The days following the battle in the valley were quiet in a way that felt heavier than war.
Liora spent most of her time in recovery, confined to lighter duties within Shadowveil Keep on the healers’ strict orders. The merged power surge had left her drained, with lingering headaches and moments of dizziness that frustrated her warrior spirit. Her belly had grown noticeably rounder, the child’s movements stronger and more frequent—a constant, joyful reminder amid the exhaustion.
Riven rarely left her side, though he split his attention between her care and overseeing repairs to the weakened veil barriers. Their strengthened mate bond allowed him to lend her energy during the worst spells, a gentle flow of shadow-tempered strength that helped stabilize her.
In the great hall, however, te
