Turning Night Read Online Free Page B

him.”
    Raila swallowed. “Fine. I will just feed and change him, and we will go out.”
    They waited while she tended to her son. It was normal for the ladies, but Hulorn was fascinated. Raila took that opportunity to show him how to change a diaper. He took to it with intense focus.
    Danlorn waved his arms when his butt was all clean and powdered, and Hulorn cradled him against his chest, the gleaming white onesie stood out against his skin.
    Raila took Hulorn’s hand and nodded to Max. “Open it up.”
    Max opened the door; she led the way down the porch and into the yard.
    Tonho was standing in the centre, glaring at the midnight elves crowding against the tree line.
    A male with the weight of age pressing on him came forward. “This is your son?”
    “Danlorn. This is my son; this is his mother, Raila.”
    The old male looked at the infant and stroked his cheek.
    From her vantage point, Max could see the baby’s eyes open and the man jerked back in surprise.
    The old male stared at the baby, then Hulorn and finally Raila. “Congratulations on your son.”
    Hulorn sighed and the crowd stirred.
    Tonho shifted to an at-ease stance and that let Max relax.
    What followed was a ritual that left Max’s skin tingling and Hellebore humming under her breath. Each of the attending midnight elves gave energy to those who had brought the new member of their clan into the world.
    Tonho was given his share, and his skin crackled with power.
    Once the formal greeting had rendered little Danlorn unconscious, their party returned to the house so that the guest of honour could get some sleep.
    Hulorn and Raila tucked their son into the nursery before retiring to her room to talk.
    Max could hear their discussion but sat in the living room with her exhausted friends.
    Tonho was still outside, but he had a thermos of tea to keep him entertained along with a joint of ham. He was fine for the night.
    At two o’clock in the morning, she heard Rithak return. Max exited the house and met him in the front yard, explaining the situation as clearly as she could.
    “Your sister and Hulorn are asleep in her room. Leave them alone for the night. They aren’t doing anything but sleeping.”
    His features were shifting with shock. “He is here? She allowed him in her house?”
    “He is and she did. He wishes to be in the child’s life, and he also seems to be inclined to get to know Raila better.”
    She smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Come in and meet your nephew. He is just waking up.”
    Her friends were passed out on the couch like demented bookends.
    He gave them a curious look but followed her up the stairs.
    She opened the room to the nursery and scooped up the little fella. “Danlorn, this is your uncle, Rithak. He sent me here to keep an eye on your mother, and then, you popped out.”
    He sucked on his fist and stared up at her.
    She turned and held him out to Rithak.
    He took the child carefully, his huge hands creating a platform that the baby wriggled on. “He is so tiny.”
    “Don’t mention that to your sister. He had to come out the same way he got in.” Max chuckled.
    The door creaked and opened further behind them. Raila was standing there clad in a thin robe.
    She whispered. “Rithak, you are back!”
    He blinked. “I have a nephew.”
    Raila went up on her toes and kissed his scarred cheek. “You do. He might also be a shifter. We won’t know for years.”
    “He will always be welcome in our family. Congratulations on a healthy boy, Rai.”
    The boy wailed, and Raila took him. She sat in the corner and discretely began to feed her son without turning the lights on.
    Hulorn appeared in the doorway, his eyes lighting the room with an eerie glow. “Rithak. It is my pleasure to meet you again.”
    Rithak stared at the half-dressed elf for a moment before he extended his hand. “Welcome to the family, in whatever capacity Raila decides you deserve.”
    “I will take what she gives me and be glad of