ia

kind of chamber, filled with rich red decor and weapons placed on the wall

ried to sit up, but before I could move, a

e do not mov

tor from years ago, the woman who had taught me everything I knew about healing. She looked olde

nd before the memories came flooding back. Th

ng, but there was no sign of him. Just me and Elar

ged, her eyes filled with tears as she h

ing heart. I wasn't dead. That was good.

ed, confused. "Is this

ramped room like the dungeon. Bu

othing. "You were running a high temper

t me because I was his fated mate. Surely there was no other reason a man like this

ed with concern bef

s your last he

k about four weeks ago," I said, trying to r

ngers gently against my lower abdomen, feeling carefully.

r the side of the bed, vomiting violently while

y, child," s

rembled as I looked at the mess on t

tion and sat back, her eye

id gently. "Yo

I stared at her, waiting for the meaning to

ead frantically. "I can't be p

y, her voice firm but kind.

It had to be when he had severed our bond because I was unable to bear him a pup. It had to be when I was accused of killing the Kin

rying Log

man who had called me useless. The m

wn my face as Elara pulle

ou will be fine. Ever

nging to her tightly. "Why now? Why

unds coming from my throat. I was carrying a child as a slave under the brutal K

my baby," I choked out, m

es, the way they would rage at the thought of their mate with someo

it. A pregnant slave was not

ht, pressing my hand pro

ce with conviction. "Magnus isn't that cruel, Aria.

g to believe her, but t

I whispered. "You don't

lara watched me with weary eyes. She sighed heavil

aid, her voice firm but kind. "And I am going to find a maid to cle

he left the room, the door clicking shut behind her. The moment the sound f

hild. I could raise it by myself, in some small village far from the reach of kings and A

, peering through the ha

pounding so loudly I was

t know how I would escape this frozen fo

my b