I was exhausted. I’d heard people say they were bone-tired, but this went deeper than my bones. It was like my panic had reached inside of me and sapped something vital straight out of my soul, leaving me less than a whole person should be.
Once the worst had passed, Elroy picked me up and carried me to our hallway, with Astor trailing behind. I just sagged against Elroy’s chest, too drained to protest, or even open my eyes. It was nice being in his arms, and what was I going to do, walk there on my own?
I forced my eyes open as Elroy lay me gently on a bed, looking up at the dark ceiling of the Ruby Room.
"Elroy," I rasped, my voice trembling. It took everything in me to speak, but this couldn’t wait. "The baby... we need to make sure..."
He nodded, worry etched across his face. "As
