(Rigel)

Mom needed me to decide where to put that wretched woman and her children. We chose the blackest and dirtiest cell possible and dumped them there. Seeing them in this state brought me nothing but peace.

They could rot for all that I cared.

I want to get back to Amaia and be by her side. Saiph and Aziel are there and Alnilam must have gotten there too. Still, I wish to not leave her side for a second.

A fleeting excitement I sense through the bond belonging to Saiph and Alnilam

What’s going on?

Mintaka and Alnitak do the same. They exchange glances with me.

We continue with our work, rehabilitating the rescued people from Istrale. But that euphoria from their side doesn’t dial, there is a certain fear too.

"What’s going on?" I ask through the mindlink.

"Come to Amaia’s room whenever you are free. There is something we need to discuss," Saiph says with a hint of excitement.

That gets us even more intrigued.

"What could it be?" Alnitak asks but none of us has an answer.

We complete our duties with my mom and hurry over to the room. The night has already fallen.

Both of them are standing outside the room. Saiph is leaning against the wall, with his right leg arched. Alnilam is pacing, his long hair flying.

"What’s going on?" I question them. "Why aren’t you with Amaia?"

"King Xamian returned and wanted to spend some time with her. She will be waking up any time now," Saiph informs us, a grin slithers across his face.

Alnitak narrows his eyes at his older brother. "What are you hiding?" He circles his finger closer to his face.

Saiph tilts his head at Alnilam. "Should we tell them? Are they prepared?"

"I don’t think any of us are. But it is what it is." Alnilam shrugs his shoulders.

"You guys are killing us," Mintaka complains, his forehead creasing.

"Amaia is pregnant," I gleefully say. "TJ had a suspicion so he carried out a blood test. It is confirmed."

Our faces go from confused to shocked to joy. Alnitak grabs his head.

"Whattttt?"

Mintaka’s face splits into a grin while I stand there unable to move, trying to process their words.

All that glumness the twins had been carrying seems to have evaporated with this piece of news.

"She is? But I thought you guys had been giving her the potion."

"Yeah, I switched it last time because I was under and the chaos that followed made everyone forget," Saiph explains.

"We are going to become fathers," my voice comes out embroiled in emotions.

A child with Amaia. I don’t know which one of us has gotten her pregnant but the prospect fills me with hope and love.

A different kind of love.

Alnitak clings to me like the overjoyed child he acts, jumping up and down.

"We are. We are."

"Let’s keep this news to ourselves until we share with Amaia and see what she decides," Mintaka insightfully says. His eyes held an understanding none of us had considered.

My spirits dampen instantly and I sense a drag from others too. They seem not to have thought from this point of view. Amaia is still very young, she may not wish to become a mother and raise children.

"Remember, whatever her decision will be. We will accept. No fuss, no pushing her. She has been through enough," Saiph gently reminds us all and we nod.

We feel the bond stirring. She is awake. Emotions filter through it but positive ones. She is not upset with whatever conversation she is having.

We patiently wait.

The door finally opens and her father emerges, smiling.

Seeing us he halts and greets everyone.

"She is awake and waiting for you all." He appears gratified. "Whenever she is ready, visit Saratopia with her. I will be grateful."

"We will," Saiph respectfully answers him.

"I should check up on Aziel." He gives all of us a nod.

"Yes, he also has some news to share with you," Alnilam adds before he leaves.

"Aziel has some news?" I ask as we get ready to enter Amaia’s room.

"Meissa is his soulmate. They recognised each other earlier." Saiph holds the doorknob.

"Wow! That’s something," Alnitak says, a little shocked.

"Yeah, both of them deserve happiness and peace. I hope they find it in each other."

We push open the door and enter our mate’s room. She is lying on the bed, staring at us with her gorgeous smile.

Alnitak takes the lead. Spreading his arms, he rushes towards Amaia. "We have some news."

The rest of us follow, trying to hide our grins which are spilling out.

We are excited and happy. This has given us hope.

"Don’t overwhelm her," Alnilam warns Alnitak, knowing he can get too much.

I sit near her and place a soft kiss on her hair which resembles mine now. She melts under my touch like butter when I wrap my arms around her waist.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better, my body is aching though. I don’t want to leave this bed and its softness."

The others gather around her, like worker bees surrounding their queen.

"You can rest as much as you wish. No one is going to disturb you." Saiph holds her hand and places a kiss there.

"We won," she proudly says and all of us nod.

"Thanks to you. We are proud to be your mates," Mintaka answers and she beams at him.

"What was it that you guys wished to tell me?" She asks, her eager gaze darting from one to the other.

All of us pass glances on how to drop this bomb on her. What if we make her agitated?

"Amaia, remember we will support any decision you will take so don’t feel stressed or obligated," Mintaka wisely tells her. Trying to prepare her for this news.

"Yes! Take your time with it," Alnilam takes his hand in hers and squeezes.

"Tell me, guys. You are freaking me out now." Her confused gaze takes all of us in.

"You are pregnant," I quietly tell her, my arms holding her by the waist.

Amaia snatches in a breath, her body goes stiff in my hold.

"WHAT? I AM?" She asks incredulously. Her eyes go wide, staring straight, mouth hanging open.

"Yeah!" Alnitak sheepishly rubs the back of his head.

She roughly asks. "Which one of you is the culprit? I know the three of you released inside me." Her eyes waver from Alnilam to Saiph but not me. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"And you two." She points a finger. "You came into my mouth. "Pretty sure, that’s not how one gets pregnant. Right?"

She narrows her eyes at the twins and they quickly shake their heads with their hands raised, showing they are not responsible, it’s the other three who are going to receive an earful from her.