CHAPTER FIFTY.

(MELIORA'S POV)

It had been nearly two months since that tense confrontation with the alpha out in the shadowed woods.

In the weeks following, I had consciously changed many of my daily routines and habits in an effort to avoid potentially crossing his path again unexpectedly.

I made sure to return from my warrior training sessions earlier each evening, before the sun fully set and darkness shrouded the village paths.

And while I still spent time with Martha, I was careful only to venture out with her during the bright safety of daylight hours.

This way, I told myself, there would be no misunderstandings or unwanted situations arising from rumors of me being spotted with the alpha at night.

My sole focus remained honing my combat skills and assisting in the nursery - nothing more.

On this particular morning, I was aiding Elder Emma in grinding herbs and mixing tinctures when Martha suddenly appeared in the open doorway of the sickward.

I thought Martha came to visit me for the first time while I was at work, but my brow furrowed slightly as I noticed her husband Brian looming in her shadow, his expression unreadable. They must be here for something else.

Without preamble, Martha crossed over to where Emma was stationed, bending to murmur something in a low undertone.

The elder's eyes widened momentarily before she gave a resolute nod and gestured towards one of the private rear chambers, leading Martha away.

I watched them depart with a gnawing sense of confusion and concern flickering in my belly. Clearly something was amiss, but the two seemed to have the situation well in hand based on their hushed but calm demeanors.

It was less than a ten minutes before Emma reemerged alone, pivoting to seek out Brian where he'd been waiting stoically nearby.

She spoke a few brief words to him, and his shoulders seemed to relax infinitesimally as the faintest ghost of a smile played across his stern features.

"Well, that's good news indeed," he stated in a gruff rumble, giving Emma a short dip of his chin.

My puzzlement only mounted as Martha then appeared, clutching a small bundle of cloth packets which I deduced must contain some type of herbal remedy or medication.

Emma pressed the bundle into her hands with a few soft-spoken instructions, and Martha nodded dutifully before turning to rejoin her mate.

Before they could depart, however, my curiosity finally overrode my restraint. "Martha?" I called out, taking a hesitant step towards them. "Is everything...alright?"

She paused, shifting to face me fully as that tiny, secretive smile blossomed into a radiant beam that seemed to illuminate her entire countenance.

"Oh Liora," she practically sang in a tone brimming with exuberant joy. "Everything is perfectly wonderful! I'm going to have a baby!"

I felt the breath stall in my lungs as her incredible pronouncement washed over me in waves. Martha...a mother?

Despite the months we'd spent together, I'd never actually considered the possibility that she might be starting a family of her own.

Blinking rapidly, I forced my lips to curve upwards into a bright smile of sincere delight as I met her sparkling gaze.

"Martha...that's such amazing news!" I exclaimed, the words coming out breathless but heartfelt. "I'm so incredibly happy for you both!"

With a lilting laugh, she closed the distance between us, looping her arm chummily through mine as she led me from the sickward in Brian's wake.

"Can you even believe it? Me...a mother!" Martha practically crowed, her cheeks flushed with excitement and elation. "Brian and I have to start deciding on names right away, and getting everything prepared!"

Over her shoulder, Brian cast us an indulgent look, hazel eyes twinkling warmly as he rumbled, "You two enjoy getting all that sorted. I'm heading out to hunt now, but I'll be back tonight."

He paused, stooping to brush his lips against Martha's brow in a tender gesture. "Get some rest while you can, hmm? I'll see you later."

"See you later," she echoed, giving his arm a gentle squeeze before he walked off towards the forest path.

Pressing her free hand to her abdomen, Martha gave a deep, contented sigh as her gaze slid sideways to meet mine. .

"Come on, let's go start planning where the baby's things will go," she prompted, steering me eagerly in the direction of her cabin dwelling.

As we made our way to Martha's shared chamber with Brian, she began chattering about preparations, color schemes, and most importantly - names for the baby.

"So what do you think, Liora?" she asked animatedly as we walked. "For a boy, I'm rather partial to something strong like Thorin or Breken. But if it's a girl, I absolutely adore the name Aelina."

I weighed the options, feeling slightly overwhelmed by being consulted on such a monumentally important decision.

"Those are all very nice," I replied slowly. "Though personally, I quite like the name Callista if it's a girl."

Martha's face lit up. "Ooh Callista, that's so melodic! Maybe we could use that for her middle name if she's a little lady?"

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "It's a lovely option. Aelina Callista...or perhaps Callista Aelina?"

"We'll have to mull it over," Martha decided with a contented sigh, resting one hand instinctively on her still-flat abdomen. "Though Mark is another sturdy boy's name I've always been rather fond of..."

The debate continued in that vein as we made our way to her chambers, with more and more potential monikers being tossed around for consideration.

By the time we arrived, a veritable list of frontrunners had been assembled – much to Martha's delight.

I simply smiled and let her excitement wash over me in waves as we stepped into her marital home, grateful to see her so radiant and brimming with blissful anticipation.

"This is actually your first time in my home, isn't it?" Martha abruptly realized as we crossed the threshold into her private living space.

It was indeed - a simple but beautifully cozy dwelling consisting of a single main room dominated by a large, neatly-made bed surrounded by a few rustic furnishings.

"Well, what do you think?" she prompted, gesturing grandly around the intimate chamber. "Where do you think we should put the baby's cot or cradle once it's made?"

I blinked, taken aback by her question as I studied the layout pensively. "You really want my opinion on something so significant?" I hedged.

Martha rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Of course! Brian's out most of the daylight hours doing pack duties, so he won't have much input right now. But you've been my friend for months - I trust your judgment and opinion more than anyone else."

I felt a slight flush of pleasure warming my cheeks at her sincere praise and trust in my caregiving capabilities. Slowly, I circled the space before pointing towards the far back corner away from the window's reach.

"Over there might be best," I decided. "Somewhere without direct sunlight or breezes to disturb its sleep."

Martha's brows hiked upwards as she studied the nook I'd indicated, a look of impressed surprise crossing her features.