Chapter 73: Rain Before Fire

Another few days passed.

Elena and Niegal, glowing in the fresh light of their marriage, stood at the war table in the study, fingers entwined, matching rings glinting in the stormlight.

Dark clouds pressed against the windows. Rain tapped the glass in endless, steady rhythm.

They spoke in hushed voices, hunched over maps and worn parchment. The Church would not stay idle. Another attack was inevitable and they both knew it. But when? How?

Cheri exits the study carrying a tray: cold tea, untouched bread, a forgotten bowl of broth. Neither had eaten.

They both never did until the work was done.

Hours passed.

Elena slumped in her chair, eyes heavy. She tapped her pen against the tabletop, distracted and worn.

Niegal moved silently behind her, draping a thick wool blanket around her shoulders. He kissed the crown of her head; a quiet act of worship.

She tilted her face toward him with a weary smile.

"How can I feel this much joy," she whispered, "when the war is only just beginning?"

Niegal didn't answer. He only watched her, brow creased.

He had noticed changes in her body; fatigue that wouldn't ease, lightheaded spells, a warmth in her skin.

It was too soon to say, even with his healing magic, but…

His chest clenched.

A child?

Or something worse?

The thought of losing her froze him in place. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

And then—

BOOM.

CRASH. CRASH.