Page 199 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
Myra squinted at the intruders. In front of the group, a woman stumbled, her features cast in shadows. Several people jumped to her aid, their arms wrapping around her.
Myra gasped. Smiling, she gripped Moris’ arm. "Moris, I think that’s?—"
A muffled scream cut her off, and a fierce gust of wind slapped Myra’s face, whipping her hair around. When she opened her eyes, Moris was no longer beside her.
"Dani!" Moris shouted over the noise.
Dani leaned forward, clutching her stomach. Her long brown braids hid her face in shadow as she released another groan.
Myra spun around and called for the healer. "Gerald!"
"Yes?" the healer answered, pushing his way through the crowd that had gathered at the troops’ arrival.
Myra pointed to Dani. "The woman—she’s pregnant."
Gerald immediately dropped the soiled towel. "How far along?"
Myra hurried beside him as they rushed toward Dani. "I—I don’t know," she stammered, unable to remember.
They quickened their pace. When they reached the crowd, Gerald shouted, "Move! I’m a healer."
The crowd split, and Moris stumbled to the ground, his wings spanning out behind him.
"Dani? What’s wrong?" Moris asked, his hand shaking as he reached for her.
Dani shrieked when her gaze fell on the man who should have been dead. She tried to scurry backward, but the person behind her prevented her from moving.
"Mo-Moris?" the person behind Dani called out, tears glossing their amber eyes. Myra recognized Sylvia instantly. "You’re really alive?"
"How?" Dani asked, her hand trembling as she touched Moris’ cheek.
Moris gave his friends a nervous smile. "It’s a long story."
"One we do not have time for," an unfamiliar voice bit out, her tone in direct contrast with how she gently stroked Dani’s back.
But it was as if the woman had never spoken. Dani snatched Moris by the collar and yanked him forward, her fingers digging into his shirt. "If you ever pull that sh—" Dani’s threat was cut short as she choked on another scream.
"Everyone needs to get out of the way," the woman beside Dani demanded.
A few of the soldiers started shoving people back. When one prevented Gerald from coming forward, the healer shoved the man’s arm away. "Did you not hear me? I’m a healer."
"Let him through," the woman said. "He can assist me."
Myra shuffled backward, giving them space.
"Assist you?" Gerald said, as if offended. "Have you had twenty years of training?"
"Thirty, actually," the woman quipped with an arched brow, silencing Gerald. "Theenah, Pontia’s Head of Medicine."
Gerald’s mouth fell open, eyes wide in shock. "Y-you’re Theenah? You’re legendary."
Myra stifled her chuckle as she watched the encounter.
"The one and only. Now, are you going to gawk or help me get her somewhere more comfortable?"
"Take one of our tents," Moris suggested, refusing to leave Dani’s side. He swatted Sylvia’s hand away when they reached for his wing.
Sylvia frowned. They quickly ripped their attention away from the wings when Dani keeled over and bellowed.
