POV: Asher Nightshade.
The storm hadn’t broken yet, but the air carried that heaviness—like the world was holding its breath.
Asher stood by the window of their small cabin, watching the treetops bend slightly in the wind. His coffee had gone cold in his hand. Behind him, Ember was still asleep on the couch, a blanket wrapped loosely around her shoulders, her hand resting over the swell of her belly.
The sight of her, peaceful for once, tightened something in his chest.
She shifted slightly, brow furrowing, then relaxed again. Asher stepped away from the window, set down the mug, and knelt beside her quietly.
Her hair had fallen across her cheek. He brushed it back gently.
The child was due soon. Any day now. And somehow, despite all the chaos and pressure from the outside world, the
