Luna. Chapter 138

(Lyra's POV)

Dr. Helena Reyes finished checking my vitals and frowned at the results. "Your blood pressure is elevated, your heart rate is irregular, and you're showing signs of stress that aren't consistent with normal injury recovery."

"I'm fine. Just anxious to get back to my family."

"Lyra, you nearly died three days ago. Your body needs time to heal."

"I don't have time. There are things I need to do—"

"The things you need to do can wait. What you can't afford is another medical emergency."

I shifted restlessly in the hospital bed, frustrated by my physical limitations. "When can I be discharged?"

"Forty-eight hours if your recovery continues at this pace. Longer if you don't start taking rest seriously."

"Forty-eight hours is too long."

"It's what your body needs." Dr. Reyes sat down in the visitor chair, her expression serious. "Lyra, there's something else we need to discuss."

"What?"

"Your blood work came back with some unusual results."

My heart rate spiked. "Unusual how?"

"Elevated hormone levels. Specifically, hCG levels that suggest early pregnancy."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "That's impossible."

"The levels are consistent with approximately four to five weeks gestation."

"No. That can't be right."

"I ran the test twice to be sure. You're pregnant, Lyra."

I stared at her, trying to process what she was saying. Pregnant. With Kael's child. Again.

"Does Kael know?"

"Not yet. I wanted to discuss it with you first."

"How is this possible? We only... we haven't been..." I stopped, remembering the night at the lake house. The night we'd given in to months of unresolved feelings and ended up in bed together.

"These things happen," Dr. Reyes said gently. "The question now is how you want to handle it."

"Handle it?"

"Your pregnancy, in combination with your recent injuries, creates some complications. You'll need specialized prenatal care, especially given your supernatural heritage and the baby's likely genetic makeup."

"Genetic makeup?"

"Another celestial wolf-alpha hybrid. Like Asher, but potentially more powerful given that both parents are now manifesting supernatural abilities."

I felt dizzy. Another child with extraordinary abilities. Another target for people like the royal family.

"Dr. Reyes, what would happen if I tried to participate in physically demanding activities right now?"

"Like what?"

"Combat. Rescue missions. High-stress situations."

"Are you insane?" Her voice was sharp. "Lyra, you're pregnant and recovering from major surgery. Any kind of strenuous activity could cause miscarriage, hemorrhaging, or worse."

"And if I don't participate in these activities, children could die."

"What children?"

I told her about Emma and Sage, about the royal estate, about the rescue mission planned for tomorrow night.

"You cannot be part of that operation," Dr. Reyes said firmly. "Absolutely not."

"Those children have been tortured for years—"

"And you'll be no help to them if you're dead or if you lose this baby due to preventable complications."

"So what do you suggest? I just lie here while other people risk their lives?"

"I suggest you let other people handle the physical aspects while you coordinate from a safe location."

"The team needs someone with my specific abilities—"

"The team needs you alive and healthy. Both for this mission and for the long-term fight against the people responsible."

I sank back against the pillows, feeling the weight of impossible choices. The rescue mission couldn't wait. Those children couldn't wait. But Dr. Reyes was right about the risks.

"How far along did you say?"

"Four to five weeks. Very early, but definitely confirmed."

"And the pregnancy is... viable?"

"As far as I can tell, yes. But Lyra, you need to understand something. Given your supernatural heritage and the circumstances of conception, this pregnancy will likely progress faster than normal."

"What do you mean?"

"Celestial wolf pregnancies are typically shorter than human or regular werewolf pregnancies. If I had to guess, you're looking at six to seven months instead of nine."

"That's impossible."

"Is it? Look at Asher's development. He's advanced in every measurable way. Supernatural genetics operate under different rules."

I thought about being pregnant again, about having another child who would be born into this dangerous world where royal families experiments on supernatural children.

"Does Kael have the right to know?" I asked.

"That's your decision. But yes, I think he does."

"Even though we're not together?"

"Especially because you're not together. He's going to be this baby's father regardless of your relationship status."

A soft knock interrupted our conversation. Kael appeared in the doorway, looking concerned.

"Sorry to interrupt. Derek said you needed to see me urgently."

Dr. Reyes looked at me questioningly. I nodded.

"Actually, Kael, your timing is perfect. Lyra has something to tell you."

"What's wrong? Is she okay?"

"I'm fine," I said quickly. "But there's something you need to know."

"What?"

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I'm pregnant."

The silence that followed stretched for what felt like hours. Kael's expression went through several distinct phases—shock, confusion, understanding, and finally something that looked like wonder.

"Pregnant?"

"About five weeks. From the night at the lake house."

"Are you sure?"

"Blood test confirmed it."

Kael moved slowly to sit in the chair beside my bed, clearly trying to process the information.

"How do you feel about it?" he asked quietly.

"Terrified. Overwhelmed. Worried about bringing another target into this world."

"And?"

"And happy. Despite everything else, I'm happy."

"Good. Because I'm happy too." He reached out carefully and took my hand. "Scared as hell, but happy."

"Even though we're not together?"

"Lyra, we're having another child together. We'll figure out the rest."

Dr. Reyes cleared her throat. "I hate to interrupt, but there are medical considerations we need to discuss. Starting with the fact that Lyra cannot participate in whatever rescue mission you're planning."

Kael's expression sharpened. "What rescue mission?"

I told him about the children at the royal estate, about the plan to extract them tomorrow night.

"And you were planning to be part of the team?"

"Someone needs to coordinate—"

"Someone who isn't pregnant and recovering from surgery," Dr. Reyes interrupted.

"She's right," Kael said firmly. "You're staying here."

"Kael—"

"No argument. You're pregnant with our child. You're not risking both your lives for a mission that others can handle."

"Those children need help—"

"And they'll get it. From people who aren't carrying the next generation of our bloodline."

I wanted to argue, but I could see the determination in his eyes. He wasn't going to budge on this.

"Fine. But I coordinate from here. I'm not sitting this out completely."

"Deal," Kael said. "As long as you stay in this hospital until it's over."

"Deal."

Dr. Reyes looked relieved. "Good. Now, let's talk about prenatal care for a supernatural pregnancy in the middle of a political crisis."

As she began outlining the medical protocols, I found myself thinking about this new life growing inside me. Another child who would inherit extraordinary abilities. Another target for people who saw supernatural children as resources.

But also another reason to fight. Another motivation to make sure the world was safe for children like Asher and Emma and Sage.

This baby would be born into a better world. I'd make sure of it.