Pantrium

PROLOGUE

Year 3045

Holding his infant child, Doctor Stephen Branabus hovered over his new freshly bought crib.

"I hope you like your new bed, Aleyna." He said in a hushed whisper, though his baritone voice deeply resonated and carried outward.

Aleyna became anxious as she was separated from her father's embrace. Whining with the intent of wanting to be held once more.

"Hush now, Aleyna, it is time for rest."

Leaning over, Stephen carefully poked her miniature nose. Instantly, she stopped crying as her green and yellow eyes peered upon her father's cheerful expression. Giggling softly, her dimpled cheeks scrunched into a grin.

Affirming his daughter's gleeful giggles with a kiss to her forehead, Stephen then reached for something off to his left that Aleyna could not see. Coming back into view, he held a virtual mobile that he then attached to and above Aleyna's new crib.

"On." He said, and as he activated the virtual mobile, a multitude of stars, planets, and solar systems filled Aleyna's tiny vision.

Entranced by the virtual galaxy, Aleyna came to a calm demeanor as her eyes gradually began to shut. Stephen then snuck out of the room, and he carefully closed the door behind him. Making his way to his quarters, Stephen was soon greeted by his wife, Thera.

"I see you've had luck with putting our daughter to bed?" Her soft, melodic voice echoed from within the home as she gracefully glided her way up the staircase.

Stephen, as she asked her question, noticed she changed from her normal attire into her silver silken gown. He thought this was odd, seeing how it's been a while since she's worn less than sweatpants and a t-shirt to bed. Letting her curly red hair down out of her ponytail as it bounced upon her shoulders and swayed back and forth against her back. Coming closer into view, her spaghetti arm straps revealed the many freckles upon her bare shoulders. Just watching her, Stephen was suddenly reminded of how breathtaking she was.

"Yeah, no problem." He said, slightly entranced by her beauty.

"Ohhh? Really? What exactly did you do this time?"

"I activated the virtual mobile for her. After that, she went out like a light." He responded.

"Good. I may sneak a peek, though, just to be sure." Thera said as she started playfully making her way past Stephen.

"Oh please, you think that poorly of my ability to put our daughter to bed?" Stephen laughed aloud as he retorted. While questioning her jokingly.

"No... I just think... you know... that I should double check... to make sure you really... did get her to sleep!" Thera said, pausing in between her sentences, biting at her bottom lip as she continued to try and get past Stephen.

Blocking her successfully, Stephen asked, "And what if you wake her up when you go to check on her? Did you think of that, little Miss Smarty pants?"

"Easy, if she wakes, I'll simply sing to her, and she will fall back asleep." Coming to a halt, Thera then abruptly placed her lips upon his as she closed her eyes. Thrown off by the sudden affection, Stephen embraced his wife as he closed his eyes.