RETH
He was frozen, jaw slack, staring at her. Her scent was even more jumbled than before, and he knew he needed to pay attention, to try and reassure her. But he just needed a moment. He couldn't quite…
Elia leaned into him, her hands sliding up to cup his jaw on either side. "Please don't worry, Reth. Please. I wasn't going to tell you until I could think about it without being worried, because I really do know it's safe this time. I'm sure. The Creator has a purpose for us, Reth. He can't do that if I'm dead. I'm going to be fine. I'm certain of it."
She was right, of course. He'd seen that himself. And he'd always wanted a Pride—with as many young as the Creator sought to give. But the moment she'd said pregnant, his mind had filled with images… Elia gaunt and weak… Elia terrified. Elia screaming in pain.
Blood. Everywhere.
