Page 303 of May: Bloom & Bane

Lumi lets out a disbelieving laugh.

“Was it not you who ran straight into the arms of a flaming reaper cursed to kill you less than two months ago?”

“That’s different.”

“Mm. What about when you offered your wrist to a literal Horseman of the Apocalypse?”

“Still—” Another contraction crashes through her, and she nearly rips my rib free. “Still different.”

“Was it?”

“Yes?”

“Why?”

“Because…” She sniffs. “I wasn’t about to push an entire baby out.”

“No.” Lumi wipes another tear from Eden’s cheek. “You weren’t. But this is how you love, Eden. When you’re scared, when you’re hurt, when you’re tired, when it’s reckless. You give your whole heart. This is just another way you’re loving someone.”

Eden’s bottom lip wobbles.

“Eden,” Lumi murmurs. “Just be very glad she’s not coming out with antlers.”

Sage pales. “... That can happen?”

“No,” Therael answers immediately.

“Statistically?” Damon muses. “... Probably.”

“Please, for the love of all that’s holy. Do not get them started on the wings,” Eden groans as she recovers from her last contraction.

Damon opens his mouth.

“Damon,” four voices say at once. Droot adds an indignant little chirp for good measure.

He snaps his mouth shut. “... Fine.”

Eden gasps. “Burning.”

Therael’s smile vanishes. “Good.”

My mate’s eyes fly to him.

“Good?”

He nods. “That means she’s almost here.”

“Okay, Eden, the hardest part is almost over.” He looks into her eyes. “The next time your body asks you to push… trust it.”

We kiss her forehead.

“We’re right here,” I whisper.

“We’ve got you, ílyara,” Sage breathes.

“Bring her home,” we say together.

Another wave crashes over Eden. She curls forward, bearing down. A strangled cry tears through her throat.