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“How?” Avi asked. “You look seconds away from collapsing as is.”
She cleared her throat and sat up in her chair. “I am not sure yet.”
Yuki’s cool palm came down on Naia’s clammy forehead. “Naia, are you having any symptoms?”
“Morning sickness.”
Yuki tilted her head, swaying her jaw-length hair, intently studying Naia for a moment.
“The potion she is taking now to ward off the effects of our blood isn’t enough, is it?” Ronin assumed with a touch of dread in his tone.
Yuki nodded, looking at him. “I think it’s because she is carrying a demigod.”
“Basically, it’s slowly poisoning her,” Avi said.
“Yes. Unlike us.” Yuki gestured to her and Ronin. “Its blood can kill a deity. We need to make a stronger potion if we want to keep her alive.”
Ronin’s jaw muscles ticked.
Avi examined the half empty jars on the shelf above the workbench. “I’ll need to go out and forage.”
“I don’t expect you or Theon to stay with us,” Ronin told them. “Once Yuki learns to craft the potion, you can both go home.”
“I want to stay.” Avi sent Naia a light-hearted grin. “As your pregnancy progresses, I will probably have to make adjustments. And besides, you need someone else’s company other than this old hag and brood.” He pointed to both Yuki and Ronin.
Naia cracked a lousy smile. “Thank you, Avi.”
“Wouldn’t the most sensible thing be to leave Naia here and for you to come back to the city?” Theon said. “I can bring you to see her whenever you want.”
Theon’s animosity towards Naia knotted her stomach. Although, she agreed with him. Ronin would be happier in the city he adored.
“I’m staying on the island,” Ronin said, his tone clipped with finality.
“Because of her, they burned down your brewery. Violet is dead, among others. And now, you are no longer safe?—”
“Bringing Naia into our lives was my doing.” Ronin’s voice was composed, but his leg bounced furiously beneath the table. “I did it knowing what she was and with an idea of who she was running from. I made it clear to Damian, Noah, and Violet they did not have to involve themselves or their crews in a fight I knew would inevitably take place. They agreed, regardless of the consequences. My brewery is being rebuilt as we speak, and I really don’t give a damn about my safety right now.”
“Ronin, I made you a promise,” Theon responded, the air in the room turning frigid, matching his tone. “To protect you, no matter what.”
“Your promised loyalty is not why we are friends, Theon.”
The chilled temperature bit Naia’s bare arms. Avi shifted uncomfortably where he stood.
“I won’t go back on my word, and staying here jeopardizes your safety,” Theon said.
“You are right.” Naia drew in a quivering breath to gather the courage to push her words out. “The best option would be for me to go somewhere else to prevent putting any of you in?—”
“Naia.” Ronin stared at her, hard and unyielding. The bouncing of his knee ceased.
He only provoked her stubborn nature. She had nowhere to go and was hardly thinking of her next move if she were to leave, but she’d figure it out—the same way she always did.
Naia squared her jaw and stared right back at him. “We both know it’s the right thing to do.”
“And what fucking good will it do when Cassian comes for our child?” Ronin lashed out, sitting up in his chair. “Dammit, Naia! I told you when we first met. I am not afraid to die.”
“I am afraid!” She slapped her palm over her chest. Her greatest fear reawakened and lanced through her like a knife. “I refuse to let death become your fate. You will live this life! You will not die again because of me!”
“Again?” Ronin shook his head, running a terse hand through his hair. “What are you talking about?”
