Elara’s fork clattered loudly onto her plate in the middle of the grand dining hall.
Everyone turned to look. She quickly picked it up, but her hands wouldn’t stop shaking. The long table was filled with family and close friends, candles flickering softly between them.
Lira rose from her seat at the other end of the table, her fiery red hair glowing under the chandelier light. She placed both hands gently on her stomach and smiled brightly.
“Everyone,” Lira said, voice sweet and clear as she looked straight at Darius. “I have wonderful news. I’m pregnant.” She let the words hang in the air, then added softly, “And it’s Darius’s baby.”
Gasps and excited murmurs filled the room. Someone clapped. Another person cheered.
Elara’s fingers tightened around her fork until the metal bit into h
