Aria’s POV

The morning sun slipped through the curtains, streaking my room in soft gold. I had hardly slept. My body felt heavy, but my mind was restless, tangled in thoughts of Elena’s footsteps, Venessa’s sudden niceness, and Kael’s endless suspicion.

I dragged myself out of bed and washed quickly, smoothing a simple dress over my stomach. The baby moved faintly inside me, a soft flutter that made me pause with my hand pressed over the curve. My throat tightened. Eight months, and still every day I lived in fear someone would take this away from me.

I didn’t trust anyone. Not Elena, not Venessa, not even half the servants...