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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The Warmth Beneath Her Heart

Chapter 3: The Warmth Beneath Her Heart

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The first rays of morning sun filtered through the forest canopy, casting soft golden light into the small wooden cabin. Birds chirped outside, but inside, there was only quiet warmth.

Elian stirred gently, opening his eyes to the soft weight of Misty curled against him. Her head rested just below his collarbone, her hair a tangle of orange silk across his bare chest. One of her legs was slung over his own, and the blanket covered them loosely, leaving their skin against each other.

He didn't move at first. He just watched her sleep.

There was something sacred about this moment. Not just because it was the morning after their wedding night—but because he could feel it: something had changed.

Not just in her… but in him too.

His arm tightened slightly around her waist. Misty stirred, then groaned softly.

"Elian…?" she mumbled.

"I'm here," he whispered.

She lifted her head, blinking sleepily. Her cheeks warmed as she looked at him. Their bodies were still close, the memory of the night before fresh in her mind.

"You're staring," she said, half smiling.

"I've earned the right," he said with a wink.

She playfully smacked his chest, then rested her head there again, quiet for a while.

"…My body feels weird."

Elian grew alert. "Pain?"

"No. Just… strange. My stomach feels warm, like… glowing almost." She placed her hand over her belly. "And my chest… it's really sore today."

His mind focused immediately. Could it already be happening? It hadn't even been a full day since their bond was sealed.

A soft chime echoed in his mind.

> 🔔 System Notification

Fertilization confirmed. Embryonic life detected.

Daughter Protection Protocol: Phase 1 engaged.

Mother's body adapting: emotional bonding and early lactation beginning.

Elian sat up slightly, eyes wide. "Misty… you're pregnant."

She stared at him. "What?! Already?!"

He nodded slowly. "The system confirmed it. She's real. Our daughter."

Misty looked down at her stomach again. Her breath trembled as she slowly moved her fingers in gentle circles across the soft skin.

"I feel her…" she whispered. "I can't explain it, but… I do."

She turned to him again, eyes suddenly filled with emotion. "We made a life…"

Elian gently cupped her face and kissed her forehead. "You're amazing."

Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled tearfully.

Then she blinked. "Elian… my chest. It really hurts now."

"Can I take a look?" he asked gently.

After a moment of hesitation, Misty nodded. She shifted slightly and pulled the blanket aside, letting her robe fall away.

Elian leaned in, placing a gentle kiss along her collarbone, then lower. His hands moved with care, never rushing. When his lips brushed her sensitive skin, she gasped softly.

His mouth reached her breast, and he kissed gently, reverently.

Then he suckled softly.

Misty arched a little, her fingers tightening on his arm.

And then he paused—pulling back.

A taste.

Sweet. Faint.

"Misty," he said, stunned. "Milk. Just a drop."

Her face turned scarlet. "Already?!"

> 🔔 System Notification

Lactation onset confirmed.

Cause: Accelerated maternal bond with unborn legendary-tier child.

Elian chuckled softly. "The system's really not wasting time."

Misty sat up, wrapping the blanket around her again, but her hand lingered on her breast.

"This is really happening," she said quietly. "We're going to be parents."

Elian pulled her into his lap, arms wrapping around her waist. Her head nestled under his chin.

"I promise," he whispered, "I'll protect both of you. Always."

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Later that morning, Misty sat in the sunlit kitchen with a warm towel over her shoulders. She sipped berry tea while Elian cooked—a simple breakfast of toasted bread, eggs, and fruit. He moved around comfortably, shirtless, humming.

"Were you always this domestic?" she asked teasingly.

"In my past life? No. I barely had time to breathe. But now? I want to learn everything with you."

Misty smiled, rubbing her belly gently.

A sudden gust of wind blew through the open window.

Her hair fluttered—and something strange happened.

A small golden ring floated in the air for just a moment before vanishing with a soft pop.

Misty blinked. "Did you see—?"

"Yeah," Elian said, setting down the plate slowly.

> 🔔 System Notification

Hoopa's aura detected. Mischief radius expanding. Evaluation ongoing.

Guardian Selection Phase 2: In Progress.

Misty laughed softly. "So even our unborn child's protectors are playful?"

"Seems like it," Elian said. "Though we should keep an eye on that ring thing. Hoopa isn't exactly known for subtlety."

Then the shadows moved.

Misty paused. The room felt colder.

Outside the cabin, across the clearing—between the trees—a tall figure stood, partially obscured by darkness.

A humanoid shape cloaked in black mist. Red eyes glowing softly.

Misty gripped Elian's hand. "Is that…?"

"Yes," Elian said quietly. "Darkrai."

But Misty didn't feel afraid.

She stepped closer to the window. The wind was still. The leaves didn't rustle. But she felt… comfort. Safety. As if the shadow wasn't a threat—but a shield.

The figure bowed its head once.

Then disappeared into the forest.

"…He's protecting her," Misty said.

Elian nodded. "Not because the system told him to. Because he chose to."

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That night, Misty laid back in bed, Elian behind her, hand over her belly. The stars outside sparkled like distant fireflies.

"You're not alone in there," Misty whispered, tracing a circle with her finger. "Not ever. We're all here."

Elian kissed her shoulder. "And they're coming to meet you—one by one."

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