Aria POV

The house was too loud that morning. Laughter from the halls, the clatter of plates, footsteps rushing back and forth like no one had slept a wink. I sat on the edge of my bed staring at the curtains, wishing the noise would fade. My body felt heavier than yesterday, every breath slow and careful.

I touched my stomach, tracing the shape that wasn’t small anymore. The movement inside me was steady now, like little waves against my ribs. It should have brought me comfort, but instead it filled me with dread.

Kael wanted the world to know. He wanted parties, celebrations, songs. I just wanted silence, a...