Page 15 of Pregnancy Pains & Mystic Chains
"These look like markers of authority," she said as she moved closer to study them. Her wings cast prismatic light across the shifting marks. "They're similar to sigils used in Eidothea to denote those who command the oldest magics. But they feel...”
"They feel what?" Aidon prompted before I could. He was as tense as I was.
The tiny pixie lifted one shoulder. "They feel like they're protecting them. Looking at it from this point of view, I think the mark on Phoebe is a shield.”
Nana cocked her head and regarded Mythia. “You’re saying the old powers aren't trying to control the babies. They're tryingto guard them until they're ready to come into their power. Like the magic is a godparent."
"That tracks with what Darnell's mom is saying," Jean-Marc added through the phone. "She says these symbols haven't been seen since the first age of the gods. They only appear when something monumental is about to change. The last time was during the Titanomachy."
"Because that comparison isn't terrifying," I muttered. The contractions had finally eased completely under Clio's care. It left me feeling wrung out but no longer in immediate danger of premature labor. "So instead of just being pregnant with divine triplets, I'm apparently carrying some kind of supernatural revolutionary force.” I hated the pressure on our tiny bundles of joy. They shouldn’t have this kind of pressure so early.
Clio wiped sweat from her brow, her hands still glowing with healing energy. "The surge is stabilizing, but barely. One more push like that and we might not be able to contain it." She fixed me with her best doctor-knows-best stare. "No more protection spells. No more pushing your limits. The symbol is there for a reason."
"Yeah, to turn me into the world's most pregnant nightlight," I muttered as I poked at my glowing belly. "Though I guess that's better than going into labor three months early."
"Much better," Aidon growled as his fingers tightened around mine. His dark energy crackled around him like bottled lightning. "These children are ours, prophecy be damned. If any ancient power wants them, they'll have to go through me first."
Mom snorted as she dropped her magical barriers. "Through all of us, you mean. I'd like to see these ancient forces try something. They might be powerful, but they've never dealt with a family like ours."
"Damn right, they haven't." Nana brandished her walking stick like a war banner. The tip sparking dangerously. "I didn'tsurvive raising Little Miss Chaos over there," she jerked her thumb at Mom, "just to let some dusty old destiny mess with my great-grandbabies. These powers want a fight? I'll give them a fight."
Above us, the mobile's constellations settled into a peaceful dance with the stars spinning lazy patterns across the ceiling. The shadow-blanket drifted down like a surrendering flag. The symbols finally faded from a nuclear warning before they vanished.
Smiling at Nana, I refocused on the phone and my son. "Keep your eyes open, kiddo. And maybe start taking notes on what Darnell and his mom know. But be careful about it."
"Don't worry, Mom. I've got this covered." His voice crackled with static. "Just focus on keeping my siblings from being born early."
"I will do my best." I rubbed my belly as the symbol pulsed. "Unfortunately, I have no control over anything at the moment. Aside from enjoying a pickle and chocolate smoothies."
“Let me tell you, it was disgusting,” Nina called out to her older brother.
“Your mother drank it like it was going out of style,” Nana confirmed.
"Only in our family." His laugh warmed something in my chest. "Just hold those in there until I'm home for break, okay? I want to meet the tiny troublemakers in person, not through a screen."
"I'll do my best, but no promises. These three have minds of their own." I smiled down at my belly.
"Love you, Mom. Tell my ancient-power-wielding siblings their big brother can't wait to meet them," Jean-Marc replied.
As the call ended, I looked around at my family. Whatever ancient powers were stirring, at least these babies would have an army of protectors from day one. So," I changed the subject, "Iguess magical prenatal yoga is off the table?" At least, I hoped it was. Bending at this stage in my pregnancy practically took an act of the gods.
"You know," Stella said with that gleam in her eye that usually meant trouble, "some gentle stretching might help with the aches and pains you are no doubt feeling after that. Nothing crazy.” She held up her hands in a ‘calm your titties’ gesture. “Just a few basic poses."
I shot her my best 'are you kidding me' look. "I almost went into labor just now. I don’t think that’s a good idea."
"Come on, Mom," Nina said as she nudged a yoga mat with her toe. "We're talking super light stuff. Breathing exercises while sitting on a chair. No levitating mats this time."
"My back does hurt," I admitted reluctantly. The triplets chose that moment to begin what I called their synchronized swimming. They did it several times a day. While it was getting more uncomfortable, I cherished every second after the scare we just had. "But if anything starts floating-"
"We'll stop immediately," Stella promised, then grinned. "Though you have to admit, you were pretty impressive. You remained on that mat for a long time."
"I'll make you some tea," Mythia offered, her wings shimmering as she drifted toward the kitchen. "The pixies have special recipes for magical pregnancy support."
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean other pregnant women have had ancient magical tattoos that turn their prenatal vitamins into performance artists?"
"Well, no," she admitted with a tinkling laugh. "But we do have tea for everything else. And I might have a fresh batch of those pickle-flavored cookies you love. I even added chocolate chips this time."
"Now you're speaking my language," I said, letting Nina help me onto the mat while my stomach growled.
