Not alone, separated (Anna POV)

Anna slides out of bed, careful to avoid waking the sleeping goblin who is softly snoring still. Smiling, Anna gently pulls the covers over Lynn, knowing she’s still suffering from her morning sickness. Better that she stays asleep.

Anna had been lucky in that regard, she had barely gotten sick at all, and now even that had passed. As she grabs some clothes, she stops to look at her profile in the mirror. She’s still too early on to show, despite being a petite woman, but she smiles as she touches her bare stomach. By the time Josh returned, there would be an obvious change.

Thoughts of Josh make her smile fade. Yura had told them that there had been a battle, and that they had won. Despite her assurances that none of the family had been hurt, it was still a worrying thing. With a sigh, Anna makes her way to the bathroom, getting herself cleaned up and dressed. Making her way to the dining room, she finds Rachel and Maya there already.

Anna smiles at the pair. “Morning, you two. Maya, you’re up early!”

Maya shrugs. “Couldn’t sleep anymore. Elly and Yura are having a meeting with Selka and Kallista, and I don’t want to be alone right now.”

Rachel nods. “Maya is still a little upset that she’s not with Josh.”

Anna frowns. “That’s right, this is the longest you’ve been away from him since you met, isn’t it.”

Maya sighs. “Yeah. Anna, do you ever wish we hadn’t come here? That we had just stayed at the house?”

Anna nods. “Sometimes. But it’s not something I dwell on. Sure, there’s been some rough times since we came, but overall we’re better off.”

Rachel interjects. “Think of all the things we would lose without coming here. Your father, for instance, and Samara, not to mention the other girls we’ve met here.”

Maya nods. “I know, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I just…it feels like part of me is missing when he’s gone.”

Anna takes her hand and squeezes gently. “All of us feel that. And before you know it, he’s coming back. This is something important, and he just wants us to be safe.”

Maya smiles. “Thanks for listening, Anna. You always know just what I need.”

Anna grins. “We’ve known each other quite a while now. What kind of maid would I be if I didn’t?”

Rachel laughs. “I think you’ve gone a bit beyond just a maid at this point, Anna!”

Maya giggles. “A sexy maid!”

Anna laughs, shaking her head. “At least we know you’re still a horny dragon girl.”

Maya winks. “Always!”