INHUMAN

A lone raven cut across the overcast sky, searching for a place to rest. Spying a modest homestead, it altered its course and lined up a smooth descent, landing silently upon the pitched roof.

Below, the wooden door creaked open, and a young woman stepped out into the yard holding a woven basket. A soft, cheerful melody hummed from her lips as she walked over to the animal pens to feed her livestock.

"Hey there, my dears. Did you miss me?" She laughed softly, scattering the feed. "Oh, I am sure you did."

As she watched them gather, her eyes suddenly filled with pity. She noticed a hen near the back, struggling to move, its leg dragging unnaturally. "Oh no, poor thing," she murmured, kneeling down to examine it.

The leg was badly broken, likely fractured while the birds were aggressively jostling for food. She sighed, running a gentle hand over its feathers. "I gave you all more than enough food today... You know I cannot fix this for you, right?" she whispered.

Realizing the bird would only suffer, she stood up with a heavy heart. "I guess it is goodbye, then." She gently lifted the injured hen from the pen, carried it under her arm, and securely locked the cage behind her.

Returning inside the quiet house, she headed straight for the hearth at the corner of the room, where a bright fire crackled. She set a heavy pot of water over the flames to boil.

"Do not worry, Mr. Hen. I will make sure to remove your feathers gently," she murmured, soothingly rubbing the bird's back before performing the necessary chore.

Once the meat was prepared and the dinner was simmering, she set the table. Just as she placed the final platter down, the front door opened. A man walked into the room. Though he was older, he carried himself with an elegant, handsome dignity.

A warm smile instantly lit up the woman’s face the moment she caught sight of him.

"Honey! You're back," she cheered.

"Hello, my darling. How have you been doing today?" Thomas asked, stepping fully into the dining area.

Alice rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight, welcoming hug.

"You should freshen up first, dear," she suggested, leaning back.

"Sure, I will do that. But just a minute," Thomas pleaded, playfully pouting. "Wait before I go... or did you not miss me at all?"

Alice laughed at his pitiful expression. "Of course I did! But dinner is going to get cold if you do not wash up right now," she warned lightheartedly.

"Okay, fine. Since you clearly do not miss your husband enough to spend a single moment with him, I shall go," he teased, pulling back with a dramatic sigh and walking toward the washroom.

She smiled sheepishly, watching him leave, and took her seat at the dining table. As her eyes drifted across the layout, her gaze locked onto the third, empty chair. A familiar wave of sorrow overwhelmed her mind.

She desperately needed to give her husband a child. Thomas was growing older day by day, and a man of his standing needed a proper successor to inherit his legacy.

She became so deeply trapped in her own thoughts that she didn’t even notice her husband had returned, fully refreshed, and was already sitting directly across from her.

"Ahem," Thomas cleared his throat softly, a warm grin playing on his lips to catch her attention.

"Oh! Dear, you scared me," Alice gasped, snapping out of her daze. She quickly smoothed down her apron. "I see you are all clean now. Alright, let me dish out your food, my sweet, handsome husband," she said, trying her absolute best to mask the underlying sadness in her voice.

"My wife certainly knows how to flatter me," he replied, offering a gentle smile. Yet, behind his eyes, a shadow of worry lingered for her.

"Hahaha, yes, I know you are good-looking, and most of all, you are adorable," she insisted, proudly presenting the steaming plate before him.

"Yummy," Thomas said, dipping his spoon into the rich stew and taking a bite.

Alice’s heart melted at his satisfied expression. "Go easy on yourself, there is still plenty left to eat, my husband."

"How can I possibly go easy on a meal when my darling wife prepared it herself?"

"Hahaha, stop being such a sweet-talker. Alright, eat up."

Once the couple finished their dinner, they cleaned up and retired to the bedroom. But as the hours ticked by, sleep refused to come to Alice. She lay awake in the dark, staring at the ceiling as the heavy weight of her empty womb pressed down on her.

Tears filled her eyes as she imagined what it would feel like to finally cradle a baby in her arms. Feeling her trembling beside him, Thomas shifted in the bed, turning over to wrap his strong arms securely around her waist so she wouldn't feel alone.

"Thinking again?" he asked, his voice a low, soothing rumble in the quiet room.

"Hmm... Thomas?" she whispered, turning to face him. "What do I have to do to get pregnant? What do I have to do to make you truly happy, Thomas?"

Thomas’s heart broke slightly at her words. "Who said I am not happy, Alice? I am completely happy just having you. You do not have to stress yourself over this, okay? No matter what happens, I will always be by your side." He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss against her brown hair.

"Thank you, Thomas, for being so patient with me. I am so lucky to have you."

"No, I am the lucky one to have you, Alice. Now, let us go to sleep and try not to think anymore tonight, okay?"

"Okay. Good night, Thomas."

"Good night, Alice."

They held each other tightly, drawing comfort from one another's warmth, until sleep finally claimed them.

"Good morning, honey," Alice greeted her husband early the next day, noticing he was already fully dressed for the forge.

"Good morning, my beautiful wife."

"I see my husband is dressed and looking as handsome as always."

"Yes, I am," he smiled, stepping closer to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. "And I will see you later in the day when I get back from work."

Alice blinked, her smile faltering. "Huh? I thought you said you were coming with me to the market today?"

"Yes, I did say that," Thomas admitted, looking apologetic. "But the royal knights from the palace just sent word. They are coming to the forge today to commission a new batch of swords for the king's guards."

He sighed, adjusting his leather belt. "As we all know, the king is doing everything possible to keep the kingdom completely secure for the impending arrival of his unborn child."

The moment the words left his mouth, Thomas froze, realizing he had made a terrible mistake