TWO
The words tore out of me before I could soften them.
"No."
Maelis stopped mid step.
The cavern seemed to inhale with her, the soft glow along the roots dimming just slightly as she turned back to me.
For the first time since I had met her, surprise crossed her face and she didn't look pleased.
At all.
"No?" she echoed quietly. "You were ready to leave moments ago."
"I was," I said, my voice shaking despite my effort to steady it. "I thought I was. But I can't. Not like this."
She watched me carefully, saying nothing, giving me the space to speak or break.
I pressed a hand to my stomach, feeling the pressure against on my tummy.
"If I don't unlock my wolf," I continued, swallowing hard, "I won't be able to give birth to my son."
Maelis's brow furrowed.
I laughed weakly. "I know what you're thinking. You think it's fear talking. But it isn't."
I drew in a slow breath, every memory clawing its way up.
