"Ann Durand - Flight of the Gryphon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Durand Ann)

"I am alive, very much so. And so is the baby inside me."

Papa laid his hand on her stomach. "Askinadon?" His voice sounded threatening.

Adrella nodded. Papa's dark eyes sparked with fury. Adrella spoke quickly.

"Papa, I have another child-a son, Rorken. He's fifteen months old already."

Mama wrapped her arms back around Adrella. "Two grandchildren, Adrella? What wonderful news.
You bring us such happiness, doesn't she, Papa?" Mama turned to look at Papa.

"Yes, yes," he said, but his eyes looked troubled. "I'm afraid not all is well here…I don't know how to tell
you this, but recently, Katera…"

"Yes, I know," Adrella interrupted. "She's missing. That's why I've come."

Adrella took a step backward and looked at them both. They returned her gaze, inquiring with raised
brows and fearful looks, asking her what she knew, what she could tell them about their other daughter.
First I disappear, and then Katera, Adrella thought, reading their anxiety. They're wondering if we're
going to disappear together this time…and they will be right.

She wished with all her heart that the news she was compelled to deliver, the news that would send them
into a tailspin of grief and worry, would evaporate into a bad dream. She wished the Voice would speak
to her. She wanted to hear Askinadon announce that he had abandoned the project, that it was no longer
necessary for her to find Katera.

And somewhere else, deep in her soul, she wanted to embrace the joy of this reunion without distraction.
Like a small child indulging in a simple pleasure, she wanted to root upon this spot forever, hugging
Mama and Papa and drowning herself in their kisses.

However, no Voice interrupted her, and her parents were waiting, their expressions growing impatient.

"Mama, Papa," she began, but in the next breath, before she understood what was happening, something
splashed onto the floor at her feet.

She looked down. She was standing in a puddle of water. Mama gasped.

"Your water broke. Your baby…"

"It's too early," Adrella said, gaping at the floor.

"Your trip down the mountain must have triggered it," Mama said, placing her arm around Adrella's
shoulders and leading her to the bed. To Rinden, she called, "Bring me some clean blankets."

"Oh, no," Adrella moaned. She lowered herself to the bed, a sharp pain wracking her lower body.
"Mama…"

"It's okay. You're home. I'll take care of you."