A large system screen rested before Max, burning with golden letters that slowly formed into words.
[Your mate Rosalia has been successfully impregnated. Preparing the embryo for dragon-level protection...]
His heart slammed against his ribs.
For a moment, something primal awakened in him, a raw feeling buried deeper than greed, lust, or ambition. He was going to become a father. The realization struck him harder than any enemy ever had. That responsibility felt like a mountain falling onto his shoulders, and yet, strangely, it did not feel heavy.
Instead, it made him happy.
Extremely so.
His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. For once, even Max did not know what to say. The chamber around him, the treasure, the blood, the danger, even Freya lying somewhere in the mist, all of it became distant for a single breath.
Then his heart beat hard once more.
This time, it was not because of happiness.
