|| CASSENDRA'S POV ||

The news of Isabella's pregnancy reached me through the insidious whispers of the maids, their mocking tones slicing through the air like an unseen dagger. The revelation struck me with an unexpected force, a blend of hurt and betrayal settling in the pit of my stomach. How could my mates, Dominico and Zavier, keep such a significant development from me? As the realization dawned, I decided to confront Isabella, seeking answers to the questions that threatened to unravel the fragile threads of trust.

The castle corridors echoed with the soft padding of my footsteps as I made my way to Isabella's chambers. The flickering torches cast...