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"I bought you a functional item that happens to be decorative." He leans back, defensive. "Jackie mentioned your symptoms were getting worse."
The bracelet feels cool against my skin. I'm not used to gifts without strings attached—especially not from men. "Thank you," I say cautiously, still waiting for the catch.
He shrugs, looking almost uncomfortable with my gratitude. "It was on my way."
"Ezzid was on your way?" I raise an eyebrow, slipping the bracelet onto my wrist. "Isn't that in an entirely different direction?"
"Are you always this ungrateful?" But there's no real heat in his words.
"Only when demons bring me mysterious magical items." I admire the way the stones catch the light. "It's... beautiful."
Something shifts in his expression, softening the hard edges of his face. "Good."
The moment stretches between us, teetering on the edge of something dangerous. I look away first, suddenly overwhelmed by the scent of him—smoke and spice and something metallic that must be blood. My stomach rolls.
"You need to bathe," I blurt out, pressing a hand to my mouth. "Now."
Vael frowns. "I just got home?—"
"Now," I repeat with more urgency, swallowing hard. "Or I'm going to throw up on your boots."
Understanding dawns on his face. He rises immediately, stepping back. "The scent?"
I nod, breathing through my mouth. "Everything is... stronger." I gesture vaguely. "Sensitive."
His eyes narrow thoughtfully. "I've heard this might happen. Your senses heightening is a good sign—it means the pregnancy is progressing normally."
"Wonderful." I close my eyes, still fighting nausea. "I'm thrilled to have a supernatural reaction to your stench."
Vael huffs what might be a laugh. "I'll bathe."
"And burn those clothes," I add, only half-joking.
He moves toward the door but pauses, looking back at me. "Are you... is it always this bad?"
The genuine concern in his voice catches me off guard. I open my eyes to find his expression serious, brows drawn together.
"No," I admit. "Just mornings, usually. And when certain smells hit me." I gesture at him. "Like eau de bounty hunter."
Vael laughs, a deep rumble that surprises me with its genuine mirth. "Fair enough." He runs a hand through his dark hair. "I'll be back, smelling considerably less offensive."
After he disappears down the hallway, I examine the bracelet more closely. The blue stones catch the crimson light filtering through the windows, creating tiny purple flashes that dance across my skin. I slip it onto my wrist and feel a subtle warmth spread up my arm—not unpleasant, just noticeably there.
By the time Vael returns, I've composed myself enough to sit upright without the blanket. The scent of him has changed—clean, with hints of some herb I can't name, but distinctly him underneath it all. His hair is still damp, pushed back from his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his features.
"Better?" He spreads his arms, inviting inspection.
I take an exaggerated sniff. "Marginally."
He drops into the seat across from me, freshly dressed in a simple black tunic and pants. The informal clothing somehow makes him look more dangerous than his usual armor—like a predator at rest.
"I spoke with Mireva while I was out," he says, his tone shifting to something more purposeful.
"The healer?" He's mentioned her, though I've yet to meet her.
He nods. "She's agreed to see us tomorrow. To confirm the pregnancy."
My hand instinctively touches my still-flat stomach. "Is that necessary? I haven't bled, and unless you've been slipping anti-nausea herbs into my food for fun..."