Lorcan:

The menu that the B&B offered wasn't very appetizing for any of us so Rowan drove to the nearest fast food shop and brought it back to our room. We then ate in comfortable silence with the occasional comments from each of us and when Aelin had fallen asleep on Rowan's shoulder after the meal, we all decided that we should go to bed.

As per usual, Elide had to act as a buffer when there was an argument brewing between the rest of us over who would use the bathroom next but when we were all laying in our respective beds, I soon fell asleep with Elide's head resting on my chest.

Elide:

Elide couldn't sleep; the bed was uncomfortable, it was too warm and Lorcan was quietly snoring. Though none of this seemed to bother the others, Elide could do nothing but toss and turn while trying not to wake Lorcan.

At the moment, she was facing Rowan and Aelin's bed. Aelin had kicked off the duvet due to the heat and her significantly swollen stomach was clearly visible with Rowan's arm carefully draped over her.

What was it like to be carrying a child? How do you know if you are ready?

Recently, these thoughts had plagued Elide's conscious mind and dreams alike. The only difference was that in her dreams, everything was idyllic and perfect but in her waking moments, doubt enshrouded her mind until she could no longer bare to consider it. Now...now she was feeling brave. Now, she felt empowered and determined.

Elide came to the conclusion that she had been deliberating this concept long enough and she knew that without a doubt that if she couldn't cope any of her friends would be there to support her like a shot. And above all else, she had Lorcan who valued protecting those he loves above everything-else (even if one time it meant that he chose to put Aelin at risk instead but we've worked past that).

"Lorcan," Elide whispered while gently shaking his shoulder as not to wake the others up.

In response, he grunted softly and Elide blurted,"I want a baby." She did it fast to not give herself any chance to reconsider but her words were filled with so much determination and passion that she knew she meant them.

At first she thought that they had tumbled out in such a mess so fast that he didn't catch them but then his eyes imperceptibly widened which Elide hoped was with shock and not fear.

"Can I think about it?"

Of all the responses that her brain had formulated in the space of that slight pause, that had not been one of them and
she was slightly taken aback by his lack of opinion and emotion on the matter.

He saved her from having to scramble for a reply when he said "go back to sleep."

Elide subtly extracted herself from his warmth slightly at the iciness in his voice and managed to get some sleep eventually.