Chapter 58

Mara's POV

We reached Black Hollow after dark. Snowmelt dripped from the horses' tack, and I could still smell the stone dust of the First House on Ronan's coat when Maeve pulled him toward the infirmary to examine his chest. She took one look at Gideon's bandaged hand and sent for hot water before either man could claim he was fine.

“Vivian?” Gideon asked.

“Alive, tired, and likely to have strong opinions about that hand,” Maeve said. “Your daughter is with her.”

He stopped moving. I had watched him face Severin across the basin, but the words your daughter left him without an answer. Maeve led him toward a washroom while I went ahead.

Vivian's door stood open. A little wooden cradle had been placed beside her bed, close enough for her to reach without getting up. The baby