MasukEsteria Orien finally opened his eyes when Elliott stopped trying to settle him. We were back in the nursery, and my husband had spent several minutes walking slowly between the window and the changing table. The moment he sat beside me, our son became quiet. Elliott looked down at him. “You could have told me you wanted to sit.” “He was telling you something.” “Very loudly.” I smiled, then looked toward the cots again. Tamara had kept the boys in the clinic for a second night. She examined each of them before allowing us home that afternoon, leaving clear instructions with Maren and arranging another visit before bedtime. Cealin needed the longest examination. I stood beside Tamara until she finished, afraid that asking whether we could take him home would sound as if I wanted her to hurry. Now he slept within reach of Maren’s chair. I could see his small chest moving beneath his clothes. “He’s all right,” Elliott said quietly. “I know.” My eyes stayed on him anyway. Nes
Elliott Cealin was asleep when I entered the clinic room the following morning. I stopped beside him before going to Esteria. His small hands rested near his face, and the healer's latest notes lay on the table beside his cot. I read them even though Tamara already told me the same thing. He was improving. So were his brothers. Esteria watched me from the chair near the window. She wore a warm tan cardigan over a clean cotton top, and her dark-brown hair hung in a loose braid. There were shadows beneath her green eyes. “You slept for less than an hour,” I said. “So did you.” “That doesn't make it a good idea.” She almost smiled. I leaned down to kiss her, then stayed close while she touched the front of my coat. “Is everyone waiting?” “Yes.” Her hand tightened. “I will tell them what they need to know,” I said. “About me and the boys. Tamara will explain what happened.” Esteria looked toward the cots. “Don't make it sound as if we're apologizing for having them.” Someth
Selianna “Take off the ring, Miss Drawolf.” I looked from Damon to the tray on the table between us. His green eyes remained on my face, and the guard beside the door didn't move. “Why?” “You were wearing it when you handled the banner. We are retaining the items that may have come into contact with the affected area.” My fingers closed around the stone before I could stop them. It was supposed to be empty now. Mother said it would hold only one imprint, and that imprint was no longer on my hand. Still, the thought of leaving it with Elliott's men made my stomach turn. “It was a gift.” “Then you can tell me who gave it to you.” “My mother.” Damon nodded. When I didn't move, he glanced at the tray again. I pulled the ring off and placed it down carefully. Without its weight, my finger felt strangely bare. “Is everyone being treated like this?” “Everyone who handled the ceremonial pieces is being questioned.” That wasn't the answer I wanted. I wanted him to admit that some
Esteria “His breathing is easier now,” Tamara said. She was still bent over Cealin, with one hand resting lightly against his chest. I watched her face while she listened to the healer beside her. Neither looked alarmed anymore, but I couldn't make myself relax. Auren lay against my arm with his eyes closed. Every few seconds, I touched his cheek, afraid the heat would rise again. “Esteria.” I looked up. Tamara came toward me. “Let Nessa hold him while I check your hands.” “My hands?” “You've been gripping that blanket for several minutes.” I looked down. My fingers ached when I opened them, and that frightened me in a different way. I was so busy trying to protect him that I hadn't noticed how tense I had become. Nessa approached. “I'll stay right here.” I let her take him. She settled into the chair beside mine and began humming quietly while Tamara checked my pulse. “I am all right,” I said. “I know you're trying to be.” That nearly broke me. Across the room, Maren
Elliott The heat struck before Marcus finished the prayer. One moment, Tamara's lunar energy moved gently through the blessing. The next, something pressed against my chest hard enough to interrupt my breath. I released Esteria's hand and looked toward her. “Elliott?” I passed Cassian to the nurse waiting behind our chairs. Only then did I brace my hand against the chair back. Setra rose immediately. ‘Something is wrong.’ I knew. But it wasn't the familiar burning deep beneath my skin. My wolf wasn't fighting me. Across the first row, a chair scraped. “Move away from him.” Alpha Osric Fenwick stood with one arm extended toward his Luna. Several people turned. “The curse,” he said. “He's losing control.” Tamara's head lifted sharply. She withdrew her hands from the ceremonial bowl, cutting off the flow of energy. The pressure eased. I straightened. “No, I am not.” Osric stared at me. Before he could answer, Cealin cried out. It was a sharp, distr
Esteria “Your father is going to be late because of you.” Cassian continued gripping Elliott's finger while Maren tried to ease his small hand away. “I think his father is enjoying the excuse,” I said. Elliott looked down at our son. “I am ready.” “Your coat is on the chair.” “I know where it is.” I laughed. Maren finally freed him and settled Cassian against her shoulder. The boys were eight weeks old. Each had grown stronger in his own time, and Tamara had agreed that they could attend a short presentation with their carers beside them. She examined them again that afternoon before allowing us to leave. I wanted our people to meet them. I was also beginning to understand why Elliott checked the nursery every time he walked past. “Stop worrying,” he said when he came to me. “You first.” His mouth curved. I wore a dusty-rose gown with long sleeves and a softly gathered waist. Vivienne made sure I could sit comfortably and hold the boys without fighting the







