He’s been anxiously awaiting the birth of this child all winter. He’s checked in on Becca every day, watching in eager anticipation as the mare’s belly has grown larger and more rotund. He’s done his best to keep her healthy - a task that has been more of an effort than it would have been normally. Her injuries have not healed well, meaning that, while it is harder for her to try to escape, it’s also harder to keep her well fed. But the pregnancy has progressed well (to his untrained eye), and his excitement is reaching its peak.
He’s unfortunately late returning to the Mountains today though, having spent the early hours of the day in the Chamber. He arrives home just in time to hear Becca’s voice scream out across the territory (though he cannot make out the words).
He jumps instantly into action, racing for her cave and bursting through the entrance. He expects to find someone or something in there, to make Becca scream so, but all he sees is the mare. All alone. Even though she’s obviously given birth.
Blood and afterbirth are smeared on the floor, and the mare’s sides are clearly deflated. And yet there’s no child. Not even the dead body of a stillborn. Simply nothing.
He steps forward stiffly, red eyes locked on Becca’s own. Has she done something to it? He hadn’t taken her threats entirely seriously, being what she is … but had she carried them out after all?
He stares her down, his voice low and measured … for the moment. “Where is the child Becca?” She better have a good explanation. Or she will pay dearly.
ZAYN
I'm an ugly mess