POV: ASHER AND EMBER.
The room was dim, lit only by the soft lamp on the desk and the fire flickering low in the hearth. Ember sat curled on the window bench, a worn blanket draped over her legs, one hand resting gently on her belly.
Asher stepped in quietly, closing the door behind him. She looked up, sensing something was different.
**EMBER**
You’re late.
**ASHER**
Got caught in the library.
He crossed the room and sat across from her, elbows on his knees. For a moment, he just looked at her. She had changed—so had he—but now he could *see* it, what Maela had seen.
**ASHER (softly)**
I talked to Maela. The girl who… knew about you. About your blood.
**EMBER (tensing slightly)**
What did she say?
He hesitated.
**ASHER**
That you’re not just the cure. You’re part of
