#Chapter 421 – Thanks, but No Thanks

Ella

I’m quite tired when evening approaches in the refugee camp and Cora comes to my side, placing a hand on my back and telling me that we should probably head home. I sigh, looking around, knowing that I can do more but…

“I get it, Ells,” she says, looking around with me. “But there’s only so much we can do. And you’re a queen and a mom as much as a healer now. You’ve got to find a balance.”

“Is it normal to feel guilty?” I ask my sister, who has been working to heal people for much longer than I have. ” When you prioritize yourself, and other things, even though you know you can help people who are suffering?”

“It is,” Cora says with a little sigh. ”

But you, my big-hearted sister, probably feel it more keenly than most.

“Yeah,” I say, glancing over at Hank. ” He, for instance, compartmentalizes well.”

“Don’t count Hank out,” she says softly, shaking her head. “He’s got a big heart too. Maybe just…hides it better.”

I turn my head a little, considering him, considering her point. And then my heart aches for him again as I think of how disappointed he was when Cora left him for her mate – because as much as he loved her, we know now that he never stood a chance. Cora and Roger were written in the stars.

But is there someone out there for Hank too?

I hope, quite desperately, that there is. He’s so good, and he deserves that, like the rest of us.

“Ready, Luna?” Conner asks, coming over and bringing my baby with him, who reaches for me with his little grasping hands.

“Sure am!” I say, taking my baby and cuddling him close. Cora laughs and leans in as well, fussing over Rafe and I can see thinking about her own little baby, who will be here so much sooner than she realizes. Together, we start to walk out of the tent, but as I turn I hear a little voice calling me back.

little boy calls, and I turn and laugh to

to one knee and wrapping him in a hug as he

making me smile as he adjusts a set of glasses on

Rafe a little so Benny can see him better.

reaching out a hand to poke Rafe’s belly. I burst out laughing at this, honestly

fastened on Rafe. ” This one’s

Cora crouches down next to us. “Who are

my sister and Benny narrows his eyes at her. ” Oh,” he says. “Are you the

going up. “Does my

means,” Benny replies, blinking at her and making me laugh again, “but she told me

going to have a baby soon,” she says, her hand settling on her stomach, “and he’s going to be able to

Benny says, his own eyebrows going up now. Then he takes a moment

with the force of it so that Cora has to reach out a hand and steady me as she grins between

don’t know,” Cora says, grinning at Benny, as delighted as I am. “I guess we’ll

her hand. “You know you’re not supposed to sneak out of bed – Dr.

at me. He takes Isabel’s hand, though. ” I don’t feel sick at all, since the lady came yesterday!” he protests, pointing at

mother again, but I do my best not to let it show in my

says, grinning down at him and giving me a wink. ” Maybe we’ll have

be led back to bed, calling his goodbyes to

up with Cora, sighing

her in surprise to see a big grin on her face as she watches the little boy get tucked back into

“Really?” I ask.

ready to question everything

a compliment for Benny…well, he’s just so damn cute, and vivid, and determined that I

shoulder and

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