Aurora paced in the clearing, her thoughts racing. The weight of her mother's revelation pressed down on her, her hand instinctively moving to rest over her abdomen. The faint flutter she imagined she felt there sent a shiver through her. A child. Life within her-a part of her and Cassian.

But how would she tell him? How would he react?

Cassian appeared at the edge of the clearing, his golden eyes searching until they locked onto hers. He moved toward her with purpose, his expression softening as he drew closer. "You've been avoiding me," he said, his tone gentle.

Aurora stopped pacing, her chest tightening. "I wasn't avoiding you. I've just... had a lot on my mind."

Cassian stepped closer, his hand brushing hers. "You can talk to me. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Aurora's throat tightened as she met his gaze. The warmth in his eyes, the steady reassurance of his presence-it was all too much.

"I need to tell you something," she said, her voice trembling. "Something that's going to change everything."

Cassian's brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded, his patience unwavering. "Go on."

Aurora took a deep breath, her hand resting over her abdomen. "I'm... pregnant."

The words hung in the air, their weight palpable. Cassian's eyes widened slightly, his expression shifting from surprise to understanding and finally to a quiet, steady joy. "You're serious?" he asked, his voice low.

Aurora nodded, her heart pounding. "Yes. It's yours, Cassian. A part of us."

Cassian's hand moved to cover hers, his fingers warm and grounding. "Aurora, this is..." He trailed off, his lips curving into a faint smile. "This is incredible."

Aurora blinked, her breath hitching. "You're not upset?"

"Upset?" Cassian shook his head, his golden eyes bright with emotion. "How could I be? This is a gift, Aurora. A new life—a new chance."

Relief flooded through her, and she let herself lean into him, her head resting against his chest. His arms wrapped around her, holding her steady as her emotions swirled. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Aurora allowed herself to hope.noveldrama