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Kian chuckled knowingly and drew me close. “Patience, my love. Our child will arrive soon.”
Comforted by his words, I served our meal and we ate together, discussing his day. Kian was always curious to hear about my activities too, though they seemed dull by comparison.
After dinner, we sat by the fire pit behind our house to gaze up at the dazzling blanket of stars. Kian wrapped a strong arm around me, his fingers idly stroking my belly. Contentment washed over me. Strange as this new world still felt sometimes, Kian gave me strength and purpose.
Later, as we lay nestled under furs in the darkness, Kian’s hand found mine beneath the blankets. “You honor me as your mate,” he murmured.
I brought his fingers to my lips in a feather-light kiss. “And you honor me as yours.”
He drew me against his chest, our legs intertwining. I drifted off to sleep listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, cherishing the tender intimacy we shared.
So my days passed, slowly but sweetly. I rested often and walked frequently to stay healthy, though I never ventured outside the village. Kian joined me when he could, supporting my elbow as we strolled. We talked of the future and hopes for our child.
My belly swelled larger as the weeks progressed. Kian and I both eagerly awaited feeling the baby’s first movements. The other Surlon women smiled approvingly at my condition, assuring me the child grew strong.
* * *
I awoke to the sound of shouting outside. Still groggy, I sat up and looked around the darkened dwelling, momentarily disoriented. Then I remembered I was in the home Kian and I shared as husband and wife in the Surlon village. The shouting continued, accompanied now by the stomping hooves of the sirocco mounts. Something was wrong.
I hurriedly dressed and went outside. A group of Surlon men on horseback were gathered by torchlight, their voices urgent. Kian sat tall atop his stallion in their midst. His brow was furrowed with worry.
“What’s happened?” I asked, rushing over.
Kian’s gaze met mine. “Vala has gone missing. She went herb gathering this afternoon and hasn’t returned.”
My heart clenched with fear for our friend. Nightfall was dangerous in the wilderness surrounding our village. Predators came out to hunt, and it was easy to get lost if you strayed too far.
“We have to find her,” I said. Kian nodded gravely.
“I’m organizing a search party now. We’ll fan out around the village borders and follow her trail.”
I started towards the stable to ready my own mount before Kian raised a hand. “Kate, I need you to remain here. We’ll handle this.”
I froze, staring at him in disbelief. Did he really expect me to stay behind while Vala was out there lost and in peril?
“Absolutely not,” I retorted. “I’m coming with you. I’m the best tracker you’ve got and you know it.” Ever since mastering riding the sirocco, my wilderness skills had only grown sharper through practice. I could find trails even Surlon eyes missed.
Kian’s jaw tensed. “It’s too dangerous, especially for...” His gaze flicked down to my rounded belly. I was well into my pregnancy.
“The baby will be fine,” I insisted. “Vala needs my help. I can’t stay here and do nothing.”
Kian looked conflicted. Time was wasting arguing about this while Vala was still missing.
“Please,” I implored him. “Let me do this.”
Finally, Kian dipped his head in assent, though his expression was grave. “Stay close to me then.”
I rushed to ready my mare, Willow. She greeted me eagerly, sensing the urgency in the air. I swung up into the saddle, adjusting my dress to accommodate my pregnant belly. Kian kept a watchful eye on me as I guided Willow into place beside his stallion.
“Ride out!” Kian ordered the searchers. With a thunder of hooves, we galloped from the village into the moonlit desert.
We tracked towards the scrublands where Vala often went to collect herbs and roots. I kept my senses primed, scanning for any sign of her passing. A glimpse of torn yellow fabric on a bramble made me rein in Willow.
“Here!” I called to Kian, dismounting awkwardly with my bulky belly. I crouched by the bramble, examining the shred of fabric snagged on a thorn. It matched Vala’s dress. She had come this way.
Kian and the other Surlons gathered around. I pointed out the surrounding bent grass, subtle but clear trail markers to my experienced eye. Vala had stumbled through here some hours ago.
“Well spotted,” said Kian, relief breaking through the tension on his face.
