The first light of dawn filtered through the palace windows, soft and golden, brushing across the quiet corridors. Selene’s hand rested on her swollen belly, fingertips tracing the small rise and fall of life inside her.
The baby had been restless all night, each tiny movement filling Selene with equal parts awe and anticipation.
Orion sat beside her on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving her face. Golden eyes softened by sleepless nights andworry, framed by shadows that could never dull his intensity. “How are you feeling?” he murmured, voice low, careful, almost afraid to disturb the fragile quiet.“I’m ready... I think,” Selene whispered, her gaze falling to the curve of her stomach. “She’s… she’s moving so much. I can’t believe it’s almost time.” Orion reached out, hands war
