The room fell silent as everyone processed this new information. Hades was the first to speak. "That changeseverything. If they can actively resist the connection, we have a chance to break it before they're born."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Mom agreed.
I held up a finger as Mythia put a mug of tea and a chocolate chip scone in front of me. "But we need a plan. One that doesn't involve me going into labor in the next few weeks."
"Agreed," Persephone said as she crossed to sit beside me. Her spring-bright energy was a balm to my frayed nerves. "We need to organize protection rotations. Lyra will be looking for opportunities to force you back into labor. She wants you and the triplets vulnerable."
"We also need to continue researching ways to permanently sever the connections," Mom added. "Now that we know the babies can fight back, we can focus on spells that might enhance their natural defenses instead of trying to break the bonds directly."
Hades nodded thoughtfully. "I'll continue searching the Underworld archives for precedents. There must be records of similar magic being countered successfully. The problem is that there have never been babies born with their blend of powers." Translation: no god had ever impregnated a Pleiades witch who used to be a mundie.
"Persephone and I will maintain the property's outer defenses," Aidon said as he broke off a piece of my scone. "We've already reinforced the wards with elements specifically designed to keep out the Forgotten Ones."
"As you heard a moment ago, Murtagh has the shifters patrolling in rotating shifts," Selene interjected. "And the witches from the coven have volunteered to help maintain the inner protective circles. Lilith believes Lyra shot herself in the foot by breaching your wards like she did. Her theory is that she won’t be able to do it again, but we aren’t taking any chances."
Nina looked up from her work with a determined expression. "Lilith might be right, but we should definitely keep our guard up. The one thing she will be able to do again is plant those seeds. Jean-Marc and I are developing countermeasures for Lyra's monitoring spells. She won't be able to spy on us again."
A thorough plan was taking shape. It sounded as if they’d covered everything, but something bothered me. "What about Lyra's ritual site? We should be sending someone to destroy it before she can attempt another version of the ceremony."
"It’s already handled," Hades assured me with grim satisfaction. "I dispatched a legion from the Underworld. There's nothing left but scorched earth where her dimensional pocket once existed."
"That won't stop her," I warned, remembering the look of maniacal certainty on Lyra's face as she'd escaped. "She said she had contingencies. I bet that means she prepared multiple sites where she could complete the ritual."
"We destroyed three more locations last night," Persephone confirmed. "But you're right. She's likely prepared alternatives we haven't discovered yet."
"Which is why we need to focus on breaking these connections," Jean-Marc concluded. "That's our best defense, regardless of what other schemes she's plotting."
"I want to help with the research," I insisted. "I can't fight physically right now, but my mind works fine.” I didn’t say that I had a vested interest in finding a solution.
"Absolutely not," Clio interjected from the stove. She'd followed us downstairs with her medical bag and was clearly unhappy about my current position. "You're still on bed rest. That means minimal magical exertion."
"I need to not feel useless while everyone else risks their lives protecting me and my children," I countered. "Research isn't physically taxing, and it requires no magic. Having somethingconstructive to focus on will help keep my stress levels down. And that is better for the babies."
Clio and Aidon exchanged one of those looks that told me they'd already discussed this possibility. "You can do some research," Aidon said finally. "In bed, with regular breaks, and no active magic casting of any kind."
"And constant monitoring," Clio added firmly. "At the first sign of magical stress or labor symptoms, you need to stop immediately."
I knew when to accept a compromise. "Deal. Jean-Marc can bring me the relevant texts, and I'll coordinate with Mom and Nana on exploring potential countermeasures."
"I'll set up a rotation schedule," Persephone offered. "We need someone with strong magic with Phoebe at all times in case Lyra attempts another direct attack through the connections."
"I'll take first shift," Aidon declared in a tone that brooked no argument.
"I've got second," Stella volunteered, ignoring the disapproving looks from everyone in the room.
"You're in no condition to watch me," I protested, eyeing her corrupted arm. “I want you to focus on healing that first.”
She raised an eyebrow. "This new treatment is already working. I can feel the taint beginning to clear. Besides, sitting with you while researching requires minimal movement. It’s perfect for my current situation."
"Fine," I conceded. "But Clio checks your arm every time she checks on me."
"Deal," she agreed too quickly, making me suspect she was in more pain than she was letting on.
"Third shift is mine," Mom said. "Nina can take fourth, and Jean-Marc fifth. We should rotate every four hours to ensure everyone gets adequate rest."
The planning continued as assignments were distributed. Defensive positions were established, research topics divided, and communication protocols set. Through it all, I felt the triplets responding to the energy in the room. Their magic had settled into a steady hum, as if they were listening and learning.
When the meeting concluded and people began dispersing to their various tasks, Aidon helped me back upstairs. The short trip had exhausted me more than I wanted to admit. As he settled me back in bed with a stack of grimoires, his expression was troubled.
