(Aria)
I wake up before dawn. Kael is still asleep beside me. His breathing is even now. Calm.
I watch him for a moment. See the healing cuts on his face. The torn ear that's almost fixed. The exhaustion still visible even in sleep.
He fought so hard. Lost so much. But he's here. Alive. Safe.
The baby kicks. Strong. Like it's telling me to get up.
I sit up. Move as quietly as I can. Don't want to wake him yet.
There's a knock on the door. I open it to find Healer Margot standing there with a small bag.
"Luna," she says. "I need to check on you before the journey."
"Come in."
She walks in. Closes the door behind her. Sets her bag down on the table.
"How are you feeling?" she asks.
"Fine. The baby has been moving a lot."
"That's good. Active means healthy."
She checks my vitals.
