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Vera’s eyelids fluttered open, the bright light piercing through the haze of her mind. Confusion swirled around her as she blinked, trying to grasp where she was. The warmth of the sun poured through the window, illuminating the room, but her thoughts were hazy, like a distant echo of a dream. The last thing she remembered was the chaos of the attack, the sharp sting of pain, and then… darkness.

“Zach?” she croaked, her throat dry. Panic surged as she realized she was alone.

A gentle hand touched her shoulder, and she turned to see Savannah, Zach’s cousin, seated beside her. The concern etched across Savannah’s face was evident. “You’re awake! Thank the stars,” she said, relief flooding her voice. “You scared us all.”

“What happened?” Vera asked, her voice trembling as fragments of the previous night returned. The fight, the enemies, the knife—her heart raced with the memories. “Where’s Zach? Is he okay?”

Savannah’s expression faltered, a flicker of sadness crossing her features. “He’s… he had to leave. There’s been another attack at the border. He’s gathering the forces to protect our kingdom.”

Vera’s heart sank. “But he shouldn’t leave me! I need him here. What if—” Her thoughts raced, her anxiety climbing. The weight of the situation settled heavily on her chest. “What if I need him?”

Savannah leaned in closer, her voice soft but firm. “Zach loves you, Vera. He would stay if he could. But his people need him. The kingdom needs him.”

“But I—” Vera’s voice trembled as she attempted to sit up. The world spun slightly, and she felt a rush of nausea. “I can’t be alone right now. I don’t even know what’s happening.”

Savannah nodded, brushing a stray hair from Vera’s forehead. “I’ll be right here with you. You’re not alone. You’re safe. Just breathe.”

Vera took a deep breath, focusing on Savannah’s steady presence. “What about the baby?” she whispered, fear creeping into her voice. “Is the baby okay?”

Savannah’s gaze softened, and she hesitated before responding. “The healer checked. You’re safe, Vera. But you need to rest. You’ve been through a lot, and your body needs time to heal.”

A heavy silence filled the air, and Vera’s heart raced. The realization of her pregnancy washed over her like a tidal wave. “I’m pregnant,” she murmured, feeling the weight of the truth settle around her. “Zach… he has to know.”

Savannah’s expression turned serious, a hint of urgency in her tone. “He will know. But right now, we need to focus on you. You must regain your strength.”

Vera felt a rush of emotions—fear, joy, and uncertainty. She had imagined the moment she would tell Zach about their child countless times, but not like this. Not when the kingdom was in turmoil and his life was at risk. “I just want him here,” she admitted, her voice cracking.

Savannah squeezed her hand, her grip warm and reassuring. “He’ll be back. He loves you, and he’ll fight to protect you both. You have to believe that.”

As the weight of her worries pressed down on her, Vera closed her eyes for a moment, trying to find strength in Savannah’s words. “What if something happens to him?” The thought gnawed at her insides. “I can’t bear to think of losing him.”

Savannah’s expression hardened, determination shining in her eyes. “We won’t let that happen. We’ll protect him, and we’ll protect you. You’re part of this family now, Vera.”

Just then, the door creaked open, and Zach stepped in, his face grim and weary. Relief washed over Vera at the sight of him, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of anxiety. “Vera!” he exclaimed, rushing to her side. “You’re awake!”

“Zach,” she breathed, tears welling in her eyes. “I was so scared.”

He knelt beside her, brushing his fingers gently against her cheek. “I’m here. I’m sorry I had to leave. The kingdom is under threat, but I promise I’ll return as soon as I can.” His eyes searched hers, concern etched deep into his features. “You’re okay?”

“I’m… I’m okay,” Vera stammered, forcing a smile despite the ache in her chest. “But I need to tell you something.”

Zach’s brow furrowed, the worry in his eyes deepening. “What is it? You can tell me anything.”

“I—” she hesitated, glancing at Savannah, who nodded encouragingly. “I’m pregnant.”

The room fell silent. For a moment, Zach’s expression shifted from worry to disbelief, and then to something deeper—an unfathomable mix of emotions that she couldn’t quite decipher. “You’re sure?” he finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Vera nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I just found out, but it’s true. I wanted you to know before you left.”

Zach’s breath hitched, and for a moment, she saw the flicker of joy before it was overshadowed by the weight of responsibility. “This changes everything,” he murmured, his eyes dark with conflicting emotions.

“I know,” she replied, her heart aching for both of them. “But we’ll figure this out together.”

Zach took her hands in his, his grip firm and protective. “You and the baby are my priority, Vera. I will do everything I can to keep you both safe.”

Vera’s heart swelled at his words, but anxiety still gnawed at her. “Promise you’ll come back,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “Promise me.”

“I promise,” Zach said, his voice steady despite the turmoil around them. “I will come back to you. I’ll fight for you and our child.”

With one last lingering gaze, he leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Take care of yourself. Savannah will be here with you.”

As he stood and turned to leave, Vera’s heart tightened in her chest. “Zach, be careful!” she called after him, desperation lacing her voice.

“I will,” he replied, his gaze unwavering. “I love you.”

With that, he disappeared through the door, leaving Vera in the dim room with Savannah, the reality of her situation settling heavily around them. The enormity of what lay ahead weighed on her, but she felt a flicker of hope amid the fear. She was not alone—she had Zach, and they would face whatever came together.

Savannah squeezed her hand again, grounding her as uncertainty loomed. “We’ll get through this, Vera,” she said softly. “Together.”

Vera nodded, determined to find strength for herself and for the life growing inside her.