chapter939

Thalassa’s hands were clammy with nerves as she worried about the potential storm brewing within

Lysander’s ever-unpredictable mood.

Even Fitch wiped the sweat from his brow, knowing that standing up to Lysander when he was on edge

was a domain reserved. for the brave-or the foolish.

Fitch was trembling, bracing for the tempest that was Lysander’s wrath.

But to everyone’s surprise, Lysander simply massaged his temples and spoke in a deep, resonant

voice, “Everyone sleeps in their own room tonight and wait for your mom to come tuck you in with a

bedtime story.”

“I don’t wanna…” Little Elowen, not quite grasping the meaning behind Lysander’s words, started to

.

Before she could finish, Thalassa quickly covered her mouth, gently guiding her towards her room. She

whispered into her eyes, “Daddy means that Mom will come and tell you a story, but you have to be in

your own beds, waiting for your turn.”

Elowen blinked her confused eyes, “Is that what he meant?”

“Of course,” Thalassa reassured her.

“I’m not sleepy, I wanna stay up for Mommy’s story!” exclaimed Dorian, bouncing excitedly.

“I’m gonna take a bath and then it’s story time!” Sophie declared, her little legs hurrying toward the

bathroom.

“I’m the eldest, so Mommy can come to me last. I’ll wait up for Mommy and won’t fall asleep,” Atticus

said, always the most considerate, letting his younger siblings go first.

In a flurry of activity, the four little ones dashed to the bathroom, eager to wash up and snuggle into bed

ready for their stories. Thalassa stood up, watching the children disappear into the bathroom with a

smile. Her gaze shifted and met Lysander’s deep eyes, which were sending a shiver through her.

“I’ll go check on Elowen and Sophie,” Thalassa said quickly, seeking an escape.

After the bath, the kids lay in their beds, their damp skin glistening and soft, utterly adorable.

Thalassa helped Elowen and Sophie into their pajamas, her mood soft and relaxed.

“Mommy, I wanna sleep with you and Sophie tonight,” Elowen said in her sweet, coaxing voice as she

dressed.

Sophie nodded in agreement, “Yeah, together.”

Thalassa’s smile was warm, “Of course, you can. Get dressed and hop into bed, I’ll be right there with

a story.”

“Okay,” the little ones complied obediently, climbing into bed and settling down.

With a storybook in hand, Thalassa began the nightly ritual of the bedtime story.

Her voice, soothing as a lullaby, easily lulled the children into relaxation.

Before she could finish the tale, Elowen and Sophie had drifted off to sleep.

Thalassa tiptoed to the room where Dorian and Atticus were sharing for the night.

Seeing their mother, they quickly scrambled to sit up, their eyes filled with sleepy anticipation.

“Mommy, we’ve been waiting for you,” Dorian said with a sleepy rub of his eyes, his soft voice sounding

faint.

Atticus, too, rubbed his eyes. Despite his strong will, he was still just a child and it was nearing ten

o’clock-way past their usual bedtime.

Thalassa’s heart swelled with affection, “I’m here now. Lie down, and I’ll read you a story.”

The boys obediently settled back down as Thalassa lay beside them, reading a story to them. Within

moments, she heard their steady breathing.

She stopped reading, a smile curling her lips, and whispered, “Goodnight, my little ones.”

Rising gently, Thalassa returned to the master bedroom, relieved to find Lysander absent. She found

some clothes in the wardrobe and headed to the bathroom for a shower. Just as she was about to

close the door, a firm force stopped it. Thalassa’s breath hitched.