"Then they know what it costs," Darius answered. "And they still came asking."
I pressed both hands to my belly where the twins had gone quiet again, as if saving their strength. The due date sat three weeks out at most, maybe less. My body knew it. The bond knew it.
Lila climbed into my lap and rested her head against the tight curve, one small ear pressed there like she was listening for her siblings. The weight of her helped settle the ache for a moment.
We didn't sleep much. The bond kept us linked through the dark hours, four minds turning over the same questions.
Who they were?
What they wanted?
How far they were willing to push?
When the first gray light crept over the ridges I was already dressed, cloak pinned tight, short blade strapped to my thigh. My boots felt too tight around my swollen ankles but I laced them anyway. Lila woke and watched me from the furs, eyes wide and serious.
"Mama go wolf?" she asked.
