Chapter 87 The Day We Became a Family
That day was a day none of them would ever forget. The sky seemed clearer than usual, and the air felt lighter, as if the world itself was quietly celebrating alongside them. It was the day Lucia officially became part of their family.
Along the road leading home, Lucia walked between Alex and Astrid, her small hands occasionally brushing against theirs. Her steps were light, almost bouncing, and a bright, unrestrained smile never left her face. Her eyes sparkled as she looked around, taking in the streets, the houses, the people passing by everything felt new, warm, and alive. For her, this day was like a dream finally turning real.
She finally had a family.
She no longer had to stretch out her hands to beg for coins.
She no longer had to curl up on cold stone streets, fearing the night.
Every now and then, Lucia would glance up at Alex and Astrid, as if to make sure they were still there, still real. Each time their eyes met, her smile grew even wider. Seeing this, Alex felt his chest tighten with emotion, while Astrid's lips curved into a soft, tender smile. They exchanged a brief glance one filled with shared joy and disbelief like a couple who had only just realized they were now parents.
When they arrived at the house, the familiar wooden door stood quietly before them. Alex stepped forward and pushed it open. The hinges creaked softly, and warm afternoon light spilled into the room. He entered first, followed by Astrid, and then Lucia, who hesitated for a brief moment at the doorway. She looked around, taking in the simple interior, her fingers lightly gripping the hem of her clothes.
Breaking the silence, Lucia spoke, her voice small and trembling.
"So… Mis " She stopped, swallowing nervously. Her fingers curled tighter, and she took a shallow breath. "I mean… Father," she corrected herself, her cheeks flushing red as she looked up at Alex, unsure yet hopeful.
Then she slowly turned her gaze toward Astrid. Her eyes softened, and her voice grew even quieter. "And… Mother."
Alex and Astrid froze for a heartbeat. Then, as if the words had melted something deep inside them, both of their faces lit up with warm, gentle smiles. Neither of them rushed her. They simply stood there, their expressions patient and encouraging, silently telling her it was alright.
Lucia gathered her courage and continued, bowing her head slightly as if afraid her feelings might spill out too fast. "I… I want to thank you so much," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I don't know how I can ever repay all of this." She clenched her fists at her sides, then looked up again, eyes glistening. "But I promise… I promise I'll be the best child I can be."
The room fell quiet, filled only with the soft sound of breathing and the warmth of that moment a home no longer empty, but alive with the beginning of a family.
Astrid was a Dragonborn a woman forged in battle, her presence alone enough to make hardened bandits hesitate and turn away. Her posture was usually firm, her gaze sharp, and her aura carried the weight of countless battles. Yet in front of Lucia, that strength softened, as if a hidden warmth quietly surfaced from beneath her armor.
She took a small step closer, lowering herself slightly so she would not tower over the child. Her movements were slow and careful, as though afraid even the smallest gesture might frighten her. Astrid raised her hand and gently rested it atop Lucia's head, her fingers brushing through the girl's hair with a tenderness that felt almost unfamiliar to her. Her touch was warm and steady, protective rather than commanding.
A soft smile appeared on Astrid's lips one rarely seen on the battlefield.
"There's no need to feel awkward, Lucia," she said gently, her voice low and soothing. "Just be yourself. That alone is already more than enough."
Lucia blinked, then looked up at Astrid. Her lips slowly curled into a wide, radiant smile, one that carried no fear, no doubt only pure trust and happiness. Her shoulders relaxed, and she leaned slightly into Astrid's touch, as if instinctively accepting the comfort being offered. Seeing that innocent smile, Astrid felt something stir in her chest, warm and unfamiliar, yet deeply comforting.
A few steps away, Alex watched the scene in silence. His throat tightened, and his chest felt heavy as memories from his previous life flooded back. In that world, he had never allowed himself to dream of having a family. Life had been harsh bitter and unforgiving. Each day had been about survival, about being thankful if tomorrow still came with food on the table and all bill are paid. Everything had felt dull, colorless, like a world painted in shades of gray.
But now, standing here, watching Astrid and Lucia together, he felt something entirely different. Warmth. Purpose.
He was a father.
The realization struck him so strongly that he had to steady his breathing. This life this family felt unreal, like a dream he was afraid to wake from. Looking at the two of them, Alex quietly made a vow deep within his heart: no matter what trials awaited them, he would protect this family, even if it cost him his life.
Unable to hold back any longer, Alex stepped forward. He wrapped his arms around both Astrid and Lucia, pulling them close. His embrace was firm, protective, yet filled with warmth.
"From today on," he said with a soft laugh that carried both joy and relief, "we're officially a family. Hahaha."
Lucia was caught slightly off guard but quickly relaxed, clinging to them in return. Astrid's hand rested on Alex's back, her expression calm yet deeply content.
That day etched itself into their hearts an unforgettable moment that marked the beginning of a family for Alex, Astrid, and Lucia.
As the night grew deeper, the house fell into a gentle silence. The sounds from outside faded, leaving only the soft whisper of the wind brushing against the walls. Astrid carefully lifted Lucia into her arms, adjusting her grip so the child's head rested comfortably against her shoulder. Lucia was already half-asleep, her eyes heavy, her body warm and trusting as she clung lightly to Astrid's clothes.
Astrid carried her down the dimly lit hallway and into her room. She lowered Lucia onto the bed with slow, careful movements, as if afraid even the slightest sound might wake her. Tucking the blanket around her, Astrid brushed a few loose strands of hair away from Lucia's forehead. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her brow.
"Good night, Lucia," she whispered.
From the doorway, Alex watched quietly, his arms resting against the doorframe. His expression softened as he took in the scene the calm rise and fall of Lucia's chest, Astrid's careful hands, the warmth filling a house that once felt empty. When Astrid straightened and glanced back at him, they exchanged a silent look of understanding before quietly closing the door.
They made their way to their own room, moving slowly, as if reluctant to disturb the peaceful mood of the night. The room was dim, lit only by faint moonlight slipping through the window. They lay down side by side on the bed, the mattress creaking softly beneath them.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Alex lay on his back, one arm resting behind his head, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as if searching for answers hidden among the shadows. After a long pause, he finally broke the silence, his voice low and reflective.
"Hey, Astrid… life in this world is so beautiful compared to my old life, isn't it?"
Astrid turned onto her side to face him. She studied his expression the distant look in his eyes, the faint tension in his jaw. After a moment, she spoke quietly.
"I never thought things would turn out like this either," she said. "I honestly thought my ending would be far worse."
Alex shifted, turning his body toward her. He rested his head slightly closer and looked at her with a warm, gentle smile, one filled with gratitude.
"It seems like we're really lucky, don't you think?"
Astrid let out a soft breath and looked up toward the ceiling, her smile faint but sincere. "Maybe," she said slowly. "Or maybe all the darkness we went through in the past has finally been repaid with what we have now." Her smile gradually faded, replaced by a quiet worry in her eyes. "I just hope our luck lasts… forever."
Alex's smile slowly disappeared as well. His hand tightened into a fist, and he raised it slightly above his chest, as if grasping an invisible resolve. Still staring at the ceiling, his voice grew firm.
"Then I just need to become stronger," he said. "I'll make sure our luck lasts forever."
Astrid's brows knit together in concern. She shifted closer and placed her hand gently against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm.
"But I don't want you to carry that burden alone," she said softly. "I'll help you."
Alex turned his gaze back to her, the tension in his expression easing. He covered her hand with his own and smiled, warm and reassuring.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "With you, we can do it together."
Suddenly, as if a stray thought had pierced through the calm, Astrid's expression changed. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and the softness on her face was replaced by a hint of tension. She inhaled quietly, then spoke, her voice lower and more serious than before.
"But before that…" she paused, turning her head toward Alex. "We still have to defeat Alduin, right?"
Alex blinked. The weight of the words hit him all at once. His brows furrowed, and his shoulders tensed as if something heavy had been dropped onto his chest.
"Ugh… I almost forgot," he muttered, letting out a long, tired sigh. One hand slid down to his face, rubbing his eyes as if trying to push the thought away. "Well… we still have one more day."
He fell silent for a moment, staring blankly at the ceiling. Then his eyes widened slightly as another realization struck him. He turned his head sharply toward Astrid.
"Oh right. When we leave… who's going to take care of Lucia?"
Astrid shifted, turning her body fully to face him. She rested her elbow on the bed and brought her fingers to her chin, thinking carefully. After a brief pause, she nodded to herself.
"Hmm… maybe Jarl Balgruuf," she said thoughtfully. "He's trustworthy, isn't he? And… he owes us as well."
Alex considered her words, his gaze drifting back to the ceiling as he weighed the idea. Slowly, he nodded.
"Ah… you're right." He let out another sigh, this one softer, as if some of the tension had eased. "Okay, we have a solution. He wouldn't refuse a request like that."
Yet despite his words, his expression darkened. His jaw tightened, and his eyes lost some of their earlier warmth.
"Still…" he continued quietly, "I feel sorry for Lucia. She just got a family… and we already have to leave her."
Astrid moved closer without a word. She placed her hand gently on Alex's chest and began to rub small, slow circles, her touch steady and comforting. Her voice softened, but there was firmness beneath it.
"But we don't have a choice, do we?" she said. "If we ignore Alduin, it won't just be Lucia. The entire world would be destroyed."
Alex swallowed. His eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, but the tension in his face slowly gave way to resignation. After a long pause, he exhaled.
"Yeah…" he murmured. "You're right."
The room fell quiet again, the weight of responsibility settling heavily between them as the night continued in silence.
Astrid then looked at Alex with intense desire. As if possessed by something, her hand that had been stroking his chest slowly moved downward, until it reached his manhood. Alex was startled by how sudden it was. That night, Astrid was wild. Alex didn't know what had come over her maybe because tomorrow was all they had left, maybe because she wanted another child after Lucia, or maybe because they were about to face Alduin. But Alex couldn't think about any of that anymore, because the pleasure he felt that night was truly extraordinary.