#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

I say, falling to one knee and wrapping him in a hug as he runs over. “How are

corrects with a little frown, making me smile as he adjusts a set of glasses

Benny can see

reaching out a hand to poke Rafe’s belly. I burst out laughing at this, honestly charmed. “He’s not fat, he’s

his eyes going wide as they’re still fastened on Rafe.

to us. “Who are you?” Benny asks, looking Cora up and

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

replies, her eyebrows going up. “Does my reputation

making me laugh again, “but she told me

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

Then he takes a moment to think before speaking again. “Does that mean he’s going

of it so that Cora has to reach out a

Cora says, grinning at Benny, as delighted as

out of bed – Dr. Hank said two more days of

at me. He takes Isabel’s hand, though. ” I don’t feel sick at all,

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

giving me a wink. ” Maybe we’ll

back to bed,

up with Cora, sighing and watching

I look over at her in surprise to see a big grin on

“Really?” I ask.

a smile. “So full of life, ready to question everything even

the compliment. Because even if Cora meant it as a compliment for Benny…well, he’s just so damn cute, and vivid, and determined that I can’t help

says, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and turning Rafe and I towards the entrance

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