Exton

"Mela, lie still. Do not move."

Cassie looks up at him, tears in her eyes. His hands roam over her body, looking for injuries. Her hip feels out of joint. He settles a hand over her belly. There is a bump against his hand and Cassie winces, fighting pain and tears.

"Shhhhhh Mela. Lie still."

He raises his head and roars. "ROWAN!"

"I am here Keon, let me see her."

Her no-nonsense tone has him moving to Cassie's uninjured side. He captures Rowan's hand before she can touch Cassie.

"No blood. I don't see any blood. If you see blood, don't touch it. It is lethal to others." He releases Rowan, stroking back Cassie's hair. "Well, except me."

His free hand finds Cassie's and he holds it gently. Every time Rowan probes her side, Cassie grips his hand. He feels the small webs between her fingers twitch with each painful press. Rowan sighs with relief as she leans back.

"Nothing broken, a lot of bruises. Keon, help her sit up slowly. The baby is moving a lot. That is a good sign. Goddess... Girl you need to guide me. Cassie I don't know a lot about your birth cycle or healing abilities. Will ice or heat be better?"

Cassie's breathing is ragged. The sharp pain making it hard to talk. Keon watches her struggle. "Just nod or shake your head Mela. The Sirens soak in their chosen waters to heal bruises. The mers and Selkies do too. Would the Lake help you?"

Cassie closes her eyes, struggling to speak. "Later. The Lake... later. Need to... " Her words drift away.

"Cassie, what? Need to what?" Keon gently strokes her hair. "Talk to me Cassie, what do you need?

Her eyes open, vision unfocused. "Sleep, Ke... sleep. No Ivory Tow... promise, me..."

Her eyes drift shut and he whispers to her as he gathers her in his arms. "No Ivory Tower, My lady."

He looks to Rowan.

"Sleep may be best Keon. Stay with her, watch over her. If anything happens, I will be at Traeger's after I check in with the ladies upstairs."

Guunnar stares at Keon for a moment, then takes Cassie from his arms. Rowan watches them head up the stairs.

Dmitri smiles, cracking his knuckles. "Herne calls. Morgan stepped into a Path and is on the run."