I sat as stunned as if she’d picked up a rock and slammed it into my forehead. “I… I’m what?”
“You’re with child, Olivia!” Emily gushed. “Isn’t it exciting?”
“How far along do you think I am?” I asked Leaping Deer.
“About three months,” she said.
“Isn’t this wonderful?” Emily said, clearly more enthusiastic than I was.
In all these months, I hadn’t thought twice about missing my period, figuring the hardship of the journey had had its way with my body.
No, this was not welcome news. I was in danger—we all were—until we could find a means of destroying Balthazar. But mostly, my heart howled for Roman. Where could he be? How could I possibly find him? Was he even alive?
While Emily tittered and exclaimed her excitement, I fell hard into a pit of despair.
New life grows in my belly, yet I am in danger, possessing the worst luck of anyone I know.
Olivia
I sat in Leaping Deer’s teepee, covered with poultices to heal my many wounds. But nothing could touch the stun I experienced at learning I was pregnant.Me. I always anticipated being a mother someday, but my circumstances were too dangerous to even entertain bringing a child into this world.
All my female notions of preventing an unwanted pregnancy had slipped my mind. I was consumed with getting used to the different periods I found myself in. Now, I didn’t have a choice unless I adopted the practice of beating my stomach with a rock like my mother had. But I would never do something like that. I could never be my mother and kill my child. Roman would be a fantastic father, but the danger around me was too dire.
What was I going to do? I could barely process the fact that I was pregnant. How could I raise a healthy baby if I didn’t know where the father was and I was hunted by a demon?
Balthazar wouldn’t even have to blink before taking my child and killing him or her.
I rested my palms on the bison fur beneath me, trying without success to come to terms with the news Leaping Deer had given me.
“You don’t look excited,” Emily said, her forehead creased into a frown.
“I love children. I’ve always wanted my own child, but I’m not excited. You know the dangers we’re faced with. A demon is stalking us, and he has the baby’s father somewhere I don’t know.” I glanced down at my hard baby bump feeling somewhat betrayed.
“Olivia! Don’t you see? This beautiful child was born from the passion you share with Roman! The child is meant to be. Your and Roman’s love will find a way to conquer all!” Emily’s eyes glistened as she spoke.
“You’re such an optimist, Emily. I wish I shared your enthusiasm.” I let out a deep sigh and stroked my belly.
Emily caressed my cheek, pushing away a few errant strands. “I know you’re worried about Roman, but he’s strong, Olivia! Marcellious and I were talking one night while you slept….”
“You and Marcellious spoke at night?” I said, interrupting her. “Did you do that often?”
Emily blushed and looked away. “Marcellious can be kind. He’s endured so much in this life, and I’m trying to help him be a better man. It’s been a long journey, and we’ve gotten to know one another. I told you that.” She met my gaze. “It’s only conversation. It helps fill the time.”
A radiance glowed in her face as she spoke, but I tried not to read too much into it.
“And what did you and Marcellious discuss that had to do with Roman?” I asked.
“I’ve been worried, too, Olivia. Marcellious assured me that Roman is a fighter. He’s endured far worse and survived, so there’s no reason he won’t survive whatever ordeal he’s facing. Besides…” Her expression brightened. “Didn’t you tell me that Balthazar promised to keep Roman safe? He has a vested interest in protecting Roman. He wants that journal as much as you.”
“Yes, but here’s the thing—Balthazar is a monster. He’ll do anything to get what he wants. Lies slip from his tongue like honey dripping from a spoon. He lies. He manipulates. And I was desperate enough to cling to the belief that he might take a measure of care with Roman.” I shook my head. “But since we’ve been away from one another, I can no longer feel Roman at night. I can’t sense him anywhere. I could always feel his love when we were separated, even when I thought he was dead. I realize now that my fear blocked what I knew—that Roman was alive. Now I feel nothing. It’s as if he’s gone to another place. That’s what scares me, Em. What if he’s dead?”
Hot tears pricked the back of my eyes.
“I know you’re worried, Olivia,” Emily said, looking at me intently. “We’ll find Roman. I know we will. And if it takes us a long time to find him, I will help you care for the child. We’ll raise the child together. You have my word.”
Her blue eyes sparkled with sincerity.
I paused in my woeful tirade and regarded her with warmth. “Thank you, Emily. You’re the best sister a woman could have.”
