Isabella gave a weak laugh. "They better. They almost killed me."
The older woman let out a small breath that sounded like she was trying not to laugh.
The babies kept crying, but when Isabella touched them and whispered to them, their cries slowly became softer. They did not become completely quiet, but the sound changed. It became less angry, more needy.
A little while later, the door opened.
Only after the women said it was safe.
Zyran came in first, though he did not step too close. His red eyes went straight to Isabella, and for once, no teasing appeared immediately on his face. Ophelia came in behind him with Valen at her side. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and Valen's hand rested gently behind her back to support her because she looked like her legs might give out from relief. Shelia came in too, her face pale but steady, though the moment she saw Isabella alive and wrapped in furs, her eyes became wet.
They did not look at the babies first.
