Chapter 35

The winds carried the soft scent of pine and wildflowers as Lyra stood on the balcony of her quarters, her hands resting on the cool stone railing. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting the fortress in hues of orange and gold. The sounds of life echoed from below—warriors training, young wolves laughing in the courtyard, and the steady hum of rebuilding that had become the lifeblood of the Midnight Crown pack.

But despite the tranquil scene, Lyra felt a stirring deep within her—a sensation she couldn't quite name. It wasn't unease; it was a quiet, warm energy that hummed in the background, drawing her attention inward. She had tried to push it aside for days now, chalking it up to exhaustion or the lingering aftermath of the battle. But tonight, as the horizon shifted to twilight, that warmth demanded her attention.

"Lost in thought again?"

Kaelen's voice brought her back to the present. She turned to see him leaning against the doorway, his silver eyes soft as they met hers. He was still in his leathers, the dust of the day's work streaked across his arms, but the sight of him always brought a sense of calm that steadied her.

"A little," Lyra admitted with a faint smile. "It's been... different lately. Like something's changed, but I can't quite figure out what."

Kaelen crossed the space between them, his presence grounding as he rested a hand on her shoulder. "You've been through so much already," he said softly. "Maybe your body is just catching up with your soul."

His words were comforting, but Lyra shook her head. "It's more than that," she said, her hand absently brushing over her abdomen. She didn't know why she kept doing that—why the motion felt so natural, so instinctive.

Kaelen's gaze followed the movement, his brows furrowing slightly. "Lyra," he said, his voice hesitant. "Have you seen Maelis about this? She might have some wisdom to offer."

Lyra hesitated. She had wanted to speak with Maelis, but a small part of her was afraid of the answers she might find. Still, she knew Kaelen was right. Whatever this was, it wasn't something she could ignore.

"Tomorrow," she promised. "I'll speak with her tomorrow."

Kaelen nodded, his hand slipping into hers as they watched the last light of the sun fade from the sky. Together, they stood in silence, the bond between them humming softly—a quiet reassurance that whatever came next, they would face it together.