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I didn’t know what to say. I was still trying to process the news, to wrap my head around the idea that I was carrying Kuzar’s child. A part of me filled with joy and excitement, but another part was terrified. What did this mean for me? For Kuzar? For our future together?
I looked up at Geradi, my eyes filled with tears. “Is it safe?” Can I carry a gargoyle child to term?”
She smiled gently. “Yes, Evie,” she said. “It’s rare, but it’s possible. Many human women have given birth to healthy gargoyle children before you. You’ll need to be careful and take extra precautions, but I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.”
I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. If Geradi was confident that I could do this, then I would do whatever it took to bring this child into the world.
As I left the healer’s hut, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. I was scared, yes, but I was also excited and hopeful. A part of Kuzar grew with me, a symbol of our love and our bond. I knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but I was determined to face whatever came my way. I would do this, for my child, for Kuzar, and for myself.
I made my way back to our cave, my mind racing as I tried to imagine what the future held. Kuzar would experience great joy when I shared the news with him. He always wanted a family, and now his dream was finally coming true. I couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when I told him.
As I entered the cave, I saw Kuzar sitting by the fire, his head in his hands. He looked up as I approached, his eyes filled with concern.
“Evie, what’s wrong?”
I smiled, tears of joy streaming down my face. “Kuzar,” I said, “I have some news.”
He stood up, his eyes wide with anticipation. “What is it?”
I took a deep breath and said the words that would change our lives forever. “I’m pregnant.”
He stared at me for a moment, his face a mask of shock. Then a slow smile spread across his lips, his eyes shining with joy. He reached out and pulled me into a tight embrace.
“Evie,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “This is the best news I’ve ever heard.”
I couldn’t help but laugh through my tears. “Me too.”
We held each other close, savoring this moment of pure happiness. In that moment, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead together. We had each other, and that was all that mattered.
From the moment I told Kuzar I was pregnant, he became a whirlwind of activity, determined to make my life comfortable. He spent hours scouring the markets for the finest fruits, vegetables, and meats, ensuring that I ate a varied and nutritious diet. Refusing to let me lift a finger, he carried me everywhere. He would sit by my side for hours, reading to me from ancient texts or simply holding my hand in companionable silence.
His tenderness and care were like a balm to my soul, easing the nausea and fatigue that became my constant companions. Morning sickness hit me with a vengeance, leaving me bedridden for most of the day. I spent hours hunched over the chamber pot, retching and vomiting until my stomach was empty and my head was pounding. Kuzar would sit with me patiently, holding my hair back and whispering words of comfort in my ear. He would bring me cool cloths to bathe my face and scented oils to ease my queasiness.
One day, as I lay in bed, feeling weak and miserable, Kuzar entered the chamber carrying a tray laden with food. “My love, I’ve made you some broth. It will help settle your stomach.” He sat down beside me and gently lifted me up, propping pillows behind my back so that I could sit up comfortably. He spooned the broth into my mouth, his movements slow and deliberate. I sipped obediently, grateful for his care.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
I shook my head weakly. “Still nauseous. But the broth is helping.” He smiled and kissed me on the forehead.
“I’m glad,” he said. “I’ll stay here with you today. You need to rest.” He settled down on the bed beside me, wrapping his powerful arms around me. I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of his heartbeat, feeling safe and loved.
As the days passed, my morning sickness gradually subsided, but I continued to feel weak and exhausted. Kuzar refused to let me do anything strenuous, insisting that I spend my days resting and recuperating. He would bring me breakfast in bed and help me bathe and dress. He even started braiding my hair, his thick, nimble fingers working deftly to create intricate patterns.
“You’re spoiling me,” I protested one day, as he carefully applied a scented lotion to my skin. He chuckled softly. “You deserve to be spoiled. You’re carrying our child.” He leaned down and kissed my belly, his eyes filled with love and anticipation.
I couldn’t help but smile despite the challenges of my pregnancy. Happiness overwhelmed me. Love and acceptance found me in a world where I was once an outsider. My mate cherished me and a child on the way. Friends and family who supported me and cared for me surrounded me. Our journey would not be easy, but I was confident that we would face whatever challenges came our way together.
One evening, as we lay in bed, Kuzar turned to me and said, “Evie, I want you to know that I’m here for you. No matter what happens, I will always love you and our child.”
Tears came to my eyes. “I know. love you too.” He held me close, and we fell asleep in each other’s arms, our hearts filled with hope and love for the future.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Kuzar
Hurried footsteps and agitated voices echoed in the chieftain’s hall as the clan elders, my sentinel companions, and I convened in the wake of troubling news. Our realm stood on the precipice of conflict with the predatory Garuda faction, who dared to claim dominion over the hunting grounds next to our territory.
Mazarak, the stern council head and chieftain’s second, stepped forward, his gnarled features grim as he addressed the gathered members with military precision. “Brothers and sisters of the Goliath clan. A dark cloud looms on the horizon. The treacherous Garuda faction lays claim to the southern hunting grounds, where our ancestors have roamed for eons. We cannot stand idly by while they encroach upon our sacred lands.”
