Page 32 of Pregnancy Pains & Mystic Chains
"The abandoned medical center?" Nina asked as she peered over his shoulder at his research.
"It's not actually abandoned," Jean-Marc explained. "The upper floors are, but the basement levels seem to be active. There are energy readings that don't make sense. And look at these architectural plans." He opened the tablet and pulled up blueprints. "There are symbols in the foundation that matches Mom's mark."
"Of course they do," I sighed as I eased onto a stool. "I'm beginning to think the symbols don’t mean shit. Portions of my mark can be found freaking everywhere"
"That’s because this society has been searching for their magical answer for a long time. The temple's location isn't random," Selene added as she handed me another round of Mom's concealment potion. Shit, I had almost forgotten I needed to drink it again. "It seems to be at the center of the Keepers' business network in this area. All those ley lines we mapped last nght? They converge right under that building."
I grimaced as I downed the potion. "So, what you're saying is, we need to investigate a potentially dangerous ancient temple while I'm the size of a small whale and magical forces are hunting us?"
"We need to find a way to stop this from getting worse." Aidon's voice made us all jump. He stood in the doorway, looking grim. "Things are getting worse in the Underworld. Thedisturbances are spreading deeper, and reaching levels even Father fears to tread."
"No pressure or anything," I muttered and winced when pain shot through my abdomen, making me whimper.
Clio materialized from the living room where she'd been camping out since that last encounter had practically demolished her home. Her healer's instincts were clearly on high alert. She rushed to my side and pressed her hands over my swollen womb. I could feel her magic probing gently and assessing things.
"The magical labor pains are starting again," she informed me with a frown. Her eyes met mine, and I recognized that stern expression that meant she was meant business. "You're not going anywhere near that temple. You need to be on magical bed rest before these babies decide to make an early appearance. The others can handle the investigation."
I opened my mouth to argue - we had just discovered the temple's location and I needed to be there - but was cut off by three distinct kicks that felt suspiciously like my unborn children were siding with their doctor. The traitors actually managed to kick in unison, as if emphasizing Clio's point. My hands went protectively to my belly as another wave of pain rippled through me.
"Fine," I conceded, trying to hide how the word caught in my throat. The thought of sending my family to investigate without me there to help protect them made my chest tight with anxiety. "But I want constant updates. And the first sign of trouble?—"
"We'll call," Stella promised. "Besides, someone needs to coordinate from here. The coven's getting reports of more manifestations. Melody wasn't the first, and she won't be the last."
"The babies' power is affecting everything," Tarja observed from her perch on the windowsill. "Even the mundane world feels it, though they don't understand what they're sensing."
The symbol pulsed beneath my shirt despite the concealment spell, and I felt a surge of energy that made every magical object in the room hum. "Okay, new plan," I said, rubbing my belly. "While you all investigate the temple, I'll work on controlling whatever this is. Because if these three keep amping up the magical energy around us, the Keepers aren’t the only thing we will need to worry about. We will expose ourselves to the mundane world."
"I'll help," Nina offered. "We can practice focusing the energy, maybe find a way to direct it safely."
"And I'll be in charge of the snacks," Mythia added, zipping past with a plate of something that smelled divine. "You'll need your strength."
Nina helped the others prepare for their temple expedition while I dug into one of my more bizarre pregnancy snack combinations. I was chewing a pickle wrapped in licorice and dipped in chocolate pudding when Aidon knelt beside the couch where I'd been exiled. "We're heading out. Are you sure you'll be okay here?"
I pulled him down for a kiss. "I've got Nina, Mom, and enough protective wards to fortify a small country. Go find our answers."
As I watched them leave, the babies kicked in perfect synchronization. The symbol pulsed once. It was strong enough to be visible despite the concealment spell. It quickly settled into a steady, barely noticeable rhythm.
"They're saying goodbye to their dad," Nina said with a grin.
"Or they're plotting something," I replied, only half-joking. "After all, they've already woken ancient powers. Who knows what else they've got planned?"
"I can't wait to meet them," Nina replied, her eyes softening as she looked at my belly. "Three little magical troublemakers. They're going to keep us all on our toes." She paused with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Plus, I get to be the cool sister who teaches them all the spells Mom and Dad say they're too young to learn."
That earned a snort and a chuckle from me as I shifted on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position. "Oh, no. That’s quadruple the trouble. I think I need some pickle cookies right about now."
"Already on it," Mythia called from the kitchen. "I'm also making those spicy chocolate bars you've been craving. The ones that made Nana's eyes water?"
"You're an angel," I sighed happily, then froze as another wave of energy rippled through the house. The lights flickered, and somewhere upstairs, I heard what sounded suspiciously like my hair dryer starting up on its own.
"I've got it," Nina said as she bounced up and headed for the stairs. She paused halfway up as her phone chimed again. "It's Jean-Marc. They've reached the Mason building." She read the message aloud: "'Definite magical signatures. Old ones. Building's warded up tighter than Fort Knox. Aidon and Nana say the wards don’t exactly feel like Mom’s mark.'"
I struggled to sit up straighter. My hand went to my belly where the babies had suddenly gone still. "What do you mean, the energy doesn't match my mark? It should since it is a temple of the Keepers where the prophecy is located."
Another text came through. Nina's eyes widened as she read it. "He says it's different. Older somehow. Like it's the source of the power that was used to create your mark, not just the same signature."
"Magic changes over millennia," Tarja projected from her new perch on the back of the couch, her mental voicethoughtful. "Like water wearing new paths through stone. The source might feel different now, but that doesn't mean it's not connected to your mark. Power adapts, evolves. The answers you seek could still be there, just in an older form than we expected."
"Okay. That's not disturbing at all," I muttered. The babies chose that moment to start playing patty-cake, which made the concealed mark pulse visibly through my shirt. "Hey, you three. A little help with the light show would be appreciated. We're trying to stay under the radar here."
