Chapter 223

[Third Person's PoV] 

As they returned, Zeta's gaze shifted toward Alpha and her newborns. "Congratulations on your little ones, but I have urgent matters to attend to. If you will excuse me," Zeta said, offering a graceful bow.

She turned to Cid, pressing a brief, tender kiss to his lips. "I shall take my leave now, my lord," she said softly before vanishing into the shadows, utilizing her abilitys to teleport out of the Shadow dimension.

Cid watched her depart before being brought back to the present by Aurora's voice. "Cid, the thing," she said, gesturing to the tiny bundle in her arms—Celeste, their daughter.

"Ah, yes, you're right, I almost forgot about it" Cid said, handing Loriel to Beta, who was already cradling one of Alpha's infants in her other arm. He gave Beta a nod before stepping aside with Aurora.

Beta's eyes sparkled as she looked down at the baby in her arms. "With everything happening because of Celeste, we haven't had the chance to properly spoil these little ones," she said, her voice filled with affection as she traced her fingers across the baby's soft cheek.

The others gathered around, surrounding Alpha and Beta, cooing and murmuring sweet nothings to the tiny child. Their presence created a warm, harmonious bubble of laughter and whispers, the perfect backdrop to the tender scene unfolding nearby.

As Cid and Aurora walked further away from the others, they came to a secluded clearing where the noise faded into silence. Aurora held Celeste, who tilted her head curiously, her wide eyes reflecting confusion.

Cid sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Now comes the hard part of being a parent—administering punishments."

"Eh?" Celeste's tiny gasp was punctuated by a flinch. The word 'punishment' echoed in her mind, sparking a rush of worry. 'Punishment? Am I going to get spanked?'

Cid's expression turned stern, a seriousness settling into his eyes that made Celeste freeze. "Celeste, we've told you many times not to teleport by yourself. It's reckless and dangerous, yet you continue to disobey. I'll admit some of that fault lies with me for not being stricter, but I had hoped you would listen. Clearly, you haven't."

"I'm swrry, Dwddy," Celeste mumbled, her small voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes fell to the ground, lips trembling.

Cid reached out, causing her to shut her eyes tightly, bracing for the worst. But instead of pain, she felt the warmth of his hand resting gently on top of her head. Her eyes flew open in surprise.

"I know you're sorry, sweetheart, but you need to understand that what you did was extremely dangerous. You could have been hurt—or worse. That's why, as your punishment, I'm going to seal away your powers and abilities," Cid said, his voice unwavering.

Celeste's eyes widened in disbelief. Her lower lip jutted out in a pout, and she gave him the most imploring puppy-dog eyes she could muster. 'No! Not my super-duper awesome abilities! What am I going to do without them?'

Cid met her gaze with a calm, unmoving expression. The subtle quiver of her lips grew more pronounced as she realized it wasn't working.

With a determined thought, she let her eyes glisten with unshed tears, tiny stars twinkling around them as they shimmered.

Cid didn't falter. "I'm still sealing your abilities," he said, the decision resolute in his tone.

Celeste's expression shifted, and she turned her head to the side, clicking her tongue in frustration. Aurora raised an eyebrow at the sound, amusement dancing in her eyes as she stifled a laugh.

"Bwt... what abwout Swrious?" Celeste sniffled, her voice small and resigned. She knew there was no escaping her punishment. "Is Swrious going away too?" Tears welled up, and she began to cry softly. "Plwease don't take him away too," she pleaded, rubbing her eyes with her tiny fists.

Cid's expression softened. "I won't take Sirius from you. This punishment is meant to keep you safe, not to hurt you."

He lifted his hand above her face, fingers glowing with an ethereal, bright purple light. "I will now begin the sealing process. You will regain your powers and abilities when I'm sure you're ready and responsible enough to use them without putting yourself at risk."

Celeste's eyes widened one last time before they rolled back, her small frame going limp as sleep claimed her. Cid caught her swiftly, cradling her close. She instinctively nestled into his shoulder, her little arms wrapping around his neck as she murmured in her sleep, "I'm sworry... Dwddy."

A faint, bittersweet smile crossed Cid's face as he kissed the top of her head. "It's alright, my little princess. Rest now."

He looked up and met Aurora's gaze. She was beaming at him with a bright, smug smile. Cid raised an eyebrow. "What's with that look?"

"I don't know. Just seeing you being all serious and fatherly tugs at my heartstrings a little. It's... attractive," Aurora teased, taking his free hand in hers.

Cid rolled his eyes, a smirk ghosting his lips as he started walking with her. "There's nothing attractive about it. Do you know how many times I almost gave in and took back the punishment?"

Aurora rested her head on his shoulder. "But you didn't. That's what being a father is about—holding firm, not because you don't love them, but because you do. You did the right thing."

She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "And I think you're amazing for it."

Cid just had an awkward expression, "I just hope she doesn't hate or resent me… I think that would hurt me more than any stab wound I have ever received"

Aurora chuckled slightly, "Celeste is a very smart girl, she knows this is for her own good" Aurora then scoffed, "Plus that little girl is one big daddy's girl, she is probably more upset about the fact that she disappointed you and made you disappointed in her than you taking away her powers." 

Cid let out a sigh as he squeezed Aurora's hand, "I hope you're right…"