Page 21 of Bedrest Blues & Otherworldly Clues (Mystical Midlife in Maine #17)
Clio pushed through the crowded room, medical bag in hand. "These visions are causing physical damage," she warned, wiping blood from my face with brisk efficiency. "The strain is affecting the babies." Her eyes dropped to my stomach, concern evident.
I could feel the triplets reacting to my distress, their magic surging chaotically through my system like wildfire. Objects around the room levitated and crashed down. The mirror on the wall cracked with a sound like a gunshot as their power fluctuated wildly.
"Something's happening," Nina said, eyes zeroing in on my belly with laser focus. "The babies are trying to show us something." Her voice held a note of wonder.
A golden glow emanated from beneath my skin where Melaina pushed against my palm, the light so bright it hurt to look at directly.
It formed a shimmering projection above the bed, wobbling at first before stabilizing into a clear image showing the house from above.
It was surrounded by approaching darkness that moved with purpose—not random shadows but coordinated forces.
Aidon moved closer, placing his hand beside mine.
Wisps of darkness trailed from his fingertips like smoke, brushing the edges of the golden light.
The projection flickered, then brightened as he hummed a deep melody that vibrated through my bones.
His shadow essence intertwined with Melaina's light, adding depth and dimension to the images.
The magical display sharpened dramatically. There were movements in the darkness, glowing sigils hidden within shadows, and connections between approaching threats. It was a tactical map created by my unborn children.
"They see the weaknesses," Aidon said, eyes narrowing slightly in what might have been pride. "Smart little demi-gods." He traced a pattern in the air, and the projection responded, zooming in on certain places.
As we watched, transfixed, the projection highlighted specific areas around the property. Each pulsed with a different energy signature. There were blue, green, red, and purple. It was a tactical rainbow of magical vulnerabilities.
"Those are our anchor points," Aidon said, recognition dawning on his perfect features. "The foundations of our protections."
"And they're being systematically undermined," Hades confirmed, his expression grim. "Not random attacks. Strategic."
The projection flickered and died as the triplets' strength faltered. I felt them curl into each other, exhausted by the effort. They drifted into the magical equivalent of a food coma. My hand dropped to my side, suddenly heavy as lead.
"We need to take the fight to her," Nana declared, checking the ammunition in her shotgun with practiced efficiency. "But we don't know where the bitch is hiding."
I looked around at the faces of those I loved most. They were my family by blood and by choice.
Despite the exhaustion that lined every face, the fear that tightened every jaw, each wore an expression of stubborn determination.
Even in this darkest moment, they refused to surrender.
It made my heart swell painfully in my chest.
"We use what Lyra doesn't understand," I said, a plan forming. "Family. Connection. Love. The things she's always seen as weaknesses."
"How can we use that when they'll be vulnerable if we're separated?" Jean-Marc asked, doubt clouding his features.
"What if we could use those connections to create a feedback loop? One that looks like vulnerability but actually channels power back to the babies if she tries to take them?" My mind raced ahead, seeing possibilities unfold like a map. "A magical trap disguised as weakness."
Hades's expression shifted from concern to interest, darkness gathering around him like an eager pet. "A magical Trojan horse. Clever."
"She expects us to be entirely defensive," I continued, warming to the idea. "What if instead, we let her think she's winning while setting a trap of our own? Give her exactly what she wants, but poisoned."
"If it fails, we're no worse off than we are now," I replied to Aidon's concerned expression. "But if it works, we turn Lyra's own ritual against her. Let her be the one to get screwed by unexpected consequences for once."
Another crash from downstairs. This one was accompanied by the distinctive sound of Selene's war cry being cut short by splintering wood. It reminded us of the immediate threat hammering at our door.
"We need more time to prepare," Clio said, repacking her medical bag with brisk efficiency.
"Then we buy time," Hades decided, his power expanding to fill the room like a physical presence, cold and ancient.
"Aidon and I will reinforce the perimeter.
Stella, Nana—coordinate our fighters. Jean-Marc, work with Nina on creating the Trojan horse.
Clio, stay with Phoebe. She needs medical monitoring. "
As everyone moved out with purpose, Aidon lingered by my side, his cool hand clasping mine. "Are you sure about this?" he asked quietly, his eyes searching mine.
I met his gaze steadily, squeezing his hand. "No. But I'm done being helpless while Lyra threatens our family. If she wants a fight, we'll give her one she never expected. One she'll regret starting."
He kissed me fiercely, his lips cool against mine, before straightening. "Rest while you can. Conserve your strength and the babies'. You'll need it soon enough."
As he left, darkness trailing in his wake, I settled back against the pillows, hands protectively over my swollen belly. "Hear that, little ones? We're changing the rules. Lyra has no idea what a mother will do to protect her children." I smiled grimly. "She's about to learn."
Three distinct pulses of magic answered me. They were an agreement, a promise, and a declaration of war. My children weren't even born yet, and already they were ready to fight.
The house shook as another wave of corrupted beings slammed against our defenses.
Outside, the sky darkened unnaturally, clouds spiraling like a brewing hurricane.
The time for defensive strategies was ending.
We were moving to the offensive. Lyra would learn that underestimating the Duedonne family was the last mistake she would ever make.
Because when you threaten a mother's children, you unlock a special kind of hell. The kind even gods fear to face.