**Rebirth in Darkness**

As I lay in the artificial womb, surrounded by Hange's soothing presence, I began to feel a sense of detachment from the world outside. The beeping of machines and the sterile smell of antiseptic grew fainter, replaced by the gentle hum of Hange's dragon magic. His voice was a constant presence, whispering words of encouragement and reassurance, his breath warm against my ear. Time lost all meaning as I drifted in and out of consciousness. I was aware of Hange's gentle ministrations, his careful attention to my needs, but my mind was foggy and unclear. I was a newborn again, helpless and dependent on my caregiver for everything. But as the days passed, I began to feel a sense of change within myself. My body was healing, slowly but surely, and I was becoming more aware of my surroundings. The artificial womb was a cocoon, protecting me from the harsh realities of the world outside, and Hange's love and care were nurturing me back to health. One day, I became aware of Hange's absence. The artificial womb was still, the heartbeat recording had stopped, and the warmth of his body was gone. I felt a pang of fear and anxiety, my hypersensitive senses on high alert. Where was Hange? Why had he left me? I strained my ears, listening for the sound of his voice, but there was only silence. I was alone, surrounded by the sterile hospital environment, and I felt a sense of panic rising up within me. But then, I heard it. A low rumble, growing louder, and I felt the ground beneath me begin to vibrate. The hospital room was shaking, and I was thrown back onto the bed, my body trembling with fear. Hange's voice boomed through the room, his dragon magic swirling around me like a vortex. "Do not worry, my love," he said, his voice full of reassurance. "I am here. I will always be here to protect you." As he spoke, the artificial womb began to dissolve, and I was left lying on the hospital bed, my body exposed to the world outside. I was still blind, but I could sense Hange's presence, his warmth and love enveloping me like a blanket. He lifted me gently into his arms, cradling me like a baby, and I felt a sense of security and comfort wash over me. I was safe, protected by the dragon emperor's love and care. As I lay there, I became aware of the sound of footsteps outside the hospital room. They were heavy, deliberate steps, and I could sense the presence of others, people who were not Hange. "Who is it?" Hange asked, his voice low and menacing. "It's me, Lady Aurelia," a voice replied, the sound of her footsteps growing louder. "I've come to see my patient." Hange's grip on me tightened, his body tense with protectiveness. "You may not enter," he said, his voice firm. "This one is under my care." Lady Aurelia's voice was hesitant, but she replied, "I mean no harm, dragon emperor. I only wish to assess the patient's condition." Hange's response was immediate. "You may not touch her," he said, his voice cold and unforgiving. "She is mine, and I will not let anyone harm her." I felt a sense of gratitude towards Hange, my love and protector. He was fierce and unyielding, and I knew that he would do everything in his power to keep me safe. But as I lay there, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and what challenges lay ahead for us.