It was a cold night in Fern's village. Most had already gone quiet, lights out, doors shut, everyone drifting into sleep.

  Except for one small house...

  Faint glow flickering from its lone window.

  “IT'S A GIRL!!”

  A man’s shout tore through the night, followed by the sharp cry of a newborn.

  The fire crackled weakly in the hearth, its warmth dancing across the mother’s tired, sweat-soaked face. She lay back on the bed, trembling but smiling, holding a tiny baby girl in her arms—freshly born, still red and wiggly, still crying her heart out.

  The father leaned in immediately, squishing the baby’s cheeks with both hands, trying desperately to cheer her up.

  “Look at you,” he whispered, awe in his voice. “You got your mother’s eyes and hair… as blue as Lapis. Why didn’t you leave some for me?”

  The mother pulled the baby closer, hugging her tight.

  “No need to cry,” she murmured softly. “I’m here. You’re safe in my arms.”

  The baby quieted, soothed by her mother’s warmth.

  “Darling…” the mother said softly.

  Hale snapped to attention. “Y-Yes?”

  “What should we name her?”

  She lifted her tired eyes toward him, the kind of gentle look that could melt metal.

  The baby turned too—her little head tilted—staring at him as if she was also wondering.

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  Hale froze.

  It was like the whole world was watching him.

  He looked away. Scratched his head-Coughed.

  “Ehm… well… this is a baby girl, right?”

  Both mother and daughter stared. Expectation in their eyes.

  “I wasn’t expecting a girl…” he muttered under his breath.

  He looked back—only to be met with the deadliest glare he had ever seen in his life. A stare sharp enough to slice mountains in half.

  Gulp-

  Having to face that, his mind went blank. He crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and pretended to think.

  “Hmmp…”

  He cracked one eye open to check if the danger had lowered.

  It had not!

  Meryl was still staring—absolutely ready to eat him alive.

  “My name is Hale… you’re Meryl…” he mumbled, voice cracking.

  Meryl didn’t blink. Didn’t breathe. Only glared harder.

  “Harlyn—”

  He said it so quietly, almost didn’t exist.

  “Harlyn!” Meryl repeated it proudly, like she’d just heard the most beautiful word in the world.

  Relieved, Hale immediately shouted.

  “YES! Our daughter shall be named Harlyn Grandal!”

  Meryl’s expression softened at last. She closed her eyes gently, then gazed down at her newborn daughter.

  “My Harlyn… my first-born precious child…”

  Tears fell down her cheeks—soft, warm drops. Not even the pain of childbirth had made her cry. But seeing her daughter alive and healthy… those tears came from pure joy.

  “Harlyn… I will always be beside you to protect you," she whispered. "I’ve waited so long just for this moment.”

  Suddenly Hale shot to his feet, placing a hand over his chest like a knight taking an oath.

  “Harlyn! As your father, with every ounce of power I have, I promise to never let you—nor your mother—ever be hurt in any way!”

  The baby laughed, a tiny giggle, arms wiggling up toward him.

  Meryl smiled and lifted the baby, offering her to Hale.

  He took her carefully, then raised her high toward the ceiling.

  “One day,” he said, voice full of proud and hope, “you’ll be able to reach as high as you are now!”

  And on that cold, quiet night, the tiny house glowed brighter than anything else in the village.