The Aftermath (The Unwanted Luna)

GRACE I was out shopping at the mall with my husband, just enjoying our day together. We had a list of things we needed, but of course, ended up getting way more than we intended to. It's always hard to resist the temptation when you're surrounded by all these amazing stores and deals. We were especially excited about finding a new pair of shoes that were on sale - it felt like such a win! We spent most of the day going from store to store, trying on different clothes, and comparing prices. It was fun to see my husband getting into it too, trying on different outfits and giving his opinion on what looked good on me. We even managed to grab a bite to eat at the food court and treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream. It was just such a great day spent strolling through the mall, exploring different shops, and simply enjoying each other's company. "Are you okay?" asked Ulric. We were already in the parking lot and the car was not that far away. I can see it from where I'm standing. But my eyes started to get blurry. Thank goodness my husband was right there by my side, keeping me steady. He really came through and didn't let me take a spill. Can't even imagine what would've happened if he wasn't there. "I d-don't feel so good. Let's go home." "No. I think we should go to the hospital so you can be seen. I don't want to take chances." "I'm fine. I was just tired, that's all. Take me home, please." But he did not listen to me and took me to the hospital anyway. It was a total madhouse in there, just like always. You know how it is - people running around, doctors and nurses buzzing about, and patients everywhere. I mean, it was like a circus, but with more white coats and less fun. It's like everyone suddenly decided that this was the place to be. Anyway, we finally made it to the reception and had to wait in line for what felt like forever. Finally, we got checked in and settled down to wait for our turn. It was a bit chaotic, but that's just the way it goes at the hospital. "I don't like going to hospitals," I said to him. The smell in the hospital is just like alcohol. As soon as you step through those doors, it hits you like a wave. It's that strong, sterile scent that lingers in the air. It's like they've drenched the whole place with hand sanitizer or something. You can't escape it no matter where you go, whether it's the waiting room or the patient rooms. It's like they want to make sure everything is super clean, but sometimes it feels a bit overpowering. Like, I get it— it's a hospital, it's gotta be clean, but it's not exactly a smell that puts you at ease. "I know. I don't like it either. But I want to make sure you're okay. Is this the first time you felt dizzy?" "Not really the first. So, I did a few days ago too. I tried to take deep breaths and drink some water to see if that would help, but the dizziness stuck around for a while, but it started to subside eventually." "I told you not to worry so much about the pack. Their cabins are being rebuilt and there are funds for food and other expenses." He put his arm around me. "I know you can heal others and you're strong. But you have to remember that you can't heal yourself." The aftermath of the battle has resulted in a flurry of activity. Even though I have the magical ability, I have no desire to misuse it. I vowed to myself that I would only ever resort to it in an emergency. *** "Are you sure?" asked Ulric. He was totally blown away when he heard the doctor say I'm pregnant. I knew there was a chance I could get pregnant, since we do not use protection whenever we are intimate. Also, I was told by the Goddess that I'd have another baby. The thing is though— she did not tell me when my baby was coming. So Ulric's reaction was expected. I purposely did not tell him about what the Goddess told me about my next pregnancy, so when he actually hears those words from a professional, it's a whole different story. It's like a mix of shock, excitement, and a touch of disbelief all rolled into one. We were both over the moon, but it took a while for it to sink in for him. It's going to be quite a journey. "Are you sure she's pregnant?" My husband asked him again. I laughed this time and squeezed his hand. The doctor nodded and said, "Yes, she's pregnant. The blood test confirmed it. This is not your wife's first pregnancy, am I correct?" "This is her second," Ulric answered. The doctor looked and turned at me and smiled. "Then you already know what you should and should not do. Take your vitamins and don't tire yourself out. Your hemoglobin is slightly low. You need to get enough sleep and eat properly. You can't afford to skip meals— the baby needs to be fed. Just reminding you once more that you need to start taking supplements. You need to schedule an appointment with your OB and see the doctor regularly. If there's nothing else, I will take my leave. You can go home anytime. Please have your husband do all the work." She even managed to joke around. "Take care." It's been a week since the fight ended, and things are getting back to normal. After the Gods chose to mess with human lives, some people found it difficult to adapt to the changes that were made without their consent. "We should tell everyone about the new baby." Ulric is absolutely stoked, like over-the-moon excited, to spill the beans to our family about the bun in the oven! He can barely contain himself, constantly grinning like a Cheshire cat. It's adorable how he's already planning ways to announce the big news creatively. I know he's bursting with joy and can't wait to share this incredible news with our loved ones. It's going to be such a special moment for all of us, but we are still not off the hook. The council will hold a hearing soon now that Aurora's secret is out in the open, and it will be another struggle for everyone at High Crown. That's why I wasn't ready to break the news quite yet. It's not like now is the best moment to do that. "Actually, can we keep it to ourselves for a bit longer?" Ulric frowned and looked quite confused. "We will tell them eventually. I just want to wait a bit."