ARIEL’S POV“Is it because of Isabella…” Lady Nyra asked softly. “Or are you simply uncomfortable around me?”The question came out calm. Almost kind.Somehow, that frightened me more, because I couldn’t tell her it was none of the above.I was just frightened.My throat still burned where Isabella’s fingers had crushed against it. Every swallow felt raw.I looked at Lady Nyra’s flawless face and whispered the truth before I could stop myself.“I don’t know if I’m supposed to be here.”Recognition shifted in her eyes.“Oh, Ariel,” she said gently. “None of us were prepared for this situation.”Situation.Not baby.Not pregnancy.Situation.The word wrapped around my chest like cold chains, and I nodded slowly.Lady Nyra reached for my hand, her fingers resting over mine with practiced elegance, cool and steady against my trembling skin. My body almost recoiled on instinct.Almost.“Come downstairs with me,” she murmured. “You’re shaking.”I wanted to refuse. God, I wanted five minutes
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