Page 25

Pregnant.

The word echoed in my mind, both a melody and a warning. I pressed a trembling hand against my abdomen, trying to comprehend the life growing inside me. Thornix's child. Joy swelled in my chest, but fear swiftly followed. How would the world react to a child of both human and wood nymph?

Thornix was away, confronting enemies who threatened our very existence. I imagined him moving through the forest, vines and leaves accentuating his every step, eyes gleaming with determination. The thought of him facing danger alone tightened a knot in my stomach.

I couldn't sit idly by.

Turning away from the clearing, I made my way back to the terramare. The familiar path wound between towering trees,each one a silent guardian. The cool breeze caressed my face, but did little to soothe my racing thoughts.

"Acacia!" Mira's voice called out as I approached the village. She hurried toward me, dark curls framing her worried face. "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Just needed some fresh air," I replied, attempting a smile.

Her eyes searched mine. "Something's wrong. I can tell."

I hesitated, then sighed. "I have news. But I'm not sure how to say it."

She grasped my hands gently. "You can tell me anything."

I took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

Mira's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and delight. "That's amazing!"

"I know," I said softly. "But Thornix doesn't even know yet. And with everything happening..."

She pulled me into a tight hug. "We'll figure it out. You're not alone."

I clung to her, grateful for her support. "I can't just wait here while he risks his life."

She pulled back, nodding firmly. "What do you want to do?"

"We need allies," I said. "There are others who believe in peace between humans and monsters. If we can bring them together..."

Mira's eyes sparkled with determination. "Then let's gather them."

A warmth spread through me. "Thank you."

We spent the rest of the day reaching out to those we trusted. Word spread quickly through the terramare, whispers of our plan igniting sparks of hope. By evening, a small group had gathered at the village center.

Eldric, an elder with silver-streaked hair and wise eyes, stepped forward. "Acacia, is it true? Do you seek to unite us with the monster tribes?"

I met his gaze steadily. "Yes. Thornix has shown me that peace is possible. But he can't do it alone."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

A young man named Jorin spoke up. "But what if they turn against us? We've heard stories..."

"Stories fueled by fear," I replied. "I've seen the goodness in them. Just as there is darkness in some humans, there is light in them."

Mira stepped beside me. "We have to try."

Eldric nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. I will support your endeavor."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you."

Others began to voice their agreement, and soon plans were set in motion. Messages were sent to nearby terramares, and emissaries were chosen to reach out to sympathetic monster tribes.

That night, I lay awake in my small cottage, the faint glow of moonlight casting shadows on the walls. Thoughts of Thornix consumed me. I missed his voice, the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed, the warmth of his embrace.