The brisk breeze of early autumn rustled through the trees.  The moon hung low overhead, casting its silvery light over the land.  The night was one worth remembering, though Gwendolyna paid little attention to her surroundings.  She sat alone in the garden with far more than just nerves making her nauseous.

“What troubles you, my love.”

The gentle sound of Richter’s voice startled her.  She had been so imbued in her thoughts that she hadn’t heard him approach.  She attempted to raise her eyes to face him, but couldn’t meet his.  Grief and shame had consumed her.

“Speak to me, Gwen,” he said, reaching for her hand.  His thumb brushed across the back of her frigid hand.  “Whatever ails you, make it known.  It pains me to see you so full of sorrow.”

What she faced was something that was necessary to share with him of all beings, but she found herself reluctant.  Yet when he looked at her with those soft blue eyes and genuine concern, she knew what must be done.

“I’m… with child,” she admitted.

Richter was taken aback as her confession hung in the air.  He took a seat beside her, legs weak from the news.  He couldn’t believe the words that rung in his ears.  Gwen?  With child?  He was elated, of course, but had long written off the idea of being a father.

“You’re certain of this?” he questioned.  He didn’t ask out of doubting his beloved.  For years, he had been under the assumption that women of her kind could not bear life.  It was known that human and vampire could procreate.  Yet in those cases, such as Alucard, the woman was always the mortal.  The thought of an heir to carry on the Belmont legacy filled him with joy, however he feared harboring false hope.

Gwendolyna closed her eyes at his question.  A single tear trailed down her face as she replied with only a solemn nod.  He took her hand in his once more.  This only caused her to burst into tears.  She grew hysterical.  Richter felt immense guilt, believing he had offended her.

“I knew not that I was capable of life…  Over a century I’ve been dead, it doesn’t make sense!” she said through her sobs. “Forgive me, Richter… I’m so sorry.”

Richter wrapped his arms around her body in an effort to console her.  Did she believe that he would fault her for an act they both had a part in?  For moments, he held her close until the tears subsided.

“I assure you, you have nothing to apologize about,” he said.  His voice was calm and unwavering as he wiped the wet streaks decorating her cheeks.  “Yes, this comes as surprise, but a welcome one.  Words alone cannot express how delighted I am that we are actually expecting.”

She was silent.  He could still sense there was something deeper upsetting her.

“Do… you worry because of your mother?” he asked softly. 

“No, I do not fear childbirth.  Can you imagine?  My demise to finally come through giving life,” she said with a weak laugh.  Her eyes began to leak again, though she quickly brushed the tears away.  “Truth be told, it is not my family of which I worry, but yours.  This should have never happened.  I am plagued knowing I have tainted the Belmont bloodline.”

Though he tried, Richter could not contain the chuckle that erupted at her statement.

“My silly angel!” he exclaimed, kissing her damp cheeks and squeezing her again.  “Is that what worries you so?  Had any of that mattered to me, we would not be in this situation.  Have you forgotten that you are indeed a Belmont?  I gave to you my name when you gave me your hand in marriage.  This is your family too, your legacy!”

“Ah, but is it not ironic?” she asked, twisting the hem of her dress.  “To think, the clan of legendary vampire hunters, one with the very kind they are destined to slay!  I cannot help but feel like I’m bastardizing future generations…”

Richter then understood the reasoning behind her anxiety, though it was baseless in his mind.  He needed to reason with her.  He had to help her understand that what she considers a curse could in fact be a blessing in disguise.

“Have you not considered a son of ours could perhaps be more capable than I and all that came before me?” he said.  “Take for instance, Alucard.  Dracula’s own son, also a dhampir— yet a more accomplished hunter than most.  He has aided our family over countless generations, all the way back to my ancestor Trevor Belmont over three centuries ago.  There would be no legacy at all if not for him.”

For the first time in weeks, Gwen cracked a smile.  Alucard was practically a brother to her.  She had long admired his courage and strength when it came to dealing with his father’s wickedness. “I suppose you’re right,” she said, leaning her head on Richter’s chest.

“I am,” he assured her with a squeeze.  He studied her body curled against his.  He was more familiar with her body than anything on this earth, yet in his eyes, she looked no different.  He found it curious.  “… May I ask how you know?”

“Know…?”

“Know that you are indeed with child.”

“There is warmth.  It’s the strangest thing,” she said.  Her hand drifted to rest atop her middle.  “And I can feel the tiny flutter of his heartbeat within me.”

This gave Richter pause before a grin split his face.  “His?”

She lifted her head to look at him after she realized what had slipped.  Though her face was streaked with moisture, the moon illuminated the mirth in her expression.

“… I cannot confirm it to be true, but… I am certain regardless.”

“I believe you.”  He pressed his lips to her forehead.  “May I?”

Gwen took his hand and guided it.  She pressed his palm against her and rested her own atop his.