“I just wish I had more time.”
The words didn’t make sense.My brows knitted together as I scanned her face for answers but found only sorrow.A single tear slipped down her cheek, glistening in the warm light.
“Don’t say that.”I sprang to my feet, already turning toward the door.“I’m getting the healer.I’ll be right back.I promise.”
Her hand shot out, fingers curling around my wrist.“There is nothing wrong with me, Elira.”
Something about the way she said my name, like it was a fragile thing, sent a chill down my spine.
I knelt before her once more, searching her face.
“Then what is it?”I asked softly.“Please, just tell me.Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”
Her whole body shuddered as fresh tears spilled free.She shook her head, her lips parting and closing like she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words.
I had never seen her like this, not even when my father died.Back then, she had been a pillar of strength, allowing herself to break only in the dark of night when she thought I was asleep.What could have possibly reduced her to this state?
Then she whispered, so faintly I almost missed it.
“What have I done?”
My blood ran cold.
She pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to contain her sobs.She rose from her bed, covering her face as she stumbled away, using the doorframe to hold herself upright.
I rushed to her side, nearly tripping in my haste.
She wouldn’t look at me, her eyes glued to the ground below and shoulders slumped inward.
“Come,” I urged, guiding her toward the sitting room.“I’ll make us some tea and then you can tell me whatever this is about.Okay?”
For a long moment she said nothing.Then, finally, with a reluctant nod, she agreed.
I worked quickly, preparing the tea as my thoughts spiralled.The aromatic scent did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me.
I set the tray between us, pouring with steady hands, though my insides felt anything but.
She watched me, her fingers twisting in her lap.
Then at last, she spoke.
Malira
26 years ago.
“You’re glowing, Malira.”
Edran’s voice was a whisper against my ear, his strong arms encircling my waist from behind.His hands—calloused from years of labour—rested gently over my stomach, as though already cradling the life we had prayed so desperately for.
I turned, reaching up to cup his sun-bronzed face, feeling the rough stubble against my palms.His hazel eyes brimmed with quiet hope.My throat tightened.
“What do you see in me that gives you such certainty?”I asked, tracing along the scar that curved from his temple to his jaw.
Edran captured my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm.“I can feel it in my heart.”He interlaced our fingers, placing it over the gentle beat within his chest.
I kissed his soft lips, tasting the faint sweetness of date honey.
“It is much too early to know.”My voice was careful, though my heart ached to believe him.“All we can do is pray the Heavens will bless us this time.”
