“Of course she is. She’s carrying a powerful demigod in her womb. You both are very lucky for the unborn warrior.” Endymion stepped closer and looked at Reiya. “May I?” he asked as he lifted a hand to her stomach.
Reiya nodded, surprised at how comfortable she felt around him. Hunter was, too. Normally, in this situation, no one would be touching his sister.
Endymion gently laid his hand on Reiya’s stomach as Hunter held her in his arms. He smiled. “She is very powerful. Almost terrifyingly so.” His brows furrowed slightly as he studied the energy.
“What is wrong?” Reiya asked, feeling concerned.
“Nothing is wrong. But for not being very far along …” Endymion pulled his hand away, letting it rest at his side again. “Her existence will be very interesting. This power she has will put a great deal of stress on your body, I’m afraid. It already is. That little trinket you have won’t work much longer. She’s going to be a big energy drainer.” He lifted his eyes to hers with a smallfrown. “Look at you, pretending you aren’t in pain when you obviously are.”
Hunter glanced down at Reiya and could see the strained look in her eyes. Endymion was right. Reiya was in pain. When did that happen? She seemed fine a moment ago.
“It’s okay,” Reiya said, her voice strained. She looked up at Hunter and saw his concerned face. “Hunter, I’m fine.”
“We need to get you back,” Hunter said, looking up at Endymion.
Endymion shook his head. “We do, but I need to let you know …” He looked back at Reiya sadly. “This is going to hurt. You’ll be in excruciating pain once we arrive. I’m so sorry for this. You’re lucky and unlucky you’re pregnant. But without that little blessing, you wouldn’t have made it past Slayer.”
Reiya smiled and touched her stomach. “I’ll be okay. What’s a little pain, right?”
“Let me take her,” Endymion said. He smiled as he watched Hunter tighten his grip on Reiya protectively. “I can see you’re tired as well. Let me help.”
Yes, Hunter was tired. They’d just finished fighting a grueling demon war. While his wolf had physically healed his body, he was tired. He looked down at Reiya, hesitant. She was his sister, and this man was still a stranger.
“It’s okay, Hunter.” Reiya smiled gently. “He’s a good person.”
Hunter sighed and finally nodded his head. Endymion lifted Reiya from Hunter and pulled her into his chest. And even through her pain, she felt a very pure, warm light comfort her. The light to the demon’s dark.
“Slayer is a demon, right? And it was a part of you. So what does that all mean?” Hunter had been thinking about this ever since they encountered Slayer.
“Slayer was a part of me. A dark existence that I cast out, giving it its own life.” Endymion smiled. “What you’re thinking is correct. My light is the same as your light, only stronger. In a way, fairies and demons are similar. They both originated from me. If the Moon Goddess is the mother of all werewolves, then I am the father of both fairies and demons.”
“So are you like the fairy deity?” Hunter asked.
“I'm an earth deity. Both its light and its dark.” Endymion glanced around the darkness. “And I’m ready to get out of this dark place.”
Hunter nodded and interlaced his fingers with Reiya. She was their link. They needed to be connected to her to get out of the hole.
“Feel your connection to Xander, Reiya. Feel your daughter’s connection to Ken and let it guide you. Feel the energy pooling inside you, trying to escape through a funnel, and follow it.” Endymion watched as Reiya closed her eyes.
Reiya could feel the perspiration on her forehead as the pain began to intensify. She was using her precious energy that her daughter was absorbing rapidly. It was hard to focus through the pain. Even with Endymion’s calming energy, she could feel the pain taking over her body. She felt her brother grip her hand supportively as his other hand came up to wipe her forehead. This part was all on her. She wouldn’t let them down. She needed to concentrate. In the darkness of her mind, she could feel the pull, and with it, the desire to follow the connecting energy.
“Rowan and his mate went back to let Chelsie know the outcome of the fight. Plus, they wanted to check on their daughter andhow she’s doing with her pregnancy. Jin will know you’re alright as well,” Brody said as he walked beside Chasen. They were all staying close, waiting for Reiya and Hunter to return. Most of the armies were already making their way back.
Jester and Irene bid Freja farewell and gave her their best wishes before they led the vampire army away. The only ones remaining were their closely knit group. Sam, Adam, Winston, Garrett, Caspian, Caden, and Grayson were all sitting on the ground near Asher and Lita. The dragon kings and their mates remained as well, though they sent their armies back, all waiting for Reiya and Hunter to return.
Levi was pacing back and forth, restless and anxious. Every moment, every second was agony. He just wanted to hold his fairy again. He felt someone walk up beside him, and he turned to see Freja.
“They’re coming back.” Freja smiled, nodding up at him.
“I know. I know they are. I just hate not being able to go to her,” Levi said with a small smile.
“It’s torture.” Freja chuckled and looked up at the sky.
Xander walked up next to Levi and placed his hand on his shoulder.
“How are things with Jade?” Levi asked quietly.
“Things are good. She’s with Weston now. I’m going to have to share her attention with him for now, but I’m happy I’ll have a chance to get to know her.” Xander furrowed his brows and stared into the distance.
