Nova Peak We all wish for more.

She could really only manage a wan smile for her mate’s remarks. She loved him dearly, as she did their offspring currently crowding her body, but Masquerade was at the end of her rope. Although she was nervous about the birth itself—particularly with no other women near at hand—Masque knew she could act as her own midwife, with Riley there to pick up the slack.

I do wish my mother or my sister could be here, she found herself murmuring after a short stretch of silence.

Even New Snow would’ve been a welcome presence, even though she would lack any words of guidance. Masque let out a wistful sigh, then tried not to dwell on these matters. She was lucky she had the support system she did. And though Redd couldn’t stand by her through the delivery, it wouldn’t be long after that that she could meet her nephews and nieces.

She tried to picture not just Wealda but the others—particularly Mulherin—coming to see children in a few weeks’ time. Would their faces light up when they saw Avicus’s continuing legacy in the flesh? Would they remain as taciturn as ever? Masque snorted, lips curving fondly at the thought.