Noctisardor Bypass the wild god reaches into a bag made of moles and nightingale-skin

He said something, though she didn’t understand. Her brow furrowed questioningly, though she didn’t say anything. Druid just shook her head again, gaze dropping back to the ground. She didn’t look up again, even when he reached out a paw and she grasped it in hers.

Druid held it for a moment, then let go and dropped heavily to her haunches. Her eyes closed. She knew she ought to get back to the den. The newborns needed her. It wasn’t fair to foist them on Heda, who was due herself any day now. Yet Druid couldn’t bring herself to go back, not yet.

I was just thinking about how Glaukos did a number on us both. I didn’t know pregnancy would be like that. I didn’t know motherhood would be like this… Once more, she shook her head. I feel like I’m not even the same person I was before all of this. Not just physically. Mentally. Emotionally.

She glanced up at him and pursed her lips. Etienne had already given up so much just to help them here, the last thing he needed was for Druid to burden him with her postpartum woes. What she really ought to do was stop dwelling and focus on him.

I’m not sure I can make up for this, she said, gesturing at his bruises, but let me know of anything I can do to help you feel more comfortable here. You’re staying with us, aren’t you? Rivenwood is your home now.