A commotion near the entrance pulls my attention.
I look up to see Terra striding into the cavern. She moves with purpose, her amber eyes scanning the space until they land on me.
Then she’s rushing forward, covering the distance between us in quick strides, her arms waving.
I jump up and wipe my hands off on a nearby rag. Then I walk toward her, not making it very far.
“Isla!” She pulls me into a hug before I can even get to my feet. “I’ve got someone for you to train.”
“Only one person?” I ask as she releases me.
She gives me a look. “I was only gone for five days and only went to two villages. You won’t believe it, I found three people, but only one who was willing to come with us.” She shrugs. “One is better than none. I will go back soon and find you more. I will also keep track of those I spoke with and return to see if they have not changed their minds.”
“True enough.” I smile, genuinely happy to see her. “How was the journey?”
But Terra isn’t listening. She’s gone rigid against me, her nose twitching. She pulls back slightly and sniffs at me, her eyes widening.
“Terra?”
She sniffs at me again, and the look on her face shifts from confusion to something else. Her eyes glint, and her mouth pulls into a strange smile.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask, my smile fading. “Everyone has been acting so strangely since yesterday. The males are being helpful rather than being flirtatious. I’m sure that people are talking behind my back.” I spread my hands. “What is going on, Terra?” I fold my arms. “Tell me right now.”
Terra takes my face in both her hands. Her eyes bore into mine, and when she speaks, her voice is soft and filled with something like awe.
“You have more power than you did before. I think it’s going to grow in the coming months.”
“More power?” I frown at her. “How is that possible? Are they all afraid of me? They don’t have to be.”
“No, it’s not that.” She shakes her head.
“Why do I have more power? There’s more, isn’t there?”
“You have more power because of the life growing inside your womb.” Her hand drops to my belly, resting there gently.
“I’m pregnant?” My eyes go wide.
“Yes.” Terra’s smile widens. “Congratulations. Life should always be celebrated. Do not be afraid, Isla. We are here for you. We will help you with the baby. You are not alone.”
My mouth falls open. “How?” My voice comes out high and thin. “How did this happen?”
Terra laughs softly. “Do you need me to explain that to you?”
Despite everything, a startled laugh escapes me. “No, of course not, but…” I swallow hard. “You said I didn’t smell fertile. After Sebastian and I… You said you couldn’t scent any fertility on me.”
“You aren’t a regular human, Isla. You’re hybrid.” Terra’s expression gentles. “You don’t have any shifterfae blood to speak of. I told you I could be wrong, and it turned out that I was.” She squeezes my hands. “Youarepregnant.”
I put a hand to my belly.
Every emotion imaginable wars inside me all at once. Joy so fierce it steals my breath. But also fear and sorrow for what might have been. Then there’s happiness so overwhelming that tears spring to my eyes without warning.
I feel them all.
Sebastian’s baby is growing inside me.
I sink onto a nearby stone.
“What am I going to do?” I whisper.
