Alissa’s groan echoed through the bathroom as she hunched over the toilet for the third time that morning.
Claire stood behind her, gently holding her sister’s hair back and rubbing slow circles on her back. The sound of retching filled the luxurious bathroom in the Avila mansion. When Alissa finally sat back against the cool tile wall, her face was pale and sweaty, eyes red from crying.
“I hate this,” Alissa whispered hoarsely. “I thought morning sickness was supposed to be morning. It’s three in the afternoon and I still feel like I’m dying.”
Claire grabbed a cool washcloth and wiped Alissa’s face tenderly. “I know, love. You’ve been struggling so much lately. The healers said it might get worse before it gets better because of how strong the pup is.”
Alissa let out a bitter laugh th
