Aria’s feet moved on their own, numb and unsure, as she walked down the hall in silence.

Her palm pressed firmly to her belly, trembling—half in instinct, half in denial.

*“No…”* she whispered softly, over and over again, like the repetition would somehow change what she heard.

Her body felt heavy, but it wasn’t physical. The weight was in her chest. In her soul.

By the time she reached the room, her knees almost buckled. She made her way to the window and gripped the curtain to steady herself. The early morning sun spilled through the glass, warming her face, but she felt nothing. No light. No warmth. Nothing.

Behind...