Just like the family portrait hanging behind them.
665. A Night at Kiana's Home
The nights at Kiana's Home were always fulfilling. In the dead of night, Otto worked hard with Durandal, trying to make her follow in the footsteps of her two younger sisters.
But Durandal was Otto's publicly acknowledged Strongest Valkyrie. To avoid affecting the next day's affairs, once the midnight bells rang, Otto pulled away, and the two embraced as they fell asleep.
After Durandal had fallen sound asleep, Otto quietly left.
He then went to Kiana's bedroom to see whether she had covered herself properly. If she had not, Otto would tuck her in.
Perhaps it was karma for Otto's sins, but when he reached Kiana's bedside, she suddenly opened her eyes.
Bathed in moonlight, caught between darkness and radiance, Kiana and Otto stared wide-eyed at each other.
"...I'm still pregnant."
After a while, Kiana finally spoke in a faint voice, her azure eyes filled with both resentment and helplessness.
Otto smiled helplessly.
He reached out his hand to Kiana, just like he had that night.
Kiana instinctively tensed her waist.
A scene from her nightmare was repeating itself.
But unlike last time, Otto did not lift Kiana's blanket. Instead, he tucked it back over her, where she had kicked it beneath her belly.
Looking at Kiana, Otto pinched her cheek, earning a glare from her.
"Good night."
Otto said softly, then turned and left before Kiana could react.
"Good night..."
Perhaps it had been an illusion, but Otto vaguely heard that quiet murmur.
Leaving Kiana's bedroom, Otto went to Kiana's room. She was sleeping soundly, but tiny glimmers of tears clung to her tightly shut eyes.
Kiana knew Otto had entered Durandal's room tonight. Though she had told Durandal to keep an eye on Otto,