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I waited in case another doctor was about to appear on the list.

“How many doctors are you planning to give me?”

“As many as I believe you need, my lady.”

Once he’d moved the scanner, I sat up with Eira’s help and settled against the cushions. She stayed beside me, and the look we exchanged wasn’t exactly reassuring.

“The physicians overseeing your care would need to remain nearby throughout the pregnancy and during the early months after the birth,” he continued. “Others could be consulted when needed. I’d recommend regular scans and blood tests so we can follow the babies’ growth, check their hormone levels and monitor the placenta.”

“Thaddeus, will I have time to do anything other than be examined?”

He looked away from the readings.

“Yes, Elowen. I don’t intend to fill your days with appointments. We’ll arrange your care with your comfort and privacy in mind.”

“And if you find something?”

“Then we’ll discuss it with you and decide how to proceed. The purpose of closer monitoring is to recognise any concerns early.”

I looked at the two tiny shapes still floating above the mattress. I didn’t want a Residence full of doctors following me around, but I wanted to know the girls were safe far more than I cared about being annoyed by appointments.

“Do whatever you need to keep them safe. If that takes an army of doctors, I’ll manage. Just preferably not the whole army standing round my bed at once.”

“I believe we can avoid that.”

Eira smiled beside me, and I leaned back into the cushions while Thaddeus gathered the smaller instruments from the table.

“Everyone involved will need to understand how carefully this information must be handled,” he said. “They’ll require security clearance before they’re told about the pregnancy, and access to your medical records must be restricted.”

“Because the girls are Omegas?”

“Because of the pregnancy and your own circumstances. Until you and your Pack have decided whom to tell, I would advise keeping this between those who need to know.”

“Will you be able to find enough doctors you trust?”

“Yes.”

He sounded so certain that I was more than happy to leave that part to him. I already had enough going round my head without worrying about a collection of doctors I hadn’t even met.

“There is something else you should be prepared for,” he said. “When the pregnancy becomes public, I expect physicians and governments beyond High Mountain to request access to your medical records.”

“Can they do that?”

“They can request them. Some may argue that the findings could help address declining Omega fertility, and that their medical institutions should be allowed to study them.”

“Well, they can ask all they want. No one is getting my daughters’ medical records.”

“I understand. I’m raising it because some interested parties may be less willing to accept a refusal.”

That made me sit a little straighter.

“What does that mean?”

“They may try to obtain information without your consent. Others may seek direct access to you or your daughters.”

My hand went straight to my stomach. I’d only just found out they existed, and already Thaddeus was talking about people who might try to get to them.

“Your Pack will need time to prepare,” he continued. “Some people may see your daughters as a sign that Omega fertility could improve again. For families who have waited years for children, this pregnancy may offer a great deal of hope.”