Chapter 83
MYRA
Myra felt a surge of fear rise among those remaining in the camp the moment the soldiers appeared.
Warriors clad in black leather and armor moved through the trees, the dripping sunlight reflecting off the metal.
Those closest to the intruders scurried back.
Children ran behind parents, grabbing their legs.
Myra squinted at the intruders. In front of the group, a woman stumbled, her features cast in shadows. Several people jumped to her aid, their arms wrapping around her.
Myra gasped. Smiling, she gripped Moris’ arm. "Moris, I think that’s—"
A muffled scream cut her off, and a fierce gust of wind slapped Myra’s face, whipping her hair around. When she opened her eyes, Moris was no longer beside her.
"Dani!" Moris shouted over the noise.
Dani leaned forward, clutching her stomach. Her long brown braids hid her face in shadow as she released another groan.
Myra spun around and called for the healer. "Gerald!"
"Yes?" the healer answered, pushing his way through the crowd that had gathered at the troops’ arrival.
Myra pointed to Dani. "The woman—she’s pregnant."
Gerald immediately dropped the soiled towel. "How far along?"
Myra hurried beside him as they rushed toward Dani. "I—I don’t know," she stammered, unable to remember.
They quickened their pace. When they reached the crowd, Gerald shouted, "Move! I’m a healer."
The crowd split, and Moris stumbled to the ground, his wings spanning out behind him.
"Dani? What’s wrong?" Moris asked, his hand shaking as he reached for her.
Dani shrieked when her gaze fell on the man who should have been dead. She tried to scurry backward, but the person behind her prevented her from moving.
"Mo-Moris?" the person behind Dani called out, tears glossing their amber eyes. Myra recognized Sylvia instantly. "You’re really alive?"
"How?" Dani asked, her hand trembling as she touched Moris’ cheek.
Moris gave his friends a nervous smile. "It’s a long story."
"One we do not have time for," an unfamiliar voice bit out, her tone in direct contrast with how she gently stroked Dani’s back.
But it was as if the woman had never spoken. Dani snatched Moris by the collar and yanked him forward, her fingers digging into his shirt. "If you ever pull that sh—" Dani’s threat was cut short as she choked on another scream.
"Everyone needs to get out of the way," the woman beside Dani demanded.
A few of the soldiers started shoving people back. When one prevented Gerald from coming forward, the healer shoved the man’s arm away. "Did you not hear me? I’m a healer."
"Let him through," the woman said. "He can assist me."
Myra shuffled backward, giving them space.
"Assist you?" Gerald said, as if offended. "Have you had twenty years of training?"
"Thirty, actually," the woman quipped with an arched brow, silencing Gerald. "Theenah, Pontia’s Head of Medicine."
Gerald’s mouth fell open, eyes wide in shock. "Y-you’re Theenah? You’re legendary."
Myra stifled her chuckle as she watched the encounter.
"The one and only. Now, are you going to gawk or help me get her somewhere more comfortable?"
"Take one of our tents," Moris suggested, refusing to leave Dani’s side. He swatted Sylvia’s hand away when they reached for his wing.
Sylvia frowned. They quickly ripped their attention away from the wings when Dani keeled over and bellowed.
Through clenched teeth, Dani gritted out, "If someone doesn’t move—"
"Show us the way," Theenah ordered.
With a quick nod, Moris lifted Dani from the ground.
"Careful!" Theenah and Gerald shouted.
Moris grimaced as nervous sweat dripped from his face. He mumbled an apology and strolled down the middle of the crowd, heading toward the tents with Dani draped over his arms. Dani’s head lolled to the side as she groaned. Moris wrapped his arms tighter around her.
As they passed Myra, Gerald gave her a tight smile. Myra’s gaze followed them as they made their way toward the tent. Only when they disappeared inside did Myra notice the soldiers filing into the camp. She recognized the Tetrian leather immediately.
"They’ve come," Phaia said, stepping beside Myra and squeezing her hand.
Even though the reinforcements had arrived, Myra struggled to hold on to the flickering relief. It slipped through her hand like water falling between her fingers.
She only hoped that the troops had arrived in time.