Page 82 of A Curse So Vile

“I can tell you right now she’s more than warm to the idea. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

He continued on, entering the cave to one of Dorthea’s stories. She had so many, and the people of the Den loved to hear them as they were not well traveled.

He walked over to Brenna and bent to kiss her on the cheek. “Eddard has requested a word with you.”

She pouted. “You know how I hate being responsible.”

“It’s urgent,” Eddard rushed out.

“Urgent enough where we don’t have time to sit and enjoy each other’s company?” Brenna said crossly.

“It’s Alicia. She’s pregnant.”

Suddenly, Cole understood his worry. Alicia was human, and not robust in her build.

“That’s wonderful,” Brenna said with a smile.

“Is there something we can do to help her? Back in Ossory, a woman was just as likely to perish as she was to survive.”

“Every day, from now until she’s due, give her a drop of your blood. It won’t be enough to change her nature too much, but it should help her through the difficulties she’ll face.”

“You-you would allow that?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you!”

Eddard rushed from the cave with the good news.

“Have a seat,” Dorthea said. “Xavier has made the most delicious stew.”

Cole learned early on that the Denithians prefer their meat raw, but with the arrival of Dorthea, Xavier, an aged Denithian male, was ever so keen to learn some culinary skills.

They sat around the table, dining on bread, stew, and wine, enjoying each other’s company.

“Tell me more about the ship you crossed the sea on.” Xavier looked at the Gryndari with adoration.

“Typically, if I were to travel anywhere, it would be with the king’s men. But in this case, I was runningawaayyyaaa….”

Cole blinked as his jaw dropped.

Dorthea’s hands flew to her mouth to cover a long, sharp, thick tooth that had just jutted outward.

“Ohhhhh, dammmmmiiittt.”Spittle hung from Dorthea’s mangled mouth.

“When did this happen?” Cole asked, still in shock.

Brenna laughed. “A few days ago. Dorthea kept getting sicker and sicker, and it was our only option.”

Dorthea’s huge tooth retracted, and she gasped in relief. “I will never get used to that.”

Cole wiped his mouth. “I have to say, it will never not be funny.”

“Eventually, it will be you who takes the blood,” Dorthea said with a scolding gaze.

“I’m pretty healthy.”

“Would you take it for me?” Brenna asked, and he noticed her posture become more serious.