Ariyah's POV
Border Town of Thornwood
"Pregnant?"
The word falls from my lips like a stone into still water.
The healer nods, her wrinkled face soft with sympathy. "Yes, dear. About five weeks along, I'd say."
Five weeks.
I count backward in my head. Five weeks ago, Kael and I were still together. Five weeks ago, he held me in his arms and whispered that he loved me. Five weeks ago, I believed I would spend the rest of my life as his Luna.
Five weeks ago, everything was perfect.
"Are you sure?" My voice comes out thin and reedy, like it belongs to someone else. "There must be a mistake."
"There's no mistake." The healer pats my hand. "The signs are clear. You're carrying a child."
The room tilts.
Elara grabs my arm, steadying me. "Breathe, Ariyah. Just breathe."
But I can't br
