Stella – POV

Eric and his soldiers were fending off those sent to capture me. I hide behind a tree, knowing it’s only a matter of time before Mia finds me. It’s a brief respite after killing some of Mia’s soldiers, and I can see the shock in her eyes at my actions. Panting heavily, I feel a contraction in my belly, forcing me to take deep breaths and endure the pain. The child in my womb seems disturbed by my excessive use of power, which is undeniably draining.

In the distance, I hear groans, grunts, and cries of battle. A feeling of unease washes over me as my skin...