River sat on the edge of the bed, one hand still resting lightly on the soft curve of her belly.
Heiko stood beside her, restless energy contained in measured movements. Their mate bond thrummed between them like a living thing; every worry, every fierce love, every quiet doubt passed in small, half-formed waves across that invisible bridge.
“You’re quiet today,” Heiko said finally, voice low. He crouched down in front of her and took both her hands in his. “Tell me what’s on your mind, River. Don’t hold the weight alone.”
She drew a breath that trembled for only a second before settling like stone.
“I’ve decided,” she said simply. The words landed with surprising calm. Heiko blinked, searching her face for the edges of whatever storm had passed. “I won’t go North now.”
Heiko’s brow
