Heart of a rogue

Bonus chapter 1

Almost a year had passed in the spirit realm, and life had settled into a rhythm that felt both soothing and surreal. I hadn't felt the urge to fully return to the other world, not at all. Each day, I found myself more at peace here, more in tune with this place where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual seemed to blur. But today, something was different.

I woke up with a wave of nausea that hit me so suddenly, I barely had time to roll out of bed before I was retching over the side. My body shook with the force of it, my stomach twisting and turning as if it were being wrung out like a wet cloth. Leo was at my side in an instant, his hands warm and comforting on my back as he rubbed small, soothing circles.

"Easy there, love," he murmured, his voice soft with concern. "Just breathe. I've got you."

When the nausea finally subsided, he helped me back onto the bed, disappearing into the small kitchen. I could hear him rummaging through the cupboards, the sound of water boiling, and soon the warm, comforting scent of peppermint and ginger filled the cabin. He returned with a steaming cup of tea and a smile that was meant to reassure.

"Here," he said, holding the cup to my lips. "This should help a bit. It's an old remedy Erzulie taught me. Ginger and peppermint."

I took a tentative sip, feeling the warmth of the liquid slide down my throat, soothing the knot in my stomach. "Thank you," I whispered, leaning against him. "I don't know what's gotten into me today."

"Maybe it's just the spirit realm messing with you," Leo joked lightly, though his eyes stayed on me, watchful and worried. "Or maybe you're just tired from running around with the spirits all the time."

I laughed weakly, grateful for his humor, and took another sip of the tea. "Maybe," I murmured, feeling the nausea begin to fade, though a strange, lingering feeling remained.

The day passed slowly. I still felt a bit off, but the tea had taken the edge off my queasiness. Leo insisted I rest, hovering over me like a concerned hawk, but I couldn't shake the sense that something was amiss, something I couldn't quite name.

Then, just after midday, there was a knock on the door.

Leo and I exchanged a curious glance, and he moved to open it. There, standing with a bright smile and a basket overflowing with herbs, fruits, and colorful little trinkets, was Erzulie.

"Erzulie!" I exclaimed, delighted to see my sister. "What are you doing here?"

She stepped inside with her usual grace, her eyes dancing with a mischief that immediately put me on alert. "I've come to bring a gift," she announced, handing over the basket with a flourish. "For you and Leo. Congratulations!"

"Congratulations?" Leo and I spoke in unison, our confusion evident.

Erzulie's grin widened, and she tilted her head, giving me that knowing look only a sister can give. "Lucille, you're pregnant," she said simply, her voice filled with joy.

My mind blanked. For a moment, all I could do was stare at her, trying to make sense of her words. Pregnant? The word seemed to echo in my head, bouncing around like it was trying to find a place to settle. I blinked, and then the reality hit me like a wave crashing against the shore.

"I—I'm pregnant?" I whispered, my voice breaking, tears springing to my eyes. I had given up on this, convinced that motherhood wasn't in my fate.

"Yes, you are," Erzulie confirmed, nodding with enthusiasm. "I sensed it as soon as I came close. The spirits are humming with the news! You're going to be a mother, Lucille."

A sob caught in my throat, and tears spilled down my cheeks. I hadn't realized how much I had given up hope, how much I had accepted that this was something I could never have. Leo's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close, his face a mixture of shock and unfiltered happiness.