#Chapter 421 – Thanks, but No Thanks

Ella

I’m quite tired when evening approaches in the refugee camp and Cora comes to my side, placing a hand on my back and telling me that we should probably head home. I sigh, looking around, knowing that I can do more but…

“I get it, Ells,” she says, looking around with me. “But there’s only so much we can do. And you’re a queen and a mom as much as a healer now. You’ve got to find a balance.”

“Is it normal to feel guilty?” I ask my sister, who has been working to heal people for much longer than I have. ” When you prioritize yourself, and other things, even though you know you can help people who are suffering?”

“It is,” Cora says with a little sigh. ”

But you, my big-hearted sister, probably feel it more keenly than most.

“Yeah,” I say, glancing over at Hank. ” He, for instance, compartmentalizes well.”

“Don’t count Hank out,” she says softly, shaking her head. “He’s got a big heart too. Maybe just…hides it better.”

I turn my head a little, considering him, considering her point. And then my heart aches for him again as I think of how disappointed he was when Cora left him for her mate – because as much as he loved her, we know now that he never stood a chance. Cora and Roger were written in the stars.

But is there someone out there for Hank too?

I hope, quite desperately, that there is. He’s so good, and he deserves that, like the rest of us.

“Ready, Luna?” Conner asks, coming over and bringing my baby with him, who reaches for me with his little grasping hands.

“Sure am!” I say, taking my baby and cuddling him close. Cora laughs and leans in as well, fussing over Rafe and I can see thinking about her own little baby, who will be here so much sooner than she realizes. Together, we start to walk out of the tent, but as I turn I hear a little voice calling me back.

lady!” a little boy calls, and I turn

one knee and wrapping him in a hug as he runs over. “How are

a set of glasses

Benny can see him better. “What

I burst out laughing at this, honestly charmed. “He’s not fat, he’s a baby! They’re supposed

they’re still fastened on Rafe. ” This one’s gonna be real

next to

Benny narrows his eyes at her. ” Oh,” he says. “Are

replies, her eyebrows going up. “Does my reputation proceed

she told me she has a human sister,” he continues, nodding towards

giving a little shrug. “But I’m going to have a baby soon,” she says, her hand

a moment to think before

it so that Cora has to reach out a hand and steady me as

as I am.

coming to stand by his side and offering her hand. “You know you’re not supposed to sneak out of bed – Dr. Hank said two more days of bed rest before you’re cleared to go to the children’s

to grin at me. He takes Isabel’s hand, though. ” I don’t feel sick at all, since the

laughter dies a little as he mentions his mother again, but I do my best not to let it show

Isabel says, grinning down at him and giving me a wink. ” Maybe we’ll have Dr. Hank come and look

to be led back

with Cora, sighing

I look over at her in surprise to see a big

“Really?” I ask.

to me with a smile. “So full of life, ready to question everything even though the world has

trying not to let my sincere pleasure show on my face at the compliment. Because even if Cora meant it as a compliment for Benny…well, he’s just so damn cute, and vivid, and determined that I can’t help but be pleased with the idea that I am anything like him.Books

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