The Soul Reborn: From Silence to Sovereignty

That night, once the laughter had faded and the mask he showed everyone but me fell off, Noah showed exactly who was in control when no one else was watching. He led with the authority he claimed only surfaced on the battlefield, and I let him.

We had to treasure these moments because very soon there would be no nighttime activities.

Eventually, he wouldn't even be able to touch me, not like that anyway, until the pregnancy was over. The thought made me pout, but I knew better than to fight it; I had a more important role now.

Time passed…

Days bled into each other, filled with meetings, planning, hot baths, and occasional mischief. Before I knew it, I was four months pregnant.

The swell of my belly was unmistakable now. Not huge, but no longer something I could conceal with fluff and slightly bigger clothing.

I couldn't just bounce around the city on a whim anymore or surprise Noah with a last-minute adventure. Every step had weight to it, not just physical but emotional. It wasn't just me anymore; I was carrying the promise of my daughter's future.

Someone so precious I can't wait to wrap in my arms and cover with kisses every single day.

Noah, of course, had already adjusted like it was the most natural thing in the world. The moment my pace slowed, he was there with a hand at my back, an arm to steady me, and ready to lift anything I barely looked at on a shelf.

He'd help me into bed, bring food when I refused to get up, and, of course, give massages without even being prompted.

It was kind of annoying sometimes how over the top he was with showing his affection, but that could just be my emotions getting the better of me.

Livia was just as unwavering as ever. She always knew when to bring a cold cloth, when to disappear and let me have space, or when to sit beside me in silence, acting like my anchor when Noah wasn't around.

With those two always trying their best, it made my mood swings less miserable. It also increased my tolerability to those around me.

Because even when I wanted to scream into a pillow or cry over absolutely nothing, I couldn't stay mad at them.

Even when I would overreact about something, Noah would gently kiss my forehead and say, "You're incredible."

Livia, on the other hand, would always have her hand ready if I wanted to hold onto something because I was feeling lonely.

Every day, without fail, my hands would find their way to my belly. I would gently rub it, thinking about the life that was growing inside me like it was something sacred.

I would always remember the face of the original Seraphina when I saw her in my dream, praying my instincts of her now becoming my child were correct.

Her appearance was something I often found myself imagining. Would she look like me, or would she have Noah's features? Either way, it didn't matter. I already knew I would love her completely.

Then it hit me: I can't call her Seraphina anymore, so I will have to come up with a good name.

I rubbed my belly thoughtfully, lips pursed in thought. "We're going to have to think of a good name for you, little one." I commented.

Noah sat behind me, serving as my makeshift chair and somehow more comfortable than his strong, toned body should be. His arms rested loosely around my waist, with one hand settled lazily on the gentle curve of my stomach.

"You can't just be Seraphina," I said aloud. "That's my name now, so yours should be better."

I tapped my chin, sighing. "Maybe, Sera, but that's still basically the same thing. It would get confusing. I was a junior in my past life, so people kept mixing me up with my father on documents, bank accounts, and even once with a bill for his boat insurance."

Noah huffed softly behind me, clearly amused.

"I think we should go with something symbolic," I added, settling more comfortably into him. "Like… a name that means hope, miracle, or maybe…?"

He was in quiet contemplation behind me, just stroking his thumb lightly along the fabric over my stomach.

Then his voice came low against my ear. "Whatever name we choose, I'm sure she'll appreciate it, especially with how much thought you're putting into it."

He wasn't wrong.

"She came from pain, but now she's growing in peace within you," Noah murmured. "Born from something broken, yet held by someone strong—someone who will love her, no matter what."

My throat tightened. I reached up and squeezed his hand where it rested on my stomach.

"I just…" I whispered, "I want her name to mean something special or even powerful."

"You already gave her life," he said gently. "Let's just give her a name that matches the way you feel about her."

I tilted my head back slightly, still nestled against Noah's chest as we sat tangled together beneath the covers. His hand moved in slow circles across my belly while mine traced gentle patterns along his forearm.

There was a long, thoughtful silence.

Then I added, "But not something too obvious. Like naming her 'Miracle' and calling it a day. That's a little…"

"On the nose," Noah finished.

I smiled, "Exactly."

He hummed softly. "What about Elira? It means "hope" in the old tongue."

"Oh," I said, dragging the sound out, "that's nice and elegant, like a noble who definitely owns three estates and a magical horse."

"I think you just want a magical horse," Noah said with a laugh.

"Wait, those exist? If they do, Noah, I expect results!"

We both burst into laughter, like we always seemed to these days.

"What about Nadia?" I offered next. "I think that one means hope too… or at least something close. It's soft and sweet."

Noah paused in thought. "It's a lovely name, but maybe a bit too soft for our daughter. She's going to be born in a fortress, with me as her father… and you as her unpredictable, dagger-wielding mother."

"Fair point," I said, chuckling. "Okay, something with a little bite."

"Sounds like a name you'd find in a dark fantasy novel."

"Hey, that sounds fun. We could name her something super intimidating… like Zephyra the Unforgiving."

I couldn't help but laugh at my stupid attempt at a strong name.

Noah coughed. "That's a bit much for our girl. I'm picturing her punching another newborn on day one."

"She'd win, too," I couldn't help but add.

Once again laughter carried throughout our room.

"What about Renata?" Noah asked next. "It means reborn."

"Oooh, that's a contender for sure." Tilting my head, "It sounds mighty and would probably intimidate anyone who heard it."

I tapped his arm, thinking. "What if we combined something soft and strong? Like Alina for light or Valea meaning strength."

"She sounds like a goddess," Noah interjected.

"Well, she is descending from one—me!"

He snorted. "You did not just say that."

"Oh, I absolutely did." No shame at all.

We kept tossing names back and forth. Some were lovely, others ridiculous, and a few so outlandish they had us doubled over with laughter.

"What about Lyra?" I asked softly, the name suddenly coming to the surface of my memories. "It was a constellation back in my old world, and within it was a star named Vega, one of the brightest in the night sky."

I paused, my hand gently resting over my belly. "Even among countless others, it never stops shining. I want her to be like that."

Noah's face instantly brightened up, something that only happens while in my presence. "That sounds perfect."

"Lyra Velmoure," I said aloud, testing how it rolled off the tongue. "That's her, for sure." I knew it the moment she kicked, as if agreeing.

With haste I grabbed Noah's hand and placed it over my stomach where I felt her. "Do you feel it, Noah?" He nodded, mesmerized by the situation. "Lyra," I called out.

Noah instantly pulled back his hand in surprise. "She just kicked again."

"Yeah, it seems like she's chosen her own name."

I laughed and leaned further into him, warmth blossoming in my chest as his arms closed tighter around me. The name is taken care of; now I just need to give birth to a healthy baby girl.

Rubbing my belly and calling out her name was now something I planned on doing from now on. Every time I did it, I found myself smiling, imagining a future where she was nestled in my arms.

I can't wait to be a part of every moment in her life. From birthdays to festivals, road trips to quiet days at home.

Wait… birthday… What even is mine? I don't recall from any of my memories ever knowing the date or even how old I am. If I had to take a guess, it would be around nineteen, probably.

Then, without thinking, I spoke. "Noah… When's my birthday?"

He blinked. "What?"

"My birthday," I repeated, letting the words sink in. "I just realized I don't even know when it is. The original memories don't help. There were no celebrations, no special days, nothing at all."

I stared down at my hands. "Just how old am I? Also, how could they keep such a thing from her?"

Noah didn't say anything right away, but his aura told me everything I needed to know. It was heavy and filled with intent towards a few certain individuals.

"That family," I said, my voice faltering. "So horrible, they couldn't even give her a simple date, just one small piece of identity."

Noah, from behind, pressed a gentle kiss to my hair. "They'll never touch you or her ever again," he said simply but firmly. "If I have to scour every record book on this continent, I'll find it."

"What if it's not even recorded?" I whispered, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions and the weight of pregnancy, tears welling up in my eyes.

He gently moved my head to face his gaze. "Then we'll pick a new day. One worth celebrating, and I'll make sure the whole world knows it."

I stared at him for a long moment.

"You're really trying to make me cry, huh?"

"Just being honest," he shrugged, brushing his thumb over the back of my hand. Before I could respond, there was a soft knock at the door.

Livia stepped in, hands folded behind her back like always, ever the perfect guardian of my peace.

"Three girls arrived a few minutes ago," she said calmly. "They're young nobles right around your age. They've asked to speak with the duchess directly."

I tilted my head. "Did they say why?"

"No."

"Are they already waiting inside?"

"No," Livia replied. "They're in one of the outer lounges. I told them you were occupied and would respond when ready."

I glanced at Noah, who was already raising an eyebrow.

"Do I even want to know what that's about?" I looked at Livia questioningly.

She shrugged. "Could be many different things, none evident just from their appearance, but probably either political or jealousy if I had to take a guess."

"Ugh." I rolled my eyes, but I was curious just why they showed up. What can I say? Ever since I met Noah, I've started enjoying scenes like this.

"Do I have to go now?" Even though I enjoy these moments, I still don't really feel like it.

"No," Noah blurted out.

"I know," I sighed. "But if I don't, they'll probably come up with some ridiculous story about being denied by the cold-hearted duchess."

I got no response from him; he just started to soothe me with the way he would run his fingers through my hair. For some reason this always calmed me down.

Even though I was told people were waiting, I wasn't in any rush to go see what they wanted. Wrapped in the safety of Noah's arms, I lay there for a while as Livia stood nearby waiting for my orders.

Those girls coming unannounced can wait a bit longer.