Silence settled between us, thick and overwhelming as we took in Jade's words. I stilled in my seat, the arms of the chair digging into my sides, legs pushed against the ground firmly. On instinct, my hand immediately went around the pudge of my tummy, eyes filling with tears. This felt like a punishment, an undeserving one at that. Why couldn’t my body accept our pup? Felt unreal. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Aiden shift in his seat, face turning white as a sheet. A lump lodged in my throat, which I swallowed with great difficulty, croaking out the words. “J-Jade, you must be mistaken. Check again. Please.” The witch winced, making a sympathising face as she shook her head. “I am afraid not, Miss Rose. You see this crystal here….” She pointed at the round globe in the centre of

