AURORA

“Seraphina, come with me,” I said, glancing at Dane, who was fuming, and Tristan, who kept glaring at Sera as if she’d lost her mind.

Taking Sera’s hand, I pulled her chair to a corner. She sat down, looking up at me with wide, curious eyes. I crouched beside her and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Honey, you’re not in trouble, okay?” I whispered, my heart pounding. “Just tell me what your teacher told you- everything.”

Sera nodded, licking her lips nervously. “Well, he said that if we ever find our parents locked behind closed doors, we shouldn’t disturb, peek, or eavesdrop because… they’re probably performing a ritual to make babies.”

“What?” Dane’s voice boomed behind me, making both Sera and me jump. I turned to see him standing there, wide–eyed, wiping imaginary sweat off his forehead..

I stood up, laughter bubbling out of me. “Well, in a way… he’s not wrong.”

“What?” Tristan exclaimed, mirroring his father’s reaction. His eyes darted between Dane and me, his face a mix of confusion

and shock.

I laughed harder, unable to stop myself.

Dane walked back to Tristan and ruffled his hair, chuckling. “I see you’re starting to act a lot like me, my little champ.”

Tristan swatted Dane’s hand away. “Dad, stop. I’m grown now.”

I shook my head at their banter as I led Sera back to her chair. Taking a seat beside Dane on the desk, I asked, “So, why did you two come here? Have you had dinner?”

Sera nodded eagerly. “We had dinner with Uncle Evander, and then we decided to check on you both.”

“How are you feeling, Tristan?” I asked, running a hand gently over his hair.

Tristan shrugged. “I feel fine. I don’t need those bitter medicines anymore.”

“Oh, yes, you do,” Dane said, pinching his cheek. “You’ll finish all your prescriptions. Is that understood?”

Tristan pouted but nodded reluctantly.

Yawning, I stretched my arms. “Let’s all get some rest. I’m exhausted.”

Dane nodded, arranging the files on my desk. He scooped Sera up in his arms. “Let’s go.” noveldrama

Tristan and I followed him. As we left, I pulled out my phone

and called Trajan. “Hey, Trajan, can you come to my office, take the papers you need, and lock up?”

“Yes, Luna. On my way,” he replied. But before I could end the call, I heard him speaking again.

“I’m sorry, Joclyn… I have to go.”

My brows furrowed. He’s with Joclyn? At this hour?

“Bye, Trajan. Thanks for the gift,” Joclyn’s voice came through.

I smiled as I hung up. It seemed those two were making progress. That was nice.

We headed to our room, and soon everyone settled in for the night.

I stood in the garden behind the packhouse, wrapped in a thick winter coat and boots. The cold wind bit at my face, but I didn’t care. The flowers swayed in the breeze, their beauty a stark contrast to the turmoil in my heart.

A warm hand slid around my waist, and I immediately relaxed, leaning back into Dane’s chest. He rested his chin on my shoulder, his hand rubbing small circles on my stomach.

“When will you give me a baby, Aurora?” he whispered.

I turned to face him, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Soon.”

“How soon?” he asked, his brows furrowed.

His question hung in the air, and I didn’t know how to answer. Truthfully, I didn’t know how soon.

“I don’t know,” I admitted softly, dropping my gaze to my hands.

Dane sighed, his silence heavy with disappointment. “Can you give me a baby, Aurora?” he asked slowly, his voice strained.

“Yes,” I said firmly. “But I just need a little more time.”

“Patience?”

A cold, mocking voice interrupted us, and my blood ran cold.

I turned to see Kaida walking toward us, wearing my Luna

garment.

“You,” I hissed, my fists clenching. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in the dungeon. And why are you wearing my garment?”

Kaida threw her head back, laughing cruelly. “I was in the dungeon. But now, I’m here to take your place… and your Dane.”

I stumbled back, clutching Dane’s arm. “Dane, she’s lying! Tell

her she’s lying!”

Kaida stepped closer, placing her hand on Dane’s chest.

He didn’t move. His eyes were locked on hers, dazed and unblinking.

“No,” I whispered, shaking my head as Dane dropped my hand and took Kaida’s in his.

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her neck.

Kaida turned to me with a victorious smile. “I won, Aurora. I

Won.

She rubbed her swollen belly, and Dane placed his hand over it, his expression filled with pride.

“See, Aurora?” he said coldly. “Kaida is who I want now.”

Tears streamed down my face as I stumbled forward. “Dane, no! Please! I’ll give you a baby. Just don’t leave me!”

But he took Kaida’s hand, and they walked away.

I tried to follow, but my feet wouldn’t move. Looking down, I saw heavy chains binding me in place.

A guard appeared, yanking me back. I fell to the ground, screaming as he dragged me to the dungeon.

“No! Dane! Please!”

I jolted awake, my chest heaving, drenched in sweat. My heart. pounded painfully as I blinked at the familiar surroundings of

my room.

It was

just a nightmare.

Or was it a vision?

I swallowed hard, wiping my damp face. Looking over at the bed, I realized Dane wasn’t there.

“Where is he?” I whispered, fear creeping into my chest.

A dreadful thought crossed my mind. Is he with Kaida?

Throwing on my robe, I rushed out of the room, heading straight

for the dungeon.