Melanie's POV

"Severus." My voice was soft and barely there, calling to him.

He leaned in with my hands on either side of his face.

I had a last push for the baby to come out.

He held tight to me as the baby finally came out. Just as I was about to finally test another wave of pain appeared.

Again I pushed and pushed.

I had unexpected twins.

One was quiet and the other crying.

Something within me knew one didn't make it...and even though I had birthed twins...my heart still felt heavy for the one that didn't make it.

Severus's deep gaze glued on me as if I'd disappear if he didn't.

"I can't have you die on me Melanie. I can't lose you. I can't." His grip tightened slightly.

"My dear Severus...everyone's story ends eventually. Mine just so happened to be shorter than I had expected. Unfortunately."

I lifted the corners of my mouth up for a smile but Severus's face didn't match mine.

"Now's not the time to smile like a fool."

"When is it ever my dear Severus. If anything you could smile a little more often."

"Melanie." He took my name with a sigh while the midwife walked into view.

She came to me with only one baby.

"Sorry Madam...the boy didn't make it..but the girl did."

I held my baby of green eyes and black hair in my arms with Severus beside me.

His grip on the side of the bed was so tight that his knuckles had turned white.

"A life for a life. At least she will live alongside you." I spoke.

Severus snapped at me.

"I won't let you. I won't let you be so stupid."

My head was feeling very light that I couldn't argue with him.

We had agreed if it was a girl her name would be Serena and it fit her perfectly.

"Take care of Serena for me. It won't be easy taking on two roles but I know you're more than capable. Know that what I do is out of love...it always has been and always will...Severus...I-"

And just like that I couldn't see anything anymore but black.

My very body seeming to feel farther and farther away.

———

Severus's POV

I now held our new born daughter in my arms.

She was so small and worth something special to me...but Melanie was all I could think about.

Was our time together really so short? When I finally found something of value in my life...why did I have to lose it...

It was as if the man I served under was only wanting me to ever live a miserable life.

I swore my fealty to him but now I was doubting my agreement. My vow.

At this point the only vow I wanted to keep was between my wife and I.

I could hardly look at Melanie as she lay limp on the bed.

"Midwife, take our child. Keep her safe while I figure this out...I need to save her."

She did as told, leaving the room as my knees buckled beneath me.

I can't break down like this.

Not now.

I have to help her while she's still barely there.

I arose from the floor with no tears.

"I will not give up on you Melanie. I dare not think of the idea. For if I do...I fear it will consume me to be weak. And I cannot be weak for you. I have to be strong for ...to save you in whatever way I can. Because I need you. Because I...love you." My lips touched hers as tears finally formed.

Still I did not let tears escape.

I promise I'll stay strong for you my dearest wife.

———

After some time I had hooked her up to breathing oxygen with what I had.

For now I had her stable but she was barely there, almost in a comma.

I studied day and night while also keeping on eye on our new born girl.

Her mother's sweet eyes and gentle smile made me have hope that everything was to be okay.

A small bundle of joy as many say.

"So I'm an uncle now."

So that peace of swine is still alive...how unfortunate.

I held a cold dagger that had been concealed in my left pocket up to Knox's throat as I held tight to the little one.

"No wands this time. I'm surprised."

"Why are you here?"

"I'm just here on a job." His hands raised up as if to surrender, which was highly unlikely.

"After all we do have the same boss. And let's just say he's far from happy with you. Going against his wishes...and even getting married. Having a daughter is the cherry on top. You're really striking out my friend."

"I'm not a friend to a pig." I couldn't hold back the rage I felt against this man.

"It's a figure a speech. Being your enemy is mutual. But my sister...she doesn't deserve to die just yet...not before she watches you suffer for your disobedience to orders."

"I would never carry them out."

"Your job was simply to keep her away from this place. And if necessary, to silence her."

"Why not give the job to you in the first place?" I looked down to see a sleeping baby, something I didn't want to have to end.

And never would I.

"Because he thought it conflict for me, I am her big brother in the end. But it seems blood will have to end blood. Since your child was destined to die as well. He saw the destruction of his order by your daughter's hands. That's why he gave you the mission of not doing what you did. Disobeying in the end."

"I will kill you. That is my promise because you will not lay a measly little finger on my wife."

A danger flashed across Knox's eyes.

"I look forward making you bleed. But first I must return my curse."

He laid his hand on Melanie's chest as to revive her and return his curse.

"Nothing would've saved her. Not even the amount of desperation you hold would have saved my sister."

As he spoke his cold words, looking at me he then glanced down at his sister whose eyes were filled with fear when seeing him.

"It's time for you to die Severus."