*Gemma*

“I’m the picture of health,” Kael said with an involuntary cough.

I scoffed and held out my hand for him to take. “I’m not very worldly, but I’m pretty sure being beat like a beef flank isn’t normal.”

Raisa was pacing, looking torn between miffed and worried, her hand resting on her stomach. “Pick it up, you two.”

I helped Kael to his feet as much as I could, my arms out as he gathered his balance in case I needed ...