Deathbelle leaned into Archon’s huge form as he curled around her this frame and their five pups at her belly. The mewling newborns suckled greedily, and despite still feeling exhausted from the birth she was excited. They started a family. No, she hadn’t made the decision to marry him yet but they had been made under contract. It was almost the same thing. Belle couldn’t help but admit to herself the thought of giving her vows to Archon was more than tempting.

Having him there beside her, so supportive to her through the whole ordeal. He remained, a strong presence in her moments of vulnerability. Belle nuzzled her features into his neck and took in his musky scent before sighing contentedly. ”So, how do you feel being a new dad?” She asked softly, unable to keep the smile from her face.

Archon curled snugly around his beloved and their large- and yet so small- litter. He was more content than he ever thought he could be. He had once or twice thought about never leaving the den ever again and just spending the rest of his life here with Belle and their children. Of course he had other things to tend to and another litter that pulled at his heart just as much as this one.

Deathbelle asked how it was to be a father. Archon sucked in a sleepy breath and stretched before curling firmly back into Belle. "I do not think I could possibly put it into words. I never thought something would feel so perfectly placed or that I could feel so deep of a love for such small beings," he rumbled, his words pausing for just a moment as he went to sink his nose deep into Belle's cheek fur. "Or that I could fall so deeply in love with the one who brought them into the world."

There he said it, but given the atmosphere, he didn't think she would reject him outright. He promised to be by her and he had no intention of breaking that, even if she withheld the vowed he so badly wanted to have. He couldn't deny his love for her and he knew she felt similarly, despite however much she held back for the benefit of those near to her.

"And how does it feel to be a new mother?"

Deathbelle relaxed against the one who held her tight, Archon’s warmth was more than enough to ward the frost from the den. His quiet presence made her feel safe and comfortable which soothed her and the litter of puppies. The Abraxas’s words were endearing as he spoke of their children. ”Archon,” she whispered sweetly as he told her in no uncertain terms that he loved her. She felt a fluttering in her stomach and her heart warmed as she pulled away only slightly to find his green eyes.

She let herself get lost in his emerald faceted gaze, her heart swelling as he held onto her tightly. He asked her the same question but before she answered she offered him a sweet kiss. ”I didn’t know it would be this amazing.” Their children were perfect, exemplary examples of their bloodlines. ”I.. there is something though.” She’d spoken briefly to Lucretia about these concerns. ”They’re.. different.” Not every pup displayed these oddities, but some of them were becoming much more obvious and concerning.

Archon listened as Deathbelle's sweet tones reached Archon's ears. He smiled warmly and that warmth reached his heart. Belle said there was something, however, but Archon didn't feel the concern yet. "Oh?" he simply said, reaching down to nuzzle each pup in turn. They seemed perfect to him and he couldn't see any reason they wouldn't be. They would be more than perfect, they would be divine.

After giving each pup light affections, Archon turned his attention back to Deathbelle, "What is it?" She held his attention as fast as she held his heart in this moment. There was nothing in the world except these pups and this woman and all the love they shared.

Being next to him was perfect, there was no pain like when she lay here next to Sirius. There was no weight of a name and pack on her shoulders like when Hannibal curled close. Archon fit beside her perfectly, and made her heart flutter. She wished she could be closer, but settled with being held close in his arms. This love was easy and pure, and she was beginning to believe their union was truly blessed by god. Except..

”They’re.. different.” She said, with her worry leaking into her voice as she made motion to the children. Calamity and two bumps on her forehead. Plague has similar nubs down his spine. Venom.. Her tongue is forked and the fur on her scruff isn’t right.” There were almost quills woven with the strands of fur.

As Deathbelle spoke of their children's oddities, Archon investigated each for himself. He found each claim to be true and settled back with a hum. It wasn't the worst thing. They seemed to be going strongly. As long as each continued to grow, Archon saw no need to worry, although he made a note to gather with Obi to pray over it later.

"And Lucrita has looked over them, right?" Archon said, his voice calm and level. "If they are developing normally, then perhaps these traits are not from genetics, but from God. Perhaps they are really meant to stand out as gods among wolves."