Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 437

Talia’s POV

The next morning, Walden was already waiting for us. He looked a little better and less pale, though he was still careful with his arm. As soon as he spotted us, he walked over.

“Della told me you’re going all the way to Silverfang. Is that true?” Walden asked, concern clear in his voice.

“Yes, it is. As you can see, we’re leaving this morning,” I said, trying to sound calm.

“Luna, that road takes almost a whole day even if the weather’s good. You’re three months pregnant with twins. Are you sure this is a good idea?” Walden pressed, his worry obvious.

“The twins are fine. The doctor checked them yesterday, and if you want, she’ll tell you herself.” I gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. “There’s important business at Silverfang that I can’t handle from here, and Solon’s still not well enough to travel, so it has to be me. That’s all there is to it.”

Walden didn’t look convinced, but he let it go. “Then I’ll make sure Bloodmoon stays safe until you’re back.”

“That’s exactly what I was hoping you’d do. Don’t let anything or anyone cross that border while I’m gone,” I said firmly.

“Of course, Luna.”

“One more thing, Walden. While we’re gone, start training someone to take over as Deputy Chief Warrior. You’ve been doing the job and yours since Arya left, and you’re still recovering. I don’t want you landing back in the hospital,” Nolan said.

“I’ve got two in mind already,” Walden agreed.

“Great. I look forward to meeting whoever you pick,” Nolan said.

A few minutes later, Della and Marco showed up with the last of our bags, and I didn’t expect that they’d brought Clara and Annie with them.

Annie ran over and threw her arms around my waist, holding on tight.

“You’re leaving,” she said, her eyes rimmed red. “Why are you always leaving?”

“I’ll be gone only for a little while,” I promised.

“Della says it’s a long way.”

“It is a long way, but I’ll come back. And by the time I do, I expect you to have grown even more,” I told her as I smoothed her hair. “You’re getting taller every day. It is almost unbelievable how fast you grow.”

“I can’t help it.”

“That’s no excuse,” I teased.

“Luna,” Clara said quietly, stepping forward. “You had your checkup yesterday, and now you’re leaving the territory right after. Was there something wrong at the appointment?”

Walden’s attention snapped to me.

“If there’s a problem with the twins,” Walden said slowly, “then you shouldn’t be traveling at all.”

"Checking again never hurts," Della replied and then she hugged me for a long time without saying a word. She only let go when Nolan made a noise, and even then, she gave my shoulder a squeeze that said, “Come back safe, okay?”

"I will," I told her.

Nolan helped me into the car and climbed in beside me.

The car felt warm, and the quiet engine mixed with Nolan’s calm breathing made me relax. I stared out the window as we left. Annie waved until we turned, Clara watched with her arms crossed, and Della looked like she might cry but wouldn’t let herself. For a second, I let myself believe everything was fine and nothing was waiting to go wrong.

“Put your head on me and rest,” Nolan said.

“I’m not tired,” I said.

“It’s a long drive, and you don’t have to do anything right now, so just get comfortable,” Nolan said.

I tried to stay awake. I remember the gate going by, then the fields, and Nolan’s hand slowly running up and down my arm. After that, everything faded.

When I woke up, I was lying in a bed I recognized, in the room that had been mine before I became Luna. The same crack in the ceiling I used to trace as a kid was still there.

Leslie sat on one side of me, her hand on my wrist, looking tired but focused. Solon stood nearby, looking healthier than I remembered.

“You’re finally awake,” Leslie said softly. “How do you feel?”