POV: Araya
The days blur together after Ronan's warning. Training continues every morning, brutal and relentless. Araya's body grows stronger despite her growing belly. Her senses sharpen. The hum in her blood becomes easier to control, easier to access.
But something else is growing too. Something Araya tries desperately to ignore.
The pull toward Ronan.
It starts small. Stolen glances during training sessions. The way Araya's breath catches when Ronan's hand steadies her during a difficult exercise. The warmth that spreads through her chest when his golden eyes meet hers.
Araya tells herself it means nothing. That she's just grateful for his protection. For his teaching.
But the lie grows harder to maintain with each passing day.
One morning, Araya trips during a footwork drill. R
