Third Person POV
The luxury of the guest wing had become a tomb for Elena. The walls were covered in silk and adorned with gold leaf, felt as though they were closing in on her with every breath she took. She paced the length of the room, her fingers knotting together so tightly her knuckles were white.
"I’m pregnant," she whispered to the empty room, her voice cracking. "I’m really pregnant."
She had spent years playing the part Julian had scripted for her, but the irony was a blade in her gut—now that she finally had the one thing that could bind her to the Vaelor line, no one believed her. She was a liar who had finally told a truth that had come too late.
A soft, metallic click echoed through the room.
Elena froze, her eyes moving to the heavy oak door. It hadn't been unlock
