Aelion slept for a few hours, her dreams filled with fragmented memories and concerns about the future. When she woke, she found Lysandre asleep in the chair beside her bed, his presence a comforting sight. She was thirsty, and her stomach growled, prompting her to slowly sit up and stretch her sore limbs. She reached for the cup of water on the bedside table and drank, her eyes drifting to her stomach as she considered the news she had received.

"You're quite a surprise, aren't you?" she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. She knew that sharing the news with Lysandre would be difficult, as he was her friend, not her lover or boyfriend. She didn't want him to be angry or disappointed in her, and the thought of keeping it a secret weighed on her.

Lysandre stirred, his voice groggy. "What are you doing up? It's the middle of the night." Aelion smiled softly. "I couldn't sleep. I'm thirsty and hungry." Lysandre sat up, rubbing his eyes. "I can order something. I also got your gummi fruits," he said, reaching into his coat pocket and placing the package on her bedside table. Aelion tore open the package with her teeth, popping a few gummies into her mouth. "Thanks. What about something to eat? I'm craving something sweet."

Lysandre smiled, his eyes warm. "I'll see what I can find. Be right back." Aelion chewed the gummies thoughtfully, her gaze drifting to the window as her mind raced with worries and uncertainties.

Lysandre soon returned, a bag of food in hand. "Hey, I got you some chocolate and fries. Thought it might hit the spot." Aelion smiled, her eyes softening at his thoughtfulness. "Thanks. Listen, I was thinking... maybe you should go home and get some rest. I'll text you later, okay?" Lysandre's brow furrowed, concern creasing his brow. "But, I-" Aelion placed a hand on his arm, her voice gentle but firm. "Lysandre, please. I'll be fine. I promise to call if I need anything."

Lysandre hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "If you're sure. But call me the second you need anything, alright?" Aelion nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I will. Thank you for everything." Lysandre hugged her gently and left, his steps heavy with worry. Aelion sighed as the door closed behind him, knowing the coming days would be challenging. "This is going to be a long night," she murmured, closing her eyes in an attempt to rest.

The next morning, Aelion woke to the sound of the nurse bustling into the room with a breakfast tray. She ate, took her medication, and underwent more bloodwork and scans. The doctor entered soon after, his eyes scanning her charts. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his expression concerned.

Aelion shifted in the bed, her voice soft. "Nervous. I have a headache, and I feel a bit nauseated." The doctor nodded, his voice reassuring. "I'll prescribe some pain medication and something for the nausea. We'll do another scan later, but everything looks good so far." Aelion's eyes widened, her voice hesitant. "What do you mean, good?"

The doctor smiled, his eyes kind. "Well, the baby is doing fine. The heartbeat is strong, and the scans look good." He pulled out a few crystals, which floated in the air around Aelion, glowing and humming softly. The nurse's brow rose at the sight. "That's interesting," the doctor murmured, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "It seems the baby is protecting itself, and you. This is a first for me. Usually, when a parent is attacked, the baby's health suffers as well." Aelion's eyes widened, her fingers touching her abdomen gently. "So, it's protecting me, too? That's not common?"

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The doctor shook his head, his expression pensive. "Not really, no. We'll have to keep a close eye on things. I have no other explanation for this. It's very, very rare." Aelion's brow furrowed, her voice laced with worry. "So, what now?" The doctor's voice was gentle, yet firm. "We'll need to monitor you closely. I'll schedule another appointment for a check-up. In the meantime, when you're discharged, you need to rest and take your medication. No traveling or exerting yourself."

Aelion's eyes widened, her voice anxious. "But I was supposed to travel for work. When will I be able to go?" The doctor's expression was sympathetic, yet resolute. "We'll decide at the next appointment. Right now, you absolutely need to rest and heal." Aelion bit her lip, her eyes downcast. "Can't I just use my healing abilities? I'm a Luminae, after all."

The nurse shook her head, her voice gentle but firm. "My dear, you have broken bones, gashes, and bruises. The amount of mana needed to heal all of that, especially while you're expecting, is too much. It would exhaust you further." Aelion sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Thank you for your honesty."

The nurse handed her a paper to sign, and Aelion struggled to write with her opposite hand, her dominant hand bandaged and splinted. "Do you have someone to take you home? You're still pretty banged up, and your arm will need time to heal." Aelion nodded, her voice soft. "Yes, my friend Lysandre. He should be in my file."

The nurse smiled, her eyes warm. "Alright, we'll call him. In the meantime, try to get some rest." Aelion nodded, her eyes closing as she leaned back against the pillows. Her mind was filled with worries and uncertainties, and she knew she couldn't keep the news from Lysandre forever.

A few hours later, Lysandre returned, a bag of food in hand. He placed the bag on the table and pulled out a drink, offering it to Aelion. "Hey, I brought you this." Aelion smiled softly, her eyes grateful. "Thank you. I'm sorry for all the trouble." Lysandre waved away her apology, his eyes warm with affection. "It's no trouble. Did the doctor say anything else?"

Aelion hesitated, her eyes downcast as she considered her response. "Nothing important. Just rest and stuff. Anyway, can you do me a favor and pack a bag for me? Just a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and that jacket you bought me." Lysandre's brow furrowed, his eyes searching hers. "You can't go to Borealis, not until you heal."

Aelion's eyes pleaded with him, her voice desperate. "I have to, Lysandre. Please, help me. I can't tell you why, but it's important." Lysandre's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "I can't, Aelion. You need to rest and recover. I won't let you put yourself at risk." Aelion's eyes filled with tears, her hands glowing softly as she begged. "Please, Lysandre. I can't tell you, but I need to go. You have to help me."

Lysandre's expression softened, his anger melting away. He wanted to help her, to make the pain go away, but he knew he couldn't give in to her request. "I can't," he said, his voice heavy with reluctance. "I won't let you put yourself in danger, not when you're like this." Aelion's shoulders slumped, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Then what can I do? Please, help me." Lysandre's eyes were filled with concern. "There's nothing we can do, not now. I want to kill the bastard who did this to you, but I know that's not what you want."

Aelion nodded, her eyes downcast. "I know, and I appreciate it. But I wish things could have been different, for you and me." Lysandre's eyes softened, and he hugged her gently, his anger turning inward at the thought of the man who had hurt her. "I'll be here for you, no matter what. But for now, you need to rest and heal." Aelion nodded, her eyes closing as she leaned into his embrace, seeking comfort in his warmth.