(Kael)
The afternoon sun is high when I wake up.
I sit up in bed. My shoulder still hurts. The wound on my side throbs. But the pain is less than yesterday.
I reach out through the mind link. 'Aria?'
Her response comes immediately. 'Kael. You're awake.'
'Just checking in. How are you feeling?'
'Better than last night. The baby is calmer today.'
'Good. Keep resting. I'll talk to you later.'
'Be safe.'
The connection fades.
I stand up. Get dressed. Strap on weapons. My shoulder protests when I lift my arm but it will hold.
Thunder speaks in my mind. 'Something feels wrong.'
'What do you mean?'
'Just a feeling. Can't explain it.'
I trust Thunder's instincts. Always have. If he says something is wrong, then something is wrong.
I walk out of my quarters. Head toward the war room
