"Mother, the apothecary is a good idea. Jenn's mind does not work as it should. No mother should want to leave her child to go to some other world," her mate said.
"I've heard of this happening before, but normally right after birth," his mother said. "An apothecary might not be enough for the type of medication she needs."
"We can appeal to our noble master for a Healer," her mother said.
"Healers fix the body, not the mind," her mate said.
Jenn slumped at the table as they talked on around her. Her gaze went to the door where her baby slept. She got up without finishing her meal and escaped into the room where Talia was. Jenn's tension fled from her as she picked up the small child and hugged her close. She tugged off the necklace around her neck, the one marking her as the last in her father's line. She slid it over her daughter's head, giggling when she saw how big it was. The symbol was her father's pride and joy. He was the first of his bloodline to earn one, and the coin-shaped pendant was new and bright.
"This belongs to you, my Talia," Jenn whispered. "You'll grow into it."
As much as she hated her life, she loved her Talia. Jenn's gaze went towards the main room of the dwelling. No doubt, the family still sat around discussing how to fix her. They'd done the same when she found out she was pregnant, locking her in a room until she gave birth.
For your own good, they'd told her.
Looking at her daughter, she was grateful for the one part of her life that brought her joy. Talia awoke at her movement, her eyes as large and dark as Jenn's. Her hair was short and curly, too, unlike the blond, blue-eyed father that'd all but raped Jenn on their mating night.
For your own good, he'd told her.
She'd never let him touch her again, but once was enough for Talia to grow in her belly.
Jenn touched Talia's soft skin, smiling. Talia smiled back then tried hard to grip the pendant, fascinated by its shininess. Jenn laughed softly at Talia's chubby hands trying to grasp the bright bauble. Talia caught it finally and held it up.
"It's yours. I wanted to give it to you, in case I …" Jenn's throat grew tight as she looked at her little girl. "I have to go, Talia. I want so much more than this. For both of us. I'm going to the mortal world. I'll save my coin and find us a home there. I just … I can't stand it here. I want us to have a chance."