Dr Katie released the cuff from around my arm, her face a mask of concentration as she quickly typed a bunch of notes onto the screen. Cain's hand gripped mine; it felt hot and sweaty, his mood way more anxious than what I had expected. He'd woken up three times last night, and whatever nightmares disturbed him he hadn't been willing to share and I didn't think he'd left them behind either.

"Right, so everything is looking great. Are you ready for this?" Katie asked, smiling at us in that warm way she had.

"Yes." I took a deep breath and stood up to follow her over the bed.

"I'm so glad I could offer you this cancellation. It's a little early, and I'll still see you for your twenty-week check-up, but you did say you were wanting to know the gender, so let's see if the baby is going to cooperate."

Cain was like a shadow as we moved, stuck to my side for the whole seven steps across the room. I wasn't sure what was troubling him; the ability to talk was forgotten and even Katie was giving him a cautious look. As she turned on the machine and went to wash her hands, I turned into him, resting my hands on his chest as I looked up. His eyes were on the monitor, and gently I put my hand on his face, forcing him to look down at me.

"We don't have to do this."

"I'm just going to get more gel." Katie politely disappeared out of the room, and I knew I had seen a very full bottle on the bench.

"Why wouldn't we?" He said, still sounding distracted.

"Oh, I don't know. Just the tiny fact you've been all weird since we got the call about the appointment last night?"

It had been an easy week. We'd spent time at the Academy, and with my parents. I'd been able to do lunch with Penny and Raya twice, annoyed Ailin and V while Cain had been off doing whatever it is he did with Zane, and even Jordan had been tagging along with them. I liked the glimpse of what normal could be for us. Looking at Cain now, it was easy to see the battle going on under the surface, and as he closed his eyes and held his breath, I wasn't sure what he was going to say next.

"The first time was exciting. This is terrifying." He admitted. "I just laid there last night, once you were asleep, feeling his heartbeat. Making sure he was still there. Nothing can be wrong if it's so strong right, and then, that fucking vision kept coming back and he is growing. You can see he's there now. Not like the painting, but it will be soon. I'm not ready for that."

My throat tightened, making words and even swallowing difficult as I put my arms over his shoulders and he held me back.

"I know," I whispered against his neck.

The door creaked behind us, and Katie came back in. A rush of lavender and something sweet came in with her and reluctantly I let Cain go.

"I must have left it here. Are you ready?" She asked gently, as I got into position.

I undid the button on my jeans, and lifted my shirt, looking down at the swell of my abdomen that was taking over the usual shape of my stomach. The fear I had for what we'd find inside wasn't there anymore, it was the world around me that was the problem now.

We both stared eagerly at the screen, the whooshing rhythm of Blueberry's heartbeat taking over the silence in the room as Katie ran the device up, down and in a circle like she was playing some kind of game before the distinct shape of the baby appeared.

"Let me just flick it to three-d," She mumbled and looking at Cain his eyes were wide and full of amazement. Catching me staring, he smiled and I squeezed his hand. "Oh, that's it."

I looked back as the orange alien moved and rolled around, its head disappearing as the curve of the spine filled the screen and two wriggling legs flashed by.

"How would you like it? I can write it down, or just tell you?" She asked, looking rather impressed with herself.

I watched the baby move, looking more like an unfinished moulded human shape of clay flip over. The face is more alien than identifiable as something that could end up looking like one of us.

"Just say it," Cain answered impatiently, not looking away from the monitor as I nodded.

"Any guesses?" She smiled.

"Boy," Cain said firmly, right as I said, Girl.

Katie laughed. The screen jumped as she changed position right as it moved again.

"Congratulations, it's a-" There was a knock on the door and Cain's face instantly fell. I had to laugh, as Katie looked horrified. "Just a moment, please. Sorry. Congratulations, Dad was right. It's a boy."

He did another butt roll as if to prove a point, which made it easy for Katie to point out what she had been looking for and since he gave us quite the show, there was no chance of getting that wrong.

"It is a boy," Cain whispered.

"Guess you were right, good old Bunting curse wins again." I sighed, yet I didn't feel any disappointment like I had expected I might, only what did I have to be disappointed about?

He is there.

He is healthy.

He is ours.

"We have a son." He gushed, forgetting the goo still on my stomach as he put his hand there; leaning down as we kissed before he went lower. "Hi, little man."

"He can hear you, you know." Katie winked as she went over the door.

"Is she serious?" He whispered.

"I don't know?" I wiped off the goo and sat up as she came back over. "Can he really hear us?"

"Between now and twenty weeks, his hearing will begin to develop. He'll get faint sounds, muffled noises." Katie smiled at Cain. "Talk to him all you want, no judgement here. I encourage it. It's a great way for you to build up your bond with him. I'm sorry, I have to run. One of my other patients has just arrived at the hospital. I'll see you soon, okay. Take care!"

We leave quietly and walk out of the building hand in hand. My phone is already going crazy with messages from everyone, asking if it's she or he, and I decide to let them keep waiting. The earlier stress is gone as we go down the street. This is our moment and I wanted it to stay that way for as long as possible. We have lunch at a cute little burger shop, tucked away down an alley that had been renovated and converted into a popular spot. The music was good, and the burgers were amazing.

"I stand by my earlier statement, you named a demon snake, Alfie. I'm not sure you can be trusted with naming rights." Cain teased, stealing my milkshake since he'd already finished his own.

"Alfie suits him." I shrug, returning the gesture by taking his chips."What do you think then oh wise one?"

Cain thought about it for a minute, sitting back in the chair with a happy, dopey look on his face. "Not sure yet."

"What about Oliver?"

"No."

"Elijah."

"No."

"Um, William?"

"Definitely not."

"Cain Junior," I smirk.

He raises an eyebrow. "No."

"Damn, I thought I had you then." We finish and head back out into the city.

Some stores have put up Halloween decorations and we don't rush to go anywhere in particular. It's a big change of pace to just wander; browsing the shops, as if it were any other day and we were simply any other people. We pick out a little blue onesie to send to my parents to reveal that I'm going to remain as the only girl to be born into the family this century, and as it starts to get dark, head home.

We're nearly there when something changes; the prickling on the back of my neck makes me rub it, as I cautiously look around. Cain is walking beside me, talking about what he wants to cook for dinner. His good mood is infectious yet I can't switch off this feeling. He loosely drops an arm over my shoulders, tucking me into his side and lowering his head, I think he's about to kiss me when instead he whispers.

"We're being followed. Act natural."

Relief that it isn't just me being paranoid kicks in and we carry on, changing the direction we're heading in slightly to circle around. My first thought was demon and a lot of them which is soon confirmed when I spot a familiar face just ahead. When he sees us, or rather when he sees Cain, the look on his face is rather priceless.

"You wouldn't be following us, would you Genzo?" I greet, stopping just in front of him.

He blends in well today, an oversized coat, jeans, beanie. Nothing that stands out or draws any attention to him is how he normally dresses. His confidence is missing too, though now I know more about what I'm looking for, his security detail is still very much hovering around like a bad smell.

His eyes narrow, looking between us suspiciously as I can see him planning his response.

"I was simply in the neighbourhood. Strange how our paths continue to cross like this." He smiles, yet it looks as unnatural on his face, as the slouchy beanie does on his head that hides his blue streaked hair.

"So strange." I don't hide my sarcasm. "What do you want?"

"I heard a rumour, that the Dark King had escaped the Underworld." He glances at Cain nervously, mostly keeping his eyes on me. "I see now it was less rumour, more fact. Surely you did not command such treachery from the King?"

"I told you before, I never command. I just ask really, really nicely and it had nothing to do with me." I see the challenge in his eyes and almost pity him for coming here to do whatever this actually is. "Maybe you can take it up with Hades if it bothers you so much instead of trying to ruin my day?"

Genzo struggles to swallow, as he seems to shrink in size at my suggestion.

"What do you really want?" Cain asked him, while never ceasing to surprise me at how intimidating he managed to be with just a certain tone of his voice or the weight of his presence that he gladly threw around now.

"Nothing." He squeaked, coughing quickly as if to clear his throat. "I merely came to see if it were true. If we were to find you, I knew it would be with the girl. I was right."

"You are." Cain agreed flatly.
Genzo smiled nervously. "Welcome back, your, er, majesty?"

"The Daughter of Hecate, the God Killer is the only one requiring to be addressed so formally," Th. I wonder if Genzo will cry, or pee himself right now. "My return is of no significance to any. Understood?"

"He gets it. Don't you, Genzo?" The Oni Demon nods, apparently speechless. "Great, good chat. Let's not make this a habit."

"That's not why he's here," Cain moves towards Genzo, which instantly makes him take a step back. "He's attempting to buy himself time."

I look around, noticing how everyone is giving this little catch-up plenty of space. Whether they know they're doing it or not, people cross the street to avoid us, go the other way or disappear into the nearby shops. The ones that do come this way do not give off mortal vibes and the group that we are now part of only grows as Genzos friends make themselves known.

No wonder we could sense them nearby. It was as if he'd brought a small army along for his visit. The switch in our audience isn't only noticed by me as Genzo gives them a quick look, his confidence grows ever so slightly.

"You threatened to destroy my people as if we are nothing, and yet, here you are, acting as if you are no different to these mortals, as if you deserve to live, hiding behind your master. Not even strong enough to be able to defeat the Furies." Genzo snarled, definitely liking his chances now and if I didn't want to see how this was going to play out, I'd have punched him by now. "So what better time than to remind you of where you belong. Dead."

Weapons were raised. Guns of various shapes and sizes were not so discreetly revealed; others held battens, daggers and the axe looked impressive just behind him. Their intentions are obvious.

Fucking suicidal, blue coward.

"Wow. You really are as stupid as you look." There was no stopping the facepalm now, and if it wasn't so bad, I could have maybe laughed.

"You can not fight us all while protecting him, girl. I suggest you give me what I want." Genzo threatened.

"What happened to being in my debt? I saved your life once Gonzo. I'm not sure I want to do it again."

"I am sorry for this, and I am aware of your, feelings, for this creature. But it has to be done. Before he regains his strength. Be smart about this as you were when you killed him the first time!" It then occurred to me that Cain had gone quiet. "In repayment of the debt you are owed, I will allow you to walk away from this. Stay, and your fate will be out of my hands."

I couldn't have said it better myself, yet I forgot all about him, and the rest as I stood in front of Cain. He was tense, unmoveable; the similarity to him now and the stone version of Deimos unsettling if not for the warmth of his skin which was like fire under my hands as I placed them on his face.

We couldn't do anything here, it was too open, too public. Ailin would have a fit if anyone recorded something to spread on social media or even the news. The Treaty was regaining its power, stabilizing our world once again yet this was different. These demons were not of this world, and they were playing by different rules. Too bad it was part of a game they were not going to win but so much balanced on what happened next.

Cain could easily destroy them all. So could I. Already the pulse of my magic was rising to the surface in preparation of another fight, my hand itches with the need to feel my sword against my skin.

Genzo knew about Cain's so-called return from the dead. Who else would come now, especially if he is presumed weak, and vulnerable. Did we remind everyone that is not the case, and to leave us alone, or would he then appear to be even more of a threat in their minds that needed to be removed either way?

"We can't do this here." I told him, yet his attention didn't waver from the idiot standing behind me. "There are people everywhere. It'll make too much of a scene."

Apparently he could, as one by one the soldiers around us slowly turned their weapons to face themselves, and the strangled gasp from Genzo turned into a gurgling sound as Cain raised his hand.

"I want him gone as much as you do, but not here and not like this."

"She's right." Ailin announced a new presence of magic washing over us as I turned to see her and V pushing through the crowd. "You, and Your kind pledged their allegiance to the Treaty, and its Keepers that defend this land. You are all in direct violation of that agreement."

"He is?" I frown.

"It was requested he agree to it, when they first requested to meet you. It was to create an alliance between our people, a condition for coming into our world and abiding by our laws." Ailin growled, her eyes revealing her own demon that hid inside. "I'm only sorry we didn't get here sooner."

Genzo is suddenly on the floor at my feet. I'm not sure if he falls from struggling against the hold Cain had on him and the sudden release or if he faints. Either way, he doesn't respond as V grabs his arms and ties them behind his back, and slowly he comes to, coughing and gasping as another of the Kasha helps V hold him upright.

"How did you know to come here?" I ask Ailin.

"Their arrival was picked up by the fae. We were monitoring them but lost them until this disturbance. I hadn't expected to find you two here." She admits. "We'll take over, they will be processed accordingly."

I realised that was what had made everyone disappear, it wasn't that basic human instinct of survival at play, but the Treaty keeping them away. The hold that Cain had on the others was released, and an eruption of threats, arguments and curses exploded around us as they reclaimed their voices. A witch opened a portal, and the team directed them all through it until it was only the four of us remaining.

"How are you?" Ailin asked softly, a cautious look at V as he came to stand next to her.

Looking over my shoulder and up at Cain as he remained like a statue, I wasn't sure what to say about how I was right now. I was fine, but what Genzo's little visit meant was opening up an otherwise untouched compartment in my mind of things to be stressing about. So I went with the easy option.

Deflection.

"We had a scan earlier and it is a boy. He's doing great," I tell her, and she doesn't hide her smile as I look at V suspiciously while he pretends not to hear anything. "I know you know."

"Know what?" His voice is too high.

"It's okay." I smile, "Who was it? Ailin or Mum?"

"Zane actually." V smirks, opening his arms and we hug. He holds his out to Cain who reluctantly takes it. "Congratulations?"

Cain just nods, and the pair step back.

"We need to go, that lot is going to make plenty of paperwork." Ailin sighs. "Stay well, Hunter. Cain."

And then they're gone.

So are we as I put my hand on Cain's arm and we're home. "Are you okay?"

"I've been waiting for this," He admits, his voice cold and detached.

"And it's over now."

"For now. Who will come next? The target on your back-"

"Is on yours too." I leave my shoppings bags on the table and wrap myself around him. He's still so tense, on edge and in full fight mode. "Let them underestimate you, and me. They think I am your weakness."

"You are." I hate the defeat in his tone.

"They also think you are mine, and they're right." I lightly kiss his lips, his cheek, and jaw before continuing. "You're also my strength. We know there will be others, we still have to deal with the Furies and Nieve and whatever else, but we will get beyond it, Cain. I know we will."

"Together." He whispered by my ear, his cheek against mine as we stood there together, for as long as he needed to. "Dinner?"

Reluctantly he lets me go, moving towards the kitchen and I follow after him. "Sure."

I sit on the stool and watch him, not able to offer much assistance but it seems to make him happy as slowly the mood begins to lighten. We eat pasta in front of the TV and find something easy and funny to watch until the afternoon events aren't all we're thinking about. ISoon, we end up in bed discussing the morning ones instead as Cain lays beside me, his head on my chest and a hand on my stomach.

"Wait until you meet the demon. You will have him wrapped around your little finger, ready to command at your will." He mumbles against my skin. "He deserves the name of a warrior, something strong and fierce, for all the times he stood at your mothers side, defending your family. Even now he guards the mortals with his life, your grandparents. Your uncle. The ones at the Academy you will one day attend as your mother, and ancestors have all done."

"He isn't even born yet and you're already threatening him with school." I stroked Cain's hair, curling it around my fingers as best I could before running a finger up and down his neck until he shivered.

"Can he really hear me?" He asks hesitantly.

"I checked, and yup. She wasn't lying. It's not like he understands what you're saying or anything but he'll get bits of muffled sounds. I think it was like, twentyfour weeks he'll hear a lot more." I reach over and get the baby book I'd been looking at earlier. "His eyes will start to move and he'll even start having facial expressions. So, if you keep talking about school, he should be able to start rolling his eyes and frowning at you kinda like this."

He looks up at me, and I give him an example which earns a tiny smile in return. "Not funny."

"I think I'm hilarious, so hopefully he gets my sense of humour and not yours."

Cain puts his head back down, his words soft and muffled against my skin, before I feel his kiss just below my breastbone, then again and again as he goes across my stomach and past my belly button. He changes his position, climbing back up towards me before he stops, tilting his head to the side slightly before reaching out to grab the other end of the pillow I'd put behind me.

"What is this?" He frowns, tugging it free as I quickly grab it before he pulls it away completely. "A sausage pillow?"

"Body pillow would be the correct term." I laugh. "What even is a sausage pillow?"

"This thing." He holds it up higher. "Why is it in our bed?"

"Because Raya got it for me and-"

"No." It disappears.

"Hey! Give it back." He shakes his head. "What is so offensive about a pillow? It's comfortable."

It was. I had taken a nap with it yesterday, and understood why she loved hers so much.

"I'm not being replaced by a pillow."
"I'm not replacing you, I'm just adding a little something extra to the mix." I shrug. "Give it a try, you might even like it?"

I bring it back, holding it out to him. "I'm not cuddling that thing."

"Your loss." I fold it slightly and tuck half of it behind me and cuddle the leftover piece. I wriggle into the pillows behind me and get comfortable all over again. "Oh yeah, this is so good."

His eyebrow raises ever so, the look on his face is dangerous in the best kind of way, as I let out a big, loud, slightly obnoxious sigh while trying to laugh.

"I take it back. I'm so replacing you with this."

"Yeah?" It sounds like a challenge.

"Yeah."

He's all over me in a flash, his mouth on my neck, shoulder and just under my ear in that super sensitive spot as his hand tiggles my hip where's it's just as sensitive, which has me giggling and twisting beside him before I stop resisting and manage to switch positions so he's beneath me - his head on the pillow.

"You're right. It is comfy." He sits up, resting on his elbows as we kiss, and I'm left breathless as we part. "But it can't do that."

I barely manage to protest before his mouth claims mine, slipping lower as I'm back beneath him, and he goes lower again.

"You make a very good point." I can't stop the giggle as his hands rub down my side, and I know he did that on purpose. "I think I'll keep you after all."

"Smart choice."

What wasn't a smart choice was standing in a dark field, near midnight with who knows what lurking in the dark around us, the following night. The aurora that danced above us was breathtakingly beautiful, and I understood why people flocked to see the Northern Lights in my world. The swirl of green, teal and purple was hypnotizing and yet the energy that radiated from it made me feel dizzy with power. I wasn't the only one feeling it, looking at my friends we all looked excited, the lights reflecting in their eyes as we looked up at the display with big dopey smiles on our faces.

Beyond the light, surrounded by stars, the outline of the sun was bright against the dark circle of the moon.

"I've never seen anything like this," Apollo mumbled beside me.

"It's beautiful. A new moon eclipse, with the aurora. Talk about a trifecta." Kara added.

Cain lifted my wrist, checking the time on my watch. "Ready?"

Hades sent a new rush of embers up into the sky as a few more logs were thrown onto the fire. Looking over at. His face was a mask of shadows, the orange light making him appear more devilish than I'd ever seen him.

"Why not?" He mumbled, as Hermès took his place.

We didn't know if Karas duty to keep the fire going meant anything or not, but figured it couldn't hurt to do the one thing she remembered the most about her time with Hecate. Since no one wanted Hermès to tag along it seemed like a good option for him and with his knowledge of portals, if it went bad it might be helpful to have him on the otherside.

Artemis was up on the rock beside him, a backup plan Hades and Cain created when I invited Apollo. In their minds, she wouldn't let anything happen to Apollo and it made sure Hermès did nothing to us. If he knew he was being used, he didn't seem to care and I had to wonder if he thought the same thing as he had brought up Artemis standing watch before I had.

We had a minute to go and pulling out the key, I wasn't sure what was meant to happen.

None of us did.

"Remind me why we're doing this?" Apollo whispered

"I have the key, may as well see what it opens?"

"That's not helpful."

"Trying to open it without a key wouldn't be helpful. It's all a matter of perspective." I decide

"It generally is with you."

The space in front of us shimmers and blurs as if we're facing a waterfall. The aurora starts to crackle and pop with electricity which makes the key glow in that same vibrant green.

"And we're sure Portia isn't setting us up?"

"No." Kara looks my way nervously, the whole mood of the group altering from impressed to anxious. "But this will be the one way to find out."

The key pulses in my hand and through the haze I can see a green, white light started to form. Cain is right behind me as I move closer, the light getting stronger as it grows bigger and takes more of an archway shape.

I look at Cain who appears completely calm beside me, and behind him Hades face is covered in concentration as he tries to peer in. Apollo. Kara and Deimos are to my other side and taking a deep breath, Cains hand is firmly linked with mine as my other hand holds the key just as tightly.

"Let's do this then." And leading the way,  I step through the portal.

There was no going back now.

_____________________

*insert dramatic drumroll here* 🙈