you touch the bump I punch your throat

Absinth had tried to push through her lingering sickness and fatigue, but after a few weeks, it became clear that something more serious was at play. She had fought in this condition, did her patrols, her work as Katil — but still she was not able to regain her strength. And now, she was eating like a damn horse and had probably seen better days when it came to her weight. More worryingly, the fluttering in her abdomen? She was bewildered. Maybe in denial. Reluctantly, she decided to visit Caedes under the cover of night, attempting to keep the visit a secret until she had her answers.

Inside his dimly lit dealers den, Caedes examined her with a practiced eye, asking about her symptoms. She’d explain, frustration lacing her voice all the while. Moody wench.

Caedes nodded thoughtfully, his hands gentle as he conducted his examination. After a few moments, he stepped back, his expression serious yet calm. “Absinth, you’re pregnant.” Really, the man thought to himself that everyone in the pack was coming to the same diagnosis at this point, but he digressed.

The words hit her like a bolt of lightning. She stared at Caedes, her mind reeling. “Pregnant?” The monochromatic cae echoed, her voice barely more than a disbelieving whisper. The shock was evident on her face as she struggled to process the news. This wasn’t impossible, nor was it far fetched; but coming to terms with it was a different task. Pups? Her? The thought hadn’t crossed her mind before. Just how many times had she seen her mother rid herself of unwanted children as easily as casting out rubbish. But… unwanted? That word felt wrong, so wrong. Hadn’t Absinth been unwanted all her life as well?

Seeing her distress, Caedes spoke in a softer neutral tone. “Take some time to digest this, you’ve got until the end of the season I'd wager.” The brute advised. “Rest and take care of yourself.”

Nodding numbly, Absinth left the den, her thoughts a chaotic whirl. She needed to walk, to clear her head and find some semblance of calm. Anxiety gnawed at her, exacerbated by the ever-present threat of the Syndicate’s reputation and her father’s prowling around the lands. Fucking hell.

As she walked through the forest, her ravens sensed her turmoil and gathered around her protectively. Their caws questioning, their voices a chorus of worry. “Find Aresenn,” She instructed them softly, her expression softening just for them. Of course, he was the only male she’d ever been with, and he was her more-than-lover. So, this very much involved him. Damn it. How the fuck do you break this kind of news to someone?

The ravens scattered without hesitation, and within moments, they pinpointed his location through calls across the distance. Relaying the information back to her with practiced ease. Okay. She had time. Absinth made her way to the den she shared with Aresenn and settled inside to wait for his return. She paced the small space restlessly, her thoughts a tumult of worry and disbelief. At least she knew why she was feeling so ill. Though it did mean Jack shit in this scenario.

When she finally heard the familiar sound of Aresenn’s footsteps approaching, she paused, her heart pounding. Emeralds wolf, the woman took a deep breath and steeled herself.



wormwood