When the pack healer had last checked me, he told me my body was weak, my womb cold and depleted. I needed to rest and take care of myself. If I lost another pup, I would never be able to carry again.
I wanted this pup desperately. Before, it had been for Hadeon.
Now it was for the wolves who had died because of me. The ones whose bones lay unburned, denied their Moonfire Rite, their spirits wandering without the Moon Goddess's light.
I couldn't bring them back. Other than ensuring the Death Walker's legacy carried on, I didn't know what else I could do to make amends.
A long while later, heavy footsteps sounded in the courtyard.
"My lord, you're back. The lady refuses to eat."
"I'll handle it."
I wiped my tears in a rush, but my swollen, red-rimmed eyes gave me away.
Hadeon crouched in front of me and reached up to brush his thumb beneath my eyes, his voice aching with tenderness. "Crying and refusing to eat. Who's been bullying my Perenna?"
"The little one in my belly, of course."
Hadeon went still for a fraction of a second, then broke into what looked like stunned delight. "Really? I'm going to be a father?"
"Really."