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CHAPTER 29
Rendal
Iwake up with a start, disoriented for a moment until I realize I'm in Chloe's bed. The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. I blink, my orc eyes adjusting to the brightness.
An unfamiliar yet welcome sense of peace and happiness washes over me. For the first time in a long while, I wake up feeling truly content, my usually tense muscles relaxed.
I stretch, feeling the soft sheets against my green skin, and inhale deeply. The scent of Chloe lingers on the pillow, a mix of lavender and something uniquely her. It's intoxicating.
I run a hand through my short, dark hair, still marveling at how different this morning feels compared to my usual rushed wake-ups. There's no urgent need to check my phone for work emails or project updates. Instead, I find myself wanting to savor this moment, to bask in the afterglow of last night's unexpected but incredible turn of events.
As I stretch my muscular frame and sit up, I catch the delicious aroma of pancakes wafting in from the kitchen. Thescent brings a smile to my face, and I feel my heart swell with affection.
I quickly get dressed, pulling on my jeans and running a hand through my short, dark hair. I make my way down the hall, following the enticing smell.
The sight that greets me in the kitchen makes my breath catch. Chloe stands at the stove, her hair tousled from sleep, wearing a big t-shirt that hangs loosely on her smaller frame.
She's humming softly as she flips a pancake, the spatula looking tiny in comparison to my large hands. Zola and Penelope sit at the table, giggling as they draw on paper placemats.
My little half-orc princess looks up at me, her blue eyes - so like mine - sparkling with joy. "Daddy!" she exclaims, and I feel my heart melt all over again.
"Daddy?" Chloe says as she spins around. "I only see a sleepyhead!"
"No!" Penelope shouts. "Mommy, do pancake alien!"
I can't help but grin as I watch Chloe's antics. She grabs an old colander off the counter and puts it on her head like a helmet, waving the spatula around like some kind of intergalactic weapon.
"Greetings, Earthlings!" she announces in a ridiculous, high-pitched voice. "I am Chef Zorgon from the planet Pancakia! Behold my otherworldly flapjacks of doom!"
Zola and Penelope are in stitches, their laughter echoing through the kitchen. I struggle to keep a straight face as Chloe continues her performance.
"These are no ordinary pancakes," she declares, flipping one with exaggerated flair. "They have the power to turn any grumpy morning person into a ball of sunshine! Observe!" She pretends to aim the spatula at me like a ray gun. "Pew pew! Take that, sleepyhead!"
I play along, clutching my chest dramatically. "Oh no! I've been hit by the pancake ray! I'm feeling... so... cheerful!"
The girls howl with laughter, and I can't hold back anymore. I burst out laughing, my deep chuckle mixing with their giggles.
Chloe catches my eye, a mischievous glint in hers. She looks so adorable with that colander on her head, pancake batter smeared on her cheek, that I can't resist. I cross the kitchen in two strides and sweep her into my arms, colander and all.
"Good morning, Chef Zorgon," I say, my voice husky with amusement and affection. "Your pancakes smell out of this world."
Chloe grins up at me, her cheeks flushed. "Why, thank you, kind Earthling. Would you like to try my special recipe? It comes with a side of silliness and a large helping of love."
"I'd love nothing more," I reply, leaning in for a kiss.
"Ewww!" Zola and Penelope chorus, giggling madly.
We break apart, laughing along with the girls. The kitchen is filled with joy and light-heartedness, and I can't remember the last time I felt this happy.
I join the girls at the table, sliding into the seat next to Chloe. The stack of pancakes in the center looks delicious, golden-brown and fluffy. I can't help but grin as I watch Zola and Penelope eagerly pile their plates high.
"Easy there, munchkins," I chuckle, reaching for the syrup. "Leave some for the rest of us."
As I pour a generous amount of syrup over my own stack, I listen to the girls' excited chatter about their plans for the day. Zola's talking a mile a minute about the new playground at the park, while Penelope interjects with her own ideas for a tea party with her stuffed animals.
"And then we can have a picnic!" Zola exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement. "Can we, Daddy? Please?"
I nod, unable to resist her enthusiasm. "Sounds like a plan, princess. We'll pack some sandwiches and snacks."
