Telepathy was both a blessing and a curse, because in that moment, when they both came, Ward felt like he was dying and being brought back to life. His mind was assaulted by centuries of memories, from distant images of times long forgotten, to recent flashes—many starring Ward himself. And maybe... Maybe there was a spark of something else, impressions that were more feelings than anything else, belonging to that other presence between them, to their child. Overall, it was a million times more powerful than before, and Ward tried to hold onto it, to imprint every scene in his memory so that he could see and feel his mate and his baby forever.
He failed. There was only so much a human mind was capable of processing, and Ward’s shut down—perhaps out of self-preservation. Ward wasn’t even aware of it, not until he found himself opening his eyes and staring up at his mate’s concerned face.
It would have probably been more confusing if he hadn’t felt like he was floating on a big fluffy cloud. As it was, he smiled up at Mathias. “Well... When I manage to get my bones back, I really have to paint that.”
Mathias released a sigh of relief. “I admit I didn’t expect it to be so...”
He trailed off, and Ward nodded, because he knew exactly what he felt. No description could possibly match their experience. Distantly, he was aware that he must have blacked out for quite some time, since Mathias had already slid out of him and wiped him down. Even so, he wouldn’t have traded those feelings for the world.
Mathias had obviously been worried about him, but he must have realized Ward was all right, because he settled down on the pillows and pulled Ward close. “It’s okay now, Ward. We’re going to be okay.”
This time, Ward didn’t reply. He didn’t have to. Mathias already knew that Ward completely agreed. The pain of his loss had not faded, and it probably would never fully disappear. Even so, in that moment, as he lay in Mathias’s arms, Ward felt freer than ever. He closed his eyes and set his hand on his stomach. Yes, they were free, free to start over—and no one would dare to separate them again.