Your bonds, Gavriel, Fenrys, Rowan, and Lorcan, left you 5 years ago. They claimed it was to keep you safe from Maeve, but you knew. They wanted to be with their new central bond, Aelin. You spent a long time pining after them, but they never reciprocated. Sure, you’re mates, but they couldn’t have cared less about you. They had ignored you, insulted you, picked on your greatest insecurities and fears. And they left, unaware you were pregnant…

Gavriel spots you through the window of a cozy looking townhouse, nestled between the busy streets and markets of Rifthold. You had hidden in plain sight, even built a life for yourself in Adarlan, that much was clear to the cadre. They hadn’t searched for you immediately after they left, but when they did, you had seemingly disappeared. There was no trace of you anywhere, as if you’d up and vanished. After 5 years apart, they finally found you. Lorcan tries to look stoic and unbothered, but he still wants you like any bond wants their central. Fenrys, on the other hand, looks excited—if not a bit nervous. Gavriel just seems sad, a slight frown on his face. Rowan’s nostrils flare as he takes in the scent exuding from the house. They’re all taken aback by the sheer happiness coming from your home, and even at a distance, the cadre can tell that you look different. Fuller breasts, curvier hips, your skin practically glowing…you look healthier than you did before they left you—happier, too. They had thought you would be struggling without them, but they were wrong. None of them had a clue that you were pregnant when they left, and they still don’t know that you have a child. They’re about to find out.

— — — — —

There’s a knock at the door and you get up to answer it, leaving your 4 year old daughter, Kira, playing in her room.