The Grounds of Eda were not only known for their purity but also for their unique houses. Unlike the rest of the realm, their houses were made of clay and sticks. It was nothing luxurious, but it provided comfort.
Elias lay on the bed, his body too exhausted, and his hands wrapped around his now visible baby bump. The child was growing fast, and his body was weakening with every passing day.
The stranger—whom Elias had come to learn was named Cyrus—was not only good with herbs and ancient teachings, but he was also the elder brother of Rowan's personal physician, Mason. Blake knew of it, and for a second, Elias felt used.
"He was the one who performed the awakening ritual," Blake explained. But Elias still could not wrap his head around it, not even while he slept. The rebirth and everything that followed felt planned—and maybe rushed.
