We headed back through the valley, the twins deciding this was the perfect time for a round of acrobatics in my gut.
I moved with a steady, purposeful pace, as steady as I could. My stomach wasn't that heavy yet, but it was round, and I felt every step I took in my lower abdomen.
As we finally walked past the mouth of the gorge, the path opened up into the heart of the marketplace. I slowed down, watching Kael and his pride out of the corner of my eye. They were tense, their tufted ears swiveling constantly as we entered the buzz of the kingdom.
The marketplace was already alive. I caught the scent of roasted tubers and smoked fish. It wasn't just wolves or hyenas here; I saw a group of sheep beastmen trading woven wool for tokens with a pair of bears. A rabbit girl hurried past us, clutching a small wooden coin, her eyes wide as she navigated through the crowd.
"Coming through, coming through," she yelled with a small voice and finally vanished into the crowd.
