**Mira's POV — Three Months Later**
The pregnancy was showing now.
Five months along. Visible curve to her belly. Strangers on the street smiled at her. Asked when she was due. Offered unsolicited advice.
Mira stood in front of the bathroom mirror, hands on her stomach, feeling the baby move. Small flutters. Proof of life.
"You're going to be okay," she whispered. "We both are."
In the three months since Caine's death, life had settled into something resembling normal. Valeblack did consulting work from home—pack law cases, contract reviews, enough to pay bills until his Council reinstatement in one more month. His injuries had healed slowly. The broken ribs still ached in cold weather. His arm had needed physical therapy. Scars crossed his chest and shoulders—permanent re
