C6

"You really have the nerve to lecture me on privacy while you're nesting in my territory with a bastard in your womb?"

Kaelen’s sneer was like a physical blow. He didn't just look angry; he looked lethal. He rose from the edge of the bed, his movements precise and predatory, the atmosphere in the Shadow Chamber thickening until the air felt too heavy to breathe.

"I...I can explain," I stammered, my voice failing me as I saw the dark thunder in his expression.

"Explain what, Lyra? That you planned to use the Blackthorne name to shield your shame? Did you think I’d be a convenient father for your illegitimate pup?" He stepped toward me, his brow furrowed in a deep, dangerous line. "Was our deal just a lure to trap an Alpha into raising another male’s seed?"

The accusations cut through me, and I felt my legs begin to give way. I backed into the cold stone wall, my hands flying to my abdomen in a protective gesture. I wasn't just afraid for myself anymore; I was terrified for the tiny spark of life inside me.

"I wasn't trying to deceive you! The bond was only supposed to last a month I didn't think it mattered because I'll be gone before it shows! I swear to the Goddess, I have no hidden agenda."

"Is that so?" Kaelen’s voice dropped to a whisper that echoed with eerie intimidation.

"I know I can't hide this forever," I rushed out, my pulse thundering in my ears. "If I had any wicked thoughts of trapping you, I'd deserve to be cast out to the rogues! You're a powerful Alpha, Kaelen. If I tried to cross you, you have a thousand ways to end me. Why would I risk that?"

He paused, his eyes dropping to where my hands were clutched over my stomach before returning to my face. The intensity in his gaze was suffocating.

"If this wasn't a trap, why keep it in the shadows until now?"

"Because it’s new to me, too!" I cried out, my fingers curling into fists against my shirt. "I only found out shortly before we arrived in Ironvale. I haven't even told my mother. I was terrified of what would happen if anyone knew."

I was trembling so hard I thought I might shatter. The memory of that night at the Crimson Fang Lodge the pain, the desperation, the smell of rain washed over me. I’d lost Orion. I couldn't lose this baby, too. It was all I had left of that sacrifice.

Kaelen’s face remained a mask of iron, but the sheer wall of his anger seemed to crack slightly. "You're barely more than a pup yourself. Your life must be quite the whirlwind of indiscretion."

"I'll be obedient," I promised, ignoring the sting of his insult. "I'll stay out of your way for the thirty days. I won't cause a single scandal. If I step out of line, my life is at your disposal. Just... please."

He stared at me for a long time, his amber eyes probing mine as if he could scent the truth through my skin.

Knock. Knock.

"The morning meal is served in Ember Hall," Mirelle’s voice drifted through the door, breaking the spell.

Kaelen pulled back, the cold mask returning. "Clean up this mess. I'll see you downstairs."

He didn't wait for a response. He turned and stroded out, leaving the door swinging in his wake. My legs finally gave out, and I slid down the wall, gripping a low cabinet to keep from collapsing entirely. I forced myself to breathe, one jagged lungful at a time, before I began gathering my scattered belongings from the floor.

When I picked up the ultrasound, a single tear escaped, blurring the grainy image of the tiny life inside me. I wiped my face fiercely. No more crying, I told myself. Weakness won't save us.

By the time I made it down to Ember Hall, the table was empty. A lone, used espresso cup sat on a saucer the only sign Kaelen had been there. I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the solitude as I choked down a few bites of breakfast.

I needed to see my mother. I needed to know she was safe in the rental house and that Darius hadn't bothered her.

"The Alpha heir... how is he treating you?" Selene asked the moment I walked through her door.

"Mom, please." I sat on the edge of her bed, my voice heavy with the weight of the morning’s confrontation. "He's... manageable. It's fine. Please don't worry about me."

She sighed, a look of deep disappointment crossing her weary face. "You've grown so guarded, Lyra. You don't let me in anymore. I'm your mother; I only want to know you're safe from his temper."

I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around her, the familiar scent of her herb-tea and lavender soothing the frayed edges of my nerves. "I'm just exhausted, Mom. I didn't mean to snap. It's just been a long morning."

"I know, little wolf. Go rest. You look like a ghost."

I crawled into my old bed and fell into a dreamless, heavy sleep until the scent of cooking woke me at noon.

"I made the sweet-and-sour pike you used to love," Mom said as I sat at the small kitchen table. She scooped a generous portion onto my plate, her eyes filled with a guilt that always broke my heart. "I know I couldn't give you much in the Expanse, but I can at least feed you now."

I looked down at the fish, the steam rising in curls. Usually, the scent would have made my mouth water. But as the aroma hit my heightened senses, my stomach didn't growl it rebelled.

"Ugh..." A wave of violent nausea surged up my throat.

"Lyra? What's wrong?"

I didn't have time to answer. I shoved back from the table, my chair screeching against the floor, and bolted for the washroom. I barely made it to the sink before I was retching, my body shaking with the force of it.

"Lola?" Mom stood in the doorway, her face pale as she watched me. "That wasn't just a stomach bug. Lyra... look at me."

I stayed hunched over the basin, the cold water running, my heart hammering against my ribs. I wasn't ready for this conversation. I wasn't ready for any of it.