Months later

[Malia’s POV]

The sound of the baby’s cry hit my ears, and even through the overpowering pain I felt after being in labour for thirty-six hours, a great smile found its way to my lips. It was as though my intestines had been ripped apart and I had never felt as weak as I felt presently, but I was fulfilled.

It was worth it. All the pain I had endured had been worth it eventually.

The Moon Goddess didn’t fail me. She had looked down on me with a smile, and although there had been times when I had wanted to give up and just heed to the...