Jaus offered a rare, genuine smile in return. Keles then turned her gaze toward Mahu, who had been her anchor through the labor and had watched over her while she was unconscious. With a gesture of profound trust, Keles held the child out.
"Here, sister. Hold him."
Mahu hesitated but reached out, taking the infant with practiced ease. She studied Ikelos's features, the curve of his jaw, the way his brow furrowed even in sleep. A soft realization crossed her face. "He has his father's look," she whispered, tracing the child's cheek. "Even in rest, he looks as if he is dreaming of how to reshape the world."
Mahu cradled the infant, her divine essence naturally humming a lullaby. She felt the tension leave the child's small frame as he curled deeper into her arms, instinctively recognizing the comfort of her motherhood divinity. For a brief second, the room held a fragile peace.
"We have visitors," Keles whispered, her eyes shifting toward the entrance of her chamber.
