Aria’s POV
I woke to silence.
The gentle hum in your ears made your heartbeat feel louder than usual. I slowly blinked my eyes open, noticing the soft glow of lantern light seeping into the healer’s tent. The air carried a familiar mix of herbs, blood, and smoke...reminders of the recent battle lingering with every breath I took.
For a moment, I was disoriented, unsure of my surroundings. Then, the pain hit me unexpectedly...a deep, hollow ache in my lower belly that made me flinch. My hands instinctively shot down, trembling as they pressed against the bandages wrapped snugly around me, seeking comfort and reassurance.
“The baby...”
The words escaped my lips before I even realized, and suddenly, panic gripped my throat.
A soft hand pressed against my shoulder. “Easy, child. Don’t mo
