Always Luna

stubborn

adjective ~ having or showing determination not to change one's attitude or position on something

After briefly explaining what happened during the vision, Phoenix pulled me to my feet.

"You threw up blood." He frowned. "I was so worried something was wrong."

My heart constricted at his raw fear, feeling the bond tighten in response. "I'm sorry I worried you."

"It is not your fault." Phoenix sighed, resting his hands on my bump before leaning forward to kiss my forehead. "Let's go get cleaned up and rested at the Cyrus manor. No more of this."

I shook my head. "Vision or not, we need to scout this place."

He sighed. "Nova, you just nearly passed out. I felt your mind go from being calm to fearing for your life in the matter of a second. You need to rest. It has been a big day."

"It has for all of us, but this will never end if we don't check that there is nothing else down there."

He studied me, his lips pulled down into a scowl. "Fine. But not you."

I sighed, knowing I wouldn't be able to budge him. Besides, I couldn't be bothered to argue anymore. I felt the fight leaving me, my body giving up at the panic attack I endured.

"Okay." I agreed, leaning my head on his shoulder.

His hands moved; one to my back and one wrapping around the base of my head to keep me firmly in place. I revelled in the hold, securing my arms around his torso. His chest rumbled with the orders he gave to Charlie and Leo, before turning to my twin and Gaia and telling them to leave.

"Come, my love." He murmured in my ear.

I leaned away, turning to walk up the stairs. Phoenix was quick, smoothly scooping me into his arms. I scowled at him, lightly swatting his chest. Like every time before, he only smirked at me, chuckling softly.

I remained silent as we walked up the stairs, my tongue falling heavy through the large battlefield and staying shut all the way through Angela's house. The front door was broken; shattered and hanging by one hinge. There was a foul smell around her, my nostrils burning with the dreadful scent.

"It's the bodies." Phoenix mumbled.

My stomach dropped, and I mutely nodded, keeping my eyes locked on the soft kicking happening inside my stomach. I couldn't see it through the thick coat, but the twins were gently stirring, alerting me to their presence. They had been through so much; I hoped my fear and stupidly placed courage didn't affect them so much.

Stepping out of the house, I curled into Phoenix more. He wore only a t-shirt and trousers, both a size or two, too small for him, but he was warm as ever. He didn't even flinch as his bare feet fell into the snow; his body was perfectly immune to the iciness.

We walked for ten minutes in silence. Even Pollux and Gaia were quiet as they followed us. I remained locked on the swaying of Phoenix's shoulders, the firmness of his jaw, or the beard that had grown from his lack of shaving. The sound of his feet crunching in the snow was strangely therapeutic.

When Phoenix stopped at the foot of the Cyrus manor, someone opened the door for him. Samson answered the door, his eyebrows furrowed as a deep set frown marred his features. He greeted us softly, pulling us into the warmth of his home.

"Avani is in bed. She is... struggling." He muttered. "Choose any room you like. I will have dinner prepared soon. We all need something good to eat and some rest."

Phoenix nodded, silently stalking his way through the house and up the stairs. I kept my eyes on the tired form of Samson, noting the bags under his eyes and the ghostly paleness of his skin.