DISCLAIMER: I do not own any part of the Harry Potter series/franchise. This is not for profit. All rights belong to J.K. Rowling.
Author's note: These are just for fun. I only got into the Dramione ship last year. This story will have eventual Dramione, but since it's starting from the beginning, it's gonna be a slow burn. Hope you enjoy it.
Before marrying into the Malfoy Family, Narcissa Black came from one of the oldest Sacred Twenty-Eight pureblood families, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Toujours Pur, "Always Pure," was the Black family motto. As such, heavy expectations, responsibility, and hard-set prestigious beliefs on the importance of blood purity were thrust upon her. She was the youngest of three daughters: born to Cygnus Black III and Druella Black (née Rosier). Narcissa's looks were a rare exception as witches and wizards born into the House of Black were commonly dark-haired with dark-colored eyes. Her complexion was pale; she had piercing blue eyes and long blonde hair. Despite this difference, she still held the strong facial features of a Black, a shared similarity with her older sisters Bellatrix and Andromeda. Narcissa, like all members of the Black family, attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. By the time Narcissa graduated from school, she was the epitome of a pureblood lady: sophisticated, compliant, and well educated. And what better to befit Narcissa Black, a daughter from the Noble House of Black, than a marriage contract with Lucius Malfoy II, son of Abraxas Malfoy, from the wealthy aristocratic Malfoy Family. Lucius Malfoy was a tall young man with a pale complexion, pointy features, long white, blonde hair, and piercing grey eyes.
Lucius proved to be an incredibly gifted, intelligent, and ambitious wizard from his school years at Hogwarts to his early career in the Ministry of Magic. He was a model student, becoming a prefect by his fifth year and invited to join Horace Slughorn's exclusive 'Slug Club.' The two were sorted into Slytherin House, Lucius being two years her senior. Due to their family status, the two students became fast friends, as their peers and associates mingled within the same social circle.
In 1974, the Malfoy-Black wedding was the event of the year, marked with the attendance of more than half of the Sacred Twenty-Eight pureblood families to witness the union. Although their wedding was a happy occasion, it also served as a distraction from the broken marriage contract of her second-eldest sister Andromeda. Her sister's disregard of their pure-blood beliefs and elopement with a Muggle-born wizard caused an uproar within the Black household. Their parents detested any relation to their second-eldest daughter, going so far as burning her portrait off the Black Family Tree tapestry. Narcissa was torn between feeling sorrow and disgust at her sister's abandonment and choice to sully their family with a filthy Muggle-born. Much like the rest of her family, Narcissa continued in life as if Andromeda never existed.
The wedding took place in the summer in the Malfoy Estate gardens. House-elves were ushering guests into their seats, which were lined with narcissus and hydrangeas. Narcissa emerged in an elegant silver dress robe, twinkling fairy lights surrounding her as she walked towards Lucius. He was standing under the white willow tree, dressed in his finest deep blue silk dress robes. A ceremony official wrapped their joined hands with a delicate enchanted ribbon, beginning the ceremony.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls: Narcissa Black and Lucius Malfoy II..."
Trays of hors d'oeuvres were floating around, and an orchestra of floating instruments was spelled to supply the music. Abraxas Malfoy even served bottles of the family's superior red wine for the reception. As the celebration carried on into the night, Abraxas spelled the flowers from the seats to levitate. With a swish of his wand, the flowers burst all around them. Another swish caused the petals to transfigure into white butterflies that flew up into the night sky, bursting once more into a flurry of fireworks.
Narcissa moved into Malfoy Manor, Lucius's ancestral home in the country of Wiltshire, the next day. There they both indulged in the luxuries of the elite social society. She organized charity events due to Lucius's position in the Ministry of Magic. He enjoyed whisking her away on lavish overseas trips. The new Mrs. Malfoy was living the life of her dreams, married to the wizard she loves, taking comfort in their wealth and privilege. Now, she needed to fulfill her duty as a pure-blood wife by providing an heir. Unfortunately, this duty would prove to be the most challenging task. A year passed, and all seemed well during the first pregnancy. She was five months along, and their leading healer told the Malfoys to expect a healthy boy.
One night, Lucius was sitting upright on his bed reviewing papers Malfoy Apothecary, one of numerous family business branches. Narcissa was sitting in front of her vanity dresser across from him when she spoke, serenely brushing her hair.
"Lucius, I've thought of a name for our son."
"You needn't trouble yourself. I have already decided on a name," he replied absentmindedly.
Narcissa continued brushing her hair.
"Oh? And what have you chosen?" she said calmly.
"Absalon."
"Hmm…"
Lucius instantly heard the disapproving tone in his wife's voice.
"Absalon is a distinguished name, Cissa. It would honor the French lineage of my family," he said with a sense of finality.
"Yes, dear, but it would mean so much to me if we were to continue my family tradition," said Narcissa. She put down her brush to lovingly rub her stomach. "It feels right."
Lucius placed his papers down to continue their conversation but saw the look of pure happiness in his wife's reflection; he gave way to her suggestion.
"I suppose," he said lightheartedly, picking his papers back up to cover a sly smile. "After all, a name originating from the constellations high above all others suits an heir of the Malfoy Family just fine."
"Oh, Lucius…" said Narcissa in a voice of adoration. "Thank you."
"Anything for you, Cissa."
And so, he was named Pavo. In honor of his name, Lucius filled the gardens of Malfoy Manor with extravagantly rare albino peacocks. The Malfoys were so beside themselves with joy and love, they could not wait for the arrival of their son. Four more months, that was the plan, until one day, Narcissa was forced awake by a sudden pain to her stomach, blood soaking her legs and sheets. The healers were called and apparated at once to their chambers. 'Stillborn' was all she caught of the heated conversation between the healers and her husband; the rest of their words fell into low murmurs, replaced by the ringing in her ears. It would be an understatement to say that the Malfoys were miserable. They were completely and utterly devastated. Narcissa became a shell of her former self. She moved about aimlessly around the Manor and sat for hours on the library's second-floor balcony, overlooking the peacocks roaming the garden. Lucius found her out on the library balcony on a cloudy afternoon.
He approached her slowly.
"Love, please, talk to me," he begged. "The healers tell me that you refuse to speak to them, you have not taken any of the potions to sleep, you do not eat… you have not spoken a single word to me for weeks."
Narcissa continued to stare out onto the garden grounds, the peacocks roaming away from the Manor.
"Cissa…" Lucius's voice cracked as he knelt beside her.
Silence filled the library.
He closed his eyes and sighed in defeat. He stood, giving his wife a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder, and tenderly kissed her temple before leaving.
Narcissa knew vaguely that her husband tried being there for her. He took off from work those first few weeks to be with her, console her, and offer his support, but she was, for the most part, unresponsive. Since that day on the library balcony, Lucius did not show another moment of vulnerability. As Narcissa continued to resign herself to silence, Lucius chose to bury himself with the family business, hardly coming home for days. When he was present, he would rest a hand on her shoulder, smelling of Ogden's finest firewhiskey, with a distant look in his eyes before walking away. Their grief and mourning went on for the remainder of the year before they attempted to try again.
Excitement, love, and concern surrounded Narcissa's second pregnancy. Three months in without complications had both Malfoys ecstatic. Their new leading healer ensured them that baby was forming right on schedule and the physical health of mother and child exceeded expectations. It would take another month or two to find out the gender. The Malfoys were already hoping for another boy, with Narcissa choosing to name him Volans. In commemoration of Volans's birth, Lucius bought flying seahorses to inhabit the lake within the Malfoy Estate. Narcissa walked to the gazebo, gazing at the water while gently caressing her stomach. She watched the flying seahorses swim with the other fish, gliding up above the water to dive back in. The days went on peacefully for another month until she felt the familiar stabbing pain in her abdomen. She panickily apparated into the office of their leading healer. In her frenzy, she splinched herself, blood running down her thighs and arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Lucius arrived minutes later, a wild look in his eyes. He saw her standing there, blood-soaked and crying.
He immediately ran to her side.
"Cissa! Cissa, I'm here," he said, grasping her tightly around her shoulders.
"Lucius. Lucius, the baby… oh gods, the baby – I…" said Narcissa hysterically.
She was cradling her still slightly swollen belly, tears running down her face.
"Not my baby… not again…" she kept mumbling.
"It's alright, love," said Lucius softly. "The healers will help us. They will save our child. It's alright now."
"Mr. Malfoy," said an authoritative voice from behind.
Lucius turned his head sharply, looking directly at their new leading healer.
"What is this?! You assured me that her pregnancy was progressing as planned! Why is this happening again?! And think carefully of your answer, or you will find yourself out of St. Mungo's and without a career for the rest of your days," he said threateningly.
"There is no need for hostility, Mr. Malfoy," said the healer, flipping through Narcissa's charts. "If you will, please lead Mrs. Malfoy to the bed so we may get started on healing her. We will do all that we can to save your child. I will also need your assistance in convincing her to take this calming draught. I tried explaining to her myself, but as you can see."
"Yes, yes, fine," he bit out.
Turning back to his trembling wife in his arms, he gently directed her towards the hospital bed.
"Cissa, love, the healers are going to help us now, but I need you to take this calming draught before they begin," Lucius held out the potion. "Please, Cissa,"
Narcissa anxiously took the vial from her husband's hand. She drank the potion and let him lead her to the bed, holding his hand until she stopped shaking.
They first healed her cuts with Essence of Dittany. When she was stable, they began using extensive healing spells to save the baby. None of the spells were working.
Both Malfoys left St. Mungo's brokenhearted.
Their days carried on very much like the year before. Narcissa hardly spoke or interacted with anyone, and Lucius devoted many nights locked away in his study.
Six months went by. One night, Narcissa dreamt of being suffocated by a black smoke slithering its way into her body. She woke in the middle of the night, gasping for air. Instinctively, she reached out for her husband but found him missing from their bed. There was something off in the air, and she felt a knot form in her stomach. Worried, she decided to check his office in the west wing. It was unnervingly quiet in the Manor except for her soft footfalls on the marble floors. She noticed the faint glow of candlelight peaking underneath the door and heard muffled voices as she cautiously approached her husband's personal study.
"— strike here next," said a gruff voice.
"— too obvious. — Ministry — even I will not —" replied a drawling voice, one she recognized as her husband's.
"A moment, Lucius," said another drawling voice, their steps drawing closer to the door. "Muffliato."
The voices became a suppressed buzzing sound. Narcissa had never heard of such a spell before. She reluctantly moved far enough to apparate back into their bedroom with a soft pop, landing in front of their bed, unable to fall asleep. When she joined her husband for breakfast the following day, she mentioned his absence, to which he gave an offhanded answer. She did not bring up the subject again.
As it turned out, Lucius spent the last year reconnecting with Slytherin schoolmates and alumni, all of whom are pure-blood inclined. They were frequently invited over for dinners; the usual group consisted of Nott Sr., Crabbe Sr., Goyle Sr., the Lestrange brothers, the half-blood Severus Snape, and Regulus Black. The Lestrange brothers were constantly attending due to the oldest brother, Rodolphus, being married to his wife's sister, Bellatrix. Severus Snape, a fifth-year, was befriended by Lucius during his first year and has since kept in touch. Regulus Black, a fourth-year and a new addition, often attended because he was his wife's first cousin. Their conversations at the dinner table were often of business, complaining about the Ministry's policies, discussing the news on the Daily Prophet, and criticizing the newly appointed headmaster at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. A constant shortcoming of the current headmaster was his sentiments towards Muggles and Muggle-borns. After dinner, Lucius and his friends, along with Bellatrix, would retreat into his private study. Severus and Regulus, being the youngest of the group, often remained behind with Narcissa.
She said nothing against Lucius's association with most of these companions because they shared the same pure-blood inclined beliefs. However, she didn't like the glint of madness in the eyes of the older gentlemen or the sinister air that radiated from them. In their presence, her husband began to change. His personality took on a sadistic twist. His emotions became perfectly hidden beneath a callous mask, and the determination in his eyes was replaced with a cold severity. She couldn't shake the feeling that her husband's activities may be lining up with the recent actions of a rising organization.
Over the next two years, the Malfoys didn't try for another child. The death of their first two children crushed both of their hearts, causing a rift to form between them. Lucius detached himself entirely, keeping himself away from the Manor for days at a time to attend business meetings and forge new contracts with foreign markets. When Lucius would return home, they were seldom alone. Many of his companions, Bellatrix, Regulus, and Severus, continued to dine with them for meals and regularly dropped by the Manor.
Narcissa formed closer relationships with her cousin Regulus and the half-blood Severus Snape. She would prepare tea and biscuits, chatting with them for hours since the two boys were constantly left behind once the others gathered in Lucius's study. Tea and biscuits soon became a frequent routine between the three.
She learned that the two boys were only a year apart. Regulus possessed the same Black family traits: dark hair, dark eyes, and a haughty expression. He was a bright boy, Seeker for the Slytherin team, and scouted by Professor Slughorn to join his infamous Slug Club. In many of their visits, Regulus expressed his ambition to become a profound member of the group her husband and his companions were in, divulging that the group leader was a powerful wizard and held great ideals of pureblood supremacy. He often struggled at home due to his older brother, Sirius, constantly defying their parent's wishes and denouncing their pureblood beliefs. The pressure of becoming the future Head of the family at a young age weighed heavily on his shoulders. She found a kindred spirit in Regulus; they shared the same responsibilities, the same loyalty to family, and were abandoned by their older siblings.
On the other hand, Severus was a stringy individual with a sallow complexion, long, black oily hair, and a large, hooked nose. He never spoke of his parents or home life, only addressing that his mother, a pureblood witch, married a Muggle and had one child. Throughout their visits, Narcissa discovered his familiarity and incredible talent in the Dark Arts. He was very clever at creating spells, such as charms and curses, even dabbling in healing magic, while keeping up with the required curriculum. His creativity carried on into potioneering, expressing his love of rare ingredients, the importance of enhancing a potion's effects, and pursuing alchemical knowledge. Narcissa admired Severus's skills, proficiency, and intellect, and there was never a dull moment in their conversations. She broached the subject of the group that has been terrorizing the wizarding world an odd number of times, but it was becoming clear that Severus didn't know enough to give her the information she wanted.
Narcissa felt the rift between her and Lucius widening. In a desperate attempt to gather information on what her husband was doing, she planned to ask Bellatrix during their afternoon tea.
She sat in the drawing room, reading a Herbology book Severus lent her. The sound of the roaring fireplace signaled her sister's arrival.
"Cissy!" Bellatrix's voice rang throughout the manor.
Narcissa called for their house-elf.
"Dobby."
With a faint pop, Dobby appeared beside her, bowing low to the ground.
"You is calling Mistress?"
"Prepare tea and biscuits on the terrace. We shall be there shortly."
"Dobby will ready the tea at once, Mistress," said the house-elf, trembling slightly.
"If you are quick enough, she will not see you," she instructed. This wasn't the time for Dobby's hysterics.
"Yes, Mistress."
Another faint pop left Narcissa alone. She stepped out into the hall to meet her sister.
"Cissy!" said Bellatrix warmly, kissing both sides of her face.
"Bella," she smiled in reply. "I hope I'm not tearing you away from anything important. It's been too long since we last had tea together. Come, join me outside."
The two women entered the ballroom, walking past the French doors to the terrace. Teapot, cups, and a plate full of biscuits were neatly set on the table. Narcissa flicked her wand, casting a warming charm to keep the tea at a perfect temperature.
Bellatrix settled herself onto one of the chairs, dropping a spoonful of sugar into her cup.
"It feels good to be back here with you, sister," said Bellatrix, stirring her tea.
"I've missed you as well," said Narcissa, setting down the teapot. "I can only imagine where you've been these last few weeks."
Bellatrix's face lit up in a way Narcissa had never seen.
"I've wanted to talk to you about this in more detail! But with everything going on here, it seemed best to wait."
Narcissa laughed lightly. Her older sister was not known for being patient.
"It appears I've missed out on quite a bit in your life. You've been happier than I've seen you since—"
"Do not speak of it," said Bellatrix, her face filled with contempt.
It was a taboo subject. Despite their middle sister's disownment and status as a blood traitor, they had loved her once.
An awkward silence fell upon them until Narcissa spoke again with a gentle tone.
"Will you tell me, Bella, about what you've been up to?"
Bellatrix launched into a recollection of everything she had been doing since the wedding. She explained how she, Rodolphus, and his brother, joined a group called Death Eaters. Their leader was a powerful dark wizard who encouraged and enforced usage of the Dark Arts to further pursue the purification and control of the wizarding world. Their goal was to eliminate blood traitors, half-bloods, Mudbloods, Muggles, half-breeds, and even magical creatures who opposed their rule. She was raving on about their extreme pureblood ideology and how they've been eradicating all these impurities, murdering scores of wizards, witches, and Muggles. She revealed how their organization was strategically filling positions in the Ministry to set up new bills and legislation in their favor.
Narcissa kept calm and collected as her sister fanatically sang praises of this leader, a wizard named Voldemort, claiming the name of Dark Lord. Bellatrix lifted the robe from her left arm, showing the Dark Mark, a sign of loyalty and fealty to their leader. Narcissa sipped her tea, unable to process the ease with which her sister smiled and laughed when describing the countless deaths she caused. She and Bellatrix had always been close and affectionate towards each other since their youth, but it seems Bellatrix was no exception to the Black family's madness. It had been prevalent in their cousin, Sirius, and his mother, Walburga. Under this Dark Lord, her sister's sadistic and cruel nature had finally found its outlet. Lucius has always been ambitious; was he tricked to follow down this same path? Is this what he truly wants for their family?
"What do you think, Cissy? Isn't it incredible? Your future children will live in a world that the Dark Lord has created for them, free of filth and vermin. A world where only purebloods govern," Bellatrix breathed, her eyes gleaming with pride.
"It truly is amazing, Bella," she replied kindly. "And Lucius has joined this Death Eater group as well? He has been on similar missions?"
"He's taken the Dark Mark, just as we all have, and doing his part in ridding our world of those disgusting Muggles. He also provides valuable connections with various high-ranking officials in the Ministry. You should be proud; Lucius is well on his way to becoming part of the Dark Lord's inner circle."
"Yes, of course."
"Will you join us then?"
Narcissa was stunned silent for a few moments before regaining her composure.
"I will confer with Lucius on the matter," she said quietly, wringing her hands together. "I want to try giving him an heir again."
"That's wonderful, Cissy!" Bellatrix exclaimed. She stood, crossing over to Narcissa's side to place a kiss on her forehead. "It will happen this time, I'm sure of it."
"Thank you, Bella," she whispered, embracing her sister.
They walked together to the floo, Bellatrix squeezing her hand before departing in a burst of green flames.
Her worst fears having been answered, Narcissa made her way their owlery, flicking her wand and incanting "Accio" to summon a roll of parchment, quill, and inkwell. Once there, she scribbled a hasty letter, addressing it to Lucius, and tying it to the leg of Crios, their Great Grey Owl. Despite Lucius's ambition and yearning for glory, Narcissa assumed she could count on him to put their family first and foremost.
A week has passed since she sent Crios. Her eyes glistened as she sank into an armchair in Lucius's study. Narcissa couldn't deny that she agreed with the Death Eater's values and wished for them to achieve their end goal. It was another thing entirely to sink to the Muggles' level of barbarism. Mindlessly murdering, torturing, and maiming – such actions held no cunning, no elegance, no class. And, according to Bellatrix, Lucius has taken part and reveled in it. At the behest of a dark wizard who referred to himself as a Dark Lord. Her husband, a proud, worthy son of the Malfoy Family, bowing to another and swearing eternal allegiance.
Narcissa started pacing to ease the tension when Dobby appeared, frantically grabbing at his ears.
"Mistress! Dobby is reporting, as ordered, that Master has returned! He is holding something, Mistress… something evil!"
Dobby trembled all over, his eyes widening as he pulled his ears down. He fell to the ground, breaking out in pitiful wails.
"Dobby! Control yourself this instant!"
"Yes, Mistress!" choked Dobby.
She stopped her pacing for a moment. Something evil? A gift from that Lord Voldemort? Or…?
"Leave. Now," Narcissa ordered.
Dobby bowed low to the ground, disapparating with a snap. She took a deep breath, resuming her seat in the armchair, and waited for her husband.
The doors of the study swung open, Lucius strode in, holding a letter and black book. He saw her sitting in the armchair and walked to her side.
"Cissa. Are you alright? What was so urgent?" he asked, his eyebrows contracted slightly.
"I'm fine, Lucius," Narcissa replied gently. She eyed the book warily, a disturbing hum of magic reverberating from it. It was unsettling. She steadied her resolve, cutting straight to the point. "I wanted to discuss the matter of your position as Death Eater."
Lucius's eyebrows unknitted, raising them to his forehead. She stared into his eyes, causing him to bristle under her glare. He didn't reply right away and instead stepped toward his desk, opening a drawer to retrieve an enchanted box. The lid flew open when he muttered an incantation. He placed the black book inside, magically sealing it before locking it in the drawer.
"I see. Am I correct in assuming Bellatrix told you?"
"Yes. I tried getting information out of Regulus and Severus, but neither boy knew enough."
Lucius hummed in agreement as he stood, grabbing a bottle of Ogden's firewhiskey from the cabinet. He set out two glasses, pouring a generous amount in each.
"Is everything Bellatrix said true, Lucius?" choked Narcissa, taking the glass from his hand.
"Yes."
Narcissa stood up abruptly, drinking the amber liquid in one gulp.
"And that book – does it have something to do with this Dark Lord?"
Lucius leaned on the edge of his desk, swirling the contents lazily as he stared at her.
"Cissa, I am doing this for us," he replied calmly.
"No! I will not have you associated with such… crude violence and murder," Narcissa bit out, her words almost rising up to a shrill. "That is what uncivilized, boorish dregs do. You are a Malfoy, a pureblood! Yet you subject yourself to the methods of those beneath us!"
Lucius's eyes were wide with a shock, recoiling as if his wife had flung a curse at him.
"I am nothing like those filthy vermin!" he spat, slamming his glass down onto the desk. "The Dark Lord's power will rid the world of them by any means necessary! I assumed that you, of all people, would support this cause."
"Do you hear yourself, Lucius? This wizard claims himself a 'Dark Lord,' and you throw yourself at his feet! You are unquestioning and submit to his whims! Who is he? What is his family name?" she spoke heatedly.
When she did not hear an answer, Narcissa let out a deep sigh. She approached him slowly, placing her hand on his chest.
"Yes, he spins an ideal vision, and yes, so far, he appears powerful enough to eradicate our world of these impurities, but Lucius, I implore you… do not be deceived," she pleaded.
He inclined his head slightly in her direction, eyebrows furrowed, a cold look in his eyes.
"You take me for a fool, Cissa?" he said through gritted teeth.
"No, of course not, but I know of your ambitions, your hunger for power. There are times where I fear that craving is stronger than your affections for me…" replied Narcissa softly.
"Never," he assured her, raising his hand to gently caress her cheek. "Everything I do and everything that I am, are for you and the future of our family."
Narcissa leaned into his touch.
"I want to try again, Lucius. I want to give you an heir. I want to —"
"Anything for you, Cissa."
Lucius held Narcissa close, his gaze trailing back towards his desk. He felt her relax, the heavy burden leaving her shoulders to rest on his heart.
A year later, the Malfoys tried once more, and Narcissa found herself with child. Apprehension, fear, and uncertainty built up inside her as this marked her third pregnancy. Their attitudes were far from doubtful after three months. Another five months later, both Malfoys were overjoyed.
The ninth month slithered in easily on a warm June morning. Narcissa sat inside the gazebo, a cooling charm cast to keep the summer heat out, watching the peacocks graze and the flying seahorses glide above the water. She was content and happy, reading another one of Severus's books while caressing her swollen stomach. Her fingers flipped the page when a warm liquid trickled down her legs, followed by pressure on her back and unfamiliar cramping pain. Out of fear, she urgently summoned Dobby, instructing him to fetch their healer and her husband straightaway. After being transported to the Manor's delivery room, she spent hours in labor. The wailing cries announced her child's arrival into the world, and as the pain slowly subsided, she cried along with him. After the healers calmed the newborn down and wrapped him up, they placed him securely into her trembling arms.
The doors to the delivery room opened slightly, a tall figure reluctantly moving toward the mother and child.
"Cissa… are you… is he?" the figure breathed out.
Lucius faltered a step when he caught sight of his wife and child on the bed, both safe and alive. He regained his stride, sitting next to them, holding his wife, and sleeping son in a gentle embrace.
Narcissa swayed her newborn, lightly running her fingers through his small tuft of pale blonde hair.
"Draco," she cooed softly.
When her baby opened his grey eyes, looking at her with wonder, a newfound feeling of love and loyalty surged through her. She had never felt such a raw, tender, and unconditional love and devotion like this before. She knew that she would do absolutely anything to protect him.