Moon of Misfortunes

10

It has been weeks since Nikolai cheated on me, yet I am still left recovering from the havoc it wreaked on my body and mind. Since that episode, I have devoted my time to reading my book and learning the intricacies of our laws. It seems I am in a gray area of the law, making my case even more complicated.

Rubio and I have grown closer over these past weeks. As embarrassing as that impulsive kiss was, he didn't seem to mind or remember, much to my relief. Rubio has been careful not to raise any suspicions about our growing bond, often sneaking in and out of my room. Goddess knows we raised enough when he spent two nights with me during my episodes. However, he has been on edge, as if he is waiting for another Nikolai-induced episode.

Rubio's presence has been calming, acting as my rock as my future continues to become unsure. It has been a long few weeks, and my bump grows with each passing day. Soon, my pups will be here, and I will be standing on death's doorstep. The thought of their arrival fills me with a mix of hope and dread. I grimly smile at the irony. Talk about one door opening and another closing.

Rubio and I made a tough decision after the incidents: not to petition the Council for a doctor to check on the pups. He was concerned that if I had lost my pups, the Council wouldn't hesitate to complete my sentence. However, as the days passed and my belly continued to grow, my bump becoming more pronounced, my worries began to fade. 

As I place my hand on my bump, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for my children. Will they grow up knowing their mother, or will they hear stories about me from the few who might remember? I feel a pang of sadness at the uncertainty but push it aside. For now, I have to focus on the present and the small joys that come with it—like the quiet moments with Rubio and the fleeting sense of normalcy we create. 

I glanced at my closed book, its cover softly illuminated by the orange glow of a dim lamp. I rubbed the space between my eyelids with my index fingers and thumbs, trying to alleviate the weight of exhaustion. With a heavy sigh, I stood up from the couch and walked over to the window.

Outside, snow was starting to cover the ground with a relentless fury. The passage of the seasons heightened my concern, as I could feel my time dwindling. I anxiously fiddled with my right thumb, watching the snowfall. The sound of locks clicking open made me snap around, revealing a beyond-tired Rubio. His eyes were sunken, but he wore his signature lopsided smile. My stomach fluttered at the sight. He slipped into the room, shutting the door behind him gently.

"Hi, gorgeous," he said softly. I rolled my eyes playfully as he strode closer to me. He lazily tossed a paper bag onto the couch, before continuing to me. He reached a hand down to cup my stomach, grinning, "Hi, babies."

He planted a kiss on my cheek before hooking his arms around my waist. He exhaled heavily.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, my voice tinged with worry.

Rubio sighed, his fatigue evident. "It's just been a long day. The Council is pushing harder than ever. They want me to continue spying on you."

I frowned, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry you're going through all of this. All because of me."

He shook his head, his expression softening. "You're worth it. We'll get through this. You, me, and the pups."

I smiled weakly, leaning into his embrace. "I wish I could believe that as easily as you do."

Rubio tightened his hold on me. "You have to. For the pups, for us."

I nodded, resting my head against his chest. I feel myself relax. After a few moments of silence, Rubio spoke again. "I've been thinking. Once the pups are born, we need to find a way to get you out of here. This place isn't safe, and the Council is unpredictable."