{Lisa's POV}

 

 

 

The night had been long. But it had come to an end. It had to be the most stressful night I had ever experienced. I pressed my palm against my tummy, thinking about the life growing in me. 'Hey there big guy... hope mommy didn't get you too worried?'

 

A checkup was well on my agenda when all this was over. Outside, dawn finally broke across the hills, soft gray light spilling through the thin curtains, touching Heri's face where she slept. She had not stirred once since the ritual. Her breathing was shallow but steady, the only proof she was still with us.

 

"Rest up." I muttered.

 ...