It wasn't easy for Quintessa to leave the house like this—especially at such an hour.
Thankfully, her husband had fallen asleep early tonight. Still, she remained beside him for nearly an hour, just to be certain he wouldn't wake up, before finally slipping out of bed.
Before leaving, she whispered instructions to a loyal servant: if her husband wakes up and asks, tell him she had gone to check on the neighbor, who was nearing her time of labor.
Quintessa doubted he would go check on her friend himself… but even if he did, her friend would handle it.
Why was she taking such a risk?
Because she had to see him.
Her child.
Hades.
He had sent her a letter saying he was leaving on a long journey and might not be able to see her again.
Her heart ached at the thought.
Even if he hadn't written those words, she would've still gone to see him—but after reading them, she could barely contain herself. Waiting this long had already taken every ounce of restraint she had.
