*Erik*
I return home to find Ellie by the fire, working on her fish stew for the evening. Every moon, whether Hati wants to shift or not, she makes it for me.
I wrap my arms around her tightly, placing my hand on her growing stomach. It has really gained size these past weeks, and my heart swells. Perhaps it is twins. She is much bigger than she should be now.
“Harald and Catherine are joining us tonight,” I tell her and kiss her cheek. I tried to get her to stay here with you, but she refused.”
Ellie nods. “I told her he would be in pain. She wants to care for him. I gave her herbs, and we made a salve yesterday. I don’t know if it’s as good as what I had for you, but it’s better than nothing.”
I squeeze her just a little tighter. “You are a good woman.”
“I know you asked t
