Blackfeather Woods hush, my baby; baby, don't you cry

Maegi. . .

It was like a ghost had spoken, but she knew it wasn't so. She turned with joy in her eyes and heart to look upon her beloved nearby. Mou, she breathed; the word was barely audible. He'd have to catch the shape of it on her lips. Maegi beckoned him closer, gaze blurring with tears.

Our children will be born soon, she murmured, once he'd come close enough to hear. Twin boys. Peryite told me. Oh, Mou. . . I know they'll be perfect. They're ours.

She lurched slowly forward, pressing her face into his neck. Bile still stung the corners of her mouth, but now so too did the tracks of tears, sharp and salty. It all came together in a mess of sensation, and for a moment, she thought she'd vomit again—but it passed, leaving her only with utter relief. Mou. Her sweet, wonderful Mou.

I love you, Maegi whispered fervently.