*~ Author POV~*
Hazel's hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes widened, and for a second, her world cracked.
Father?
Marcus dropped to his knees beside Lilith, gently cupping her face, his voice tender and low.
"You're safe now," he said. "I've got you."
Lilith was shaking, tears streaming down her face. "The child is coming, Marcus. But this…this is the wrong time. They almost got me. They'll keep coming."
"They won't," he promised. "Not while I'm here."
She nodded weakly, collapsing back onto the grass. Her body trembled.
Then Marcus lay down beside her, steadying her legs with his hands. "Push. I'm right here. I'll help you bring this child into the world."
Hazel's breath hitched.
When… when was her father ever this gentle? she thought, blinking fast. When had he ever been kind? Loving?
She had always believed he hated her and treated her like dirt. Like she was cursed. Like she was never supposed to exist.
But here he was. Soft. Steady. And helping Lilith deliver her.
