Nick and his circle of attorney friends had begun to uncover the corruption festering within the lower ranks of the dark organization. Over the course of several months, they managed to win several lawsuits. But their victories were confined to minor figures—the lower rungs of a vast and secretive ladder. The true leaders remained untouched, hidden away within fortified walls both legal and literal.
Sara herself couldn't reach them. Not while heavily pregnant, and certainly not when every step toward that world pulled her deeper into danger. Still, the legal pressure was enough to irritate the organization. And when irritation became risk, they retaliated—using the very laws meant to protect the innocent.
One of Nick's closest friends, a sharp and incorruptible attorney, was disbarred. Accused of breaching ethics simply for investigating too closely, he lost not just his license, but his family's standing. His wife, once a respected entrepreneur, could no longer find work in the city.
Nick wouldn't stand for it. He brought the couple into his family business, elevating them to president and vice president of the enterprise he'd inherited. It was both a lifeline and a quiet rebellion.
Now only Gay and Nick remained on the front lines—this time, more cautious, more strategic. Nick had studied law not for prestige or profit, but with one goal: to dismantle the organization from the roots up. And he still meant to do just that.
That afternoon, Nick and Sara were in the mansion's study. She was seven months along now, her rounded belly visible beneath a soft-knit dress. Her condition kept her from her silent work in the shadows. She could no longer slip into the night as an avenger cloaked in black.
And it broke her.
Nick wrapped his arms around her from behind, hands resting on her belly. He could feel the baby fluttering beneath his palms. Sara's eyes shut tight.
"He's crying," she said suddenly. "He can feel how useless I feel."
Tears slipped down her cheeks. Nick kissed her hair.
"Shh, love. Don't cry. Think of him. You're not useless, Sara. You're creating life. You're carrying our child."
He stroked her stomach gently and whispered words of love. The baby stirred again, this time with joy.
"He stopped crying," Sara whispered. "He's laughing now. You're a miracle worker, Nick. But I still feel so helpless. How can I protect anyone like this?"
"You already are," Nick murmured. "You're not alone. The twins and I—we're proud of you. You've given us everything."
As if summoned, Anthony and Ana burst into the room with wide grins. They rushed to kiss Sara's belly in unison, greeting their little brother. Laughter returned to the room.
Karin, their trusted friend and a trained doctor, ensured Sara and the baby remained in perfect health. She reassured Sara daily that everything would be fine, that protection now came from many hands.
Time passed quickly, and before long, the day of the birth arrived. It was a boy—his features an echo of Sara's. Strong, serene, and beautiful.
The delivery, a scheduled C-section at the city's most prestigious clinic, went smoothly thanks to Karin. The organization's previous attempt to render Sara sterile had failed.
During Sara's recovery, Karin and Lucy stayed constantly by her side, protecting both mother and child. That vigilance paid off. They uncovered three infiltrators—a doctor and two nurses—working for the organization.
Nick acted immediately, dispatching Javier to neutralize the threat while Karin and Lucy gathered evidence. The three infiltrators were arrested and charged with attempted homicide. Nick himself led the prosecution. Though the organization's name remained buried, justice found its mark.
Sara was kept in the dark. Stress was dangerous, and rest was her medicine. Nick made sure of it.
He spoke to the clinic's director, threatening legal action for negligence. The result was a quiet settlement and a promise that the clinic would never again serve as a hiding place for the enemy.
When Sara was finally discharged, she walked out of the clinic flanked by Karin, Lucy, and Nick—with their newborn asleep in her arms.
"That's why I'll always protect you," Nick told her gently. "You're my wife. You protect me and the kids, and I protect you."
"Thank you, my love," she whispered. Her eyes, tired but calm, glowed with quiet joy.
At home, the twins rushed to greet their parents and their new sibling. They couldn't stop staring at the baby.
Together, they placed him gently in the nursery cradle. Nick kissed the baby's forehead.
"Welcome home, my little love," he whispered.
He then turned to Sara and kissed her cheek with the same deep tenderness.
"And welcome home to you, my beautiful one."
Sara smiled brightly, her dark beauty radiant. The twins danced around them, laughing.
"What's our little brother's name?" they asked in unison.
"Ismael," Sara replied without hesitation. "After my older brother."
"It's beautiful," Nick said.
"Yeah! A beautiful name!" the twins chimed joyfully.
And so, the Archer home—once fractured, now whole—welcomed its newest light.
New Title: Cradle of Light and Shadow