinner was over, Favian and Arrden followed Ava and Ries into the kitchen with their empty bowls and cups. Hilarid followed suit once his meal was over, taking both his and Milani's empty dishes and as soon as he walked into the kitchen, Ava warded the kitchen, making sure no one would hear their conversation.

"Can you listen to this for me and tell me what you think?" Ava asked magically turning on music that they all knew Hilarid loved. "I guess it's alright, not something I enjoy much though," Hilarid said scrunching up his face. Ava played a recording of Milani's singing that she'd extracted from Mateo's memory and Hilarid perked up immediately while everyone else in the room cringed, resisting the urge to plug their ears. "I love the sound of that," Hilarid said with a grin. "Something's definitely way off with our blood brother," Arrden telepathically sent out to everyone except for Hilarid as they exchanged worried glances. "Hilarid, there's something I wanted us to discuss and it may take a while. Do you mind if Milani goes home ahead of you and you join her once we're done?" Ava asked innocently. "Of course, let me just let her know," Hilarid said turning to leave the kitchen. "Actually, I'll let her know if that's okay," Ava said gently grabbing his forearm and stepping ahead of him. "Sure!" Hilarid agreed as he hung back, chatting casually with the boys.

� � � "Milani, dear, we're having a family meeting which may take a while. Why don't you head home and Hilarid will find you once we're done?" Ava said sweetly as she placed her hand on Milani's shoulder. Her eyes clouded over for a second before going back to normal without Milani noticing. "Oh alright, tell him I'll be waiting for him," Milani said, a dark look washing over her face before she quickly smiled to cover it up, pulling away from Ava uncomfortably. Once Milani had left, the two couples led Hilarid back to the dining room and sat down. Ava sent a mental image of the glimpse she'd picked up from Milani to everyone except for Hilarid. She had seen a scroll with a list of locations, one of which was Ortus, under which their names were scribbled with question marks. Just then Alanna walked in, her eyes glowing. "Momma, something's wrong with uncle Hilarid," she said, her head tilted as she looked at him. Hilarid's brow furrowed in confusion as he wondered what the little girl was on about. "Can you see what it is sweetheart?" Ava asked her daughter softly. "Uh-huh," Alanna nodded and walked to Hilarid, climbing onto his lap and placing her hands at the sides of his face. His eyes went blank and a thick black smoke escaped through his ears before his eyes went back to normal. He shook his head and then looked around at his family, blinking in confusion. "I've fixed him momma," Alanna announced and climbed off his lap, walking back to the living room to play with her friends.

"What happened?" He asked, oblivious to what had just happened. They all looked at each other in concern. "I think it's better if you see for yourself," Ava said gently grabbing his hand, sending him images of the events. Hilarid grimaced and winced. "Oh Goddess! I can't believe I actually said I loved her singing!" He groaned, palming his face and the table erupted in laughter. "How did I not see it?" He muttered to himself, his brows furrowed in anger. "It was a pretty intricate glamor, it's not your fault," Ries said, putting his hand on his best friend's shoulder. "So from the image you picked up I gather she's a spy for the Venator?" Hilarid asked, his gaze on Ava who simply nodded. "I think they sent her here to gather information on the town and then report back with directions on how to get them here. She was probably scouting to see what the defenses in Ortus were like so they'd be prepared," Ava said thoughtfully. Hilarid's face went dark in anger. He couldn't believe he'd let Milani push her way into his life. He didn't think he would have forgiven himself if she'd actually succeeded in getting him to betray his family and his people by telling her what she wanted to know. Finally he sighed and looked around at his blood brothers and sister. "Thank you guys, I don't know if I'd forgiven myself if she'd actually gotten the information she wanted out of me, if I'd put you and everyone else here in danger," he said sighing deeply.

� � � � "That's what family's for. We look out for each other," Favian said, clasping his shoulder. "So what do we do now?" He asked. "I say we knock her out with a mental blast, wipe her memory and portal her far from here. Let the Venator deal with her of they find her," Arrden said seriously. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. Hilarid, why don't we glamor ourselves and follow you home? We don't have to be inside the house to knock her out," Ava suggested and everyone agreed. "Alanna honey! We'll be right back, okay?" Ava called out to Alanna as they peeked into the living room to check on the kids. "Okay momma. Make sure the bad lady doesn't come back," Alanna said. Hilarid walked to Alanna and crouched down so they were face to face. "Alanna, I'd like to thank you for helping me. What you did was very brave and it may have just saved our lives," he said, his hand on the little girl's shoulder. "Of course uncle Hilarid, it wasn't your fault," the little girl said with a serious look on her face, wrapping her little arms around him and giving him a quick hug and a warm smile before she turned back to Mateo and Vallen.

Ava warded the house to ensure no one would get in while they were away. "Let's make this quick," she said as she waved her hand and opened a portal. The plan went smoothly and the two couples and Hilarid were back in Alanna's home in no time. "Ava, do you mind if Mateo and I sleep over tonight?" Hilarid asked nervously. "Of course honey!" Ava said hugging him tightly. "You guys can stay too if you'd like, there's more than enough room for all of us," she offered to Favian and Arrden who agreed. They understood that Hilarid needed them, even if just to be around him. They chatted in the living room for a while before they took their children to the rooms they normally slept in when they were in Ava's home, tucking them in. "Thank you auntie Ava," Mateo said as they tucked him in, hugging Ava tightly, his demeanor much lighter than it had been earlier that day. "Of course honey, I'm always here for you. We all are," Ava replied warmly.

� � �� When they had all retired for the night and Ava and her husband were in their room, she went into the bathroom and came back out with nothing but Ries's shirt on, warding their room as she slowly made her way towards her husband who was seated at the edge of their bed with his shirt off, his eyes full of excitement as he pulled his wife onto him and kissed her passionately. He was glad that he was safe, that their family and their home was safe. He was glad that he could make love to his wife without having to worry about the Venator. He knew there was still a war looming and they would cross that bridge when the time came but for now, he just wanted to enjoy the luxury of peace in the arms of his wife, in the comfort of their home, surrounded by family.