Eight years had passed since that unforgettable day—the day Audrey had turned one. Ash stood in front of the large windows of their palace, looking out over the kingdom that she and her husband ruled. The sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a warm glow over the room, but Ash's focus was not on the view. Her gaze rested on the busy scene inside their home.

The sound of laughter echoed through the halls, and Ash smiled softly, hearing her children’s voices as they played.

Audrey, now eight years old, was racing around the garden with her younger brother, Ace. Ace was a lively and adventurous five-year-old, always running and exploring, much like his father had been at that age. The two siblings were inseparable, spending their days playing games, creating mischief, and helping Ash with little tasks around the house.

In the nursery, Ash could hear the soft cooing of their youngest child, Willow, who was just a month old. She had her father’s dark, rich eyes and Ash’s delicate features, a perfect mix of both her parents. Though she was still so small and fragile, Willow had already shown the same fiery spirit that Audrey and Ace had—though it would take time for that little spark to fully reveal itself.

Ash glanced over at her husband, the prince-turned-king, who was sitting on the couch nearby, watching her with a fond smile. He had his arm around her, his presence comforting and steady. It was hard to believe how much had changed over the years—how much they had both grown since the time when they were just two young rulers learning to navigate the complexities of running Heaven and Hell together. Now, they had three beautiful children, each one bringing more joy and meaning into their lives than they had ever imagined.

Ash’s thoughts were interrupted when Ace came running into the room, his face flushed with excitement. He bounded over to her, a big grin on his face, his wild curls bouncing with every step. "Mom! Mom!" he called, his energy infectious. "Audrey said I can help her make a flower crown for Willow! Can I? Can I?"

Ash couldn’t help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. "Of course, sweetheart," she said, reaching down to ruffle his hair. "But don’t pick too many flowers, okay? We need to leave some for the garden."

Ace nodded seriously, as if that was the most important rule to follow. "I promise!" he said, before running back toward the garden, his excitement renewed.

Ash smiled softly, watching him go. Her heart was full. She loved seeing the bond that her children shared, how they cared for each other and how deeply they loved their little sister. Audrey had always been protective of Ace, and now, with Willow in the picture, the two of them had become little helpers, taking turns with feeding bottles and entertaining the baby whenever she cried.

"Everything’s so perfect," Ash said quietly, turning back to her husband, who was now standing beside her, his arms encircling her waist.

He gave her a soft smile, his voice low and full of affection. "It really is. You’re amazing, Ash. I’m so proud of you."

Her eyes softened as she leaned her head against his chest. "I couldn’t have done it without you," she whispered. "Without all of you."

He kissed the top of her head, holding her close for a moment. "We’ve built something beautiful together."

And it was true. From the very beginning, when Ash had been unsure of where her place was—whether in Heaven, in Hell, or in between—they had created a home. A family. Together, they had overcome every challenge that had come their way. They had shown the world that Heaven and Hell could work together, could exist as one, if only people were willing to try.

And now, with their three children, Ash felt like they had everything they could ever need.

The sound of Willow’s soft cry came from the nursery, and Ash immediately pulled away from her husband, moving toward the sound.

"I’ll get her," Ash said softly, but the prince shook his head.

"No, I’ve got it," he said with a warm smile. "You’ve been up all night with her. Let me handle it."

Ash smiled gratefully, stepping aside so he could take care of their youngest. "Thank you," she whispered.

As he left the room, Ash sat back down on the couch, her gaze drifting to the family portraits hanging on the wall. She looked at the smiling faces of Audrey, Ace, and Willow—each one so unique, but all so much a part of her. Each of them was a reflection of the love she and the prince had built together. They were a reminder of how far they had come.

Eight years ago, Ash had never imagined her life would be like this. There had been so many unknowns, so much uncertainty. But now, she couldn’t imagine it any other way. She had found her place—not just as the queen of Heaven and Hell, but as a mother, a wife, and a woman who had fought for her family’s future.

When her husband returned, Willow peacefully sleeping in his arms, Ash stood and walked over to him. She took their daughter from his arms and smiled down at her tiny face. Willow’s features were still soft and cherubic, her little hands clenching and unclenching as if she were dreaming.

"She’s perfect," Ash whispered, her voice filled with tenderness.

"Just like her siblings," the prince said, his voice full of love and pride. "They’re all perfect in their own way."

Ash looked at him, her heart full of emotion. “I can’t believe we have three of them.”

“I can,” he said with a smile. “You’re an incredible mother. I always knew you’d be amazing at this.”

A warmth spread through Ash at his words. She looked back at their children playing outside, their laughter filling the air. The day felt perfect, and she knew that the future held nothing but more love and joy for them.

"Let’s make sure we keep this home full of love," Ash said, turning back to her husband.

He smiled at her and nodded. "I think we’re off to a good start."

They stood together, watching their children, knowing that their family would continue to grow in love and strength. Together, they had created something extraordinary—a legacy that would last forever.

And in this moment, Ash knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be: surrounded by her family, by the love they had built, and by the future that was just beginning.

The future of Heaven and Hell, now united. The future of a family bound together by more than blood—by love.