Morning arrived like a held breath.
The world beyond the windows awakened slowly, sunlight spilling across the horizon in ribbons of gold and silver, painting the distant forests in soft color. Birds called from the trees. Somewhere far below, servants moved through the manor's halls, beginning another ordinary day.
But nothing felt ordinary.
Not anymore.
Aria barely slept.
Every time exhaustion finally pulled her under, she woke moments later, her hand drifting instinctively to her abdomen. The warmth remained.
Steady.
Constant.
Like an ember hidden beneath layers of silk.
Not pain.
Not discomfort.
Just presence.
As though her body already knew a secret her mind was still afraid to believe.
She stared at the ceiling for several long moments before turning her head.
Damien was awake.
He sat in the chair beside the bed, one ankle resting on the opposite knee, a half-finished cup of coffee cooling in his hand.
Watching her.
