Whispers of a Secret, Echoes of Desire

I watched Silas closely as he picked at the remainder of his breakfast. The haunted look in his eyes hadn't completely disappeared, but seeing him eat and talk was a vast improvement over his unconscious state just hours ago. My heart ached with both relief and worry.

"You need anything else, Si?" I asked softly, touching his arm.

He looked up at me with those intelligent eyes that had always seen straight through me. "Just you, Hazel. Just all of you safe."

My throat tightened. I wanted desperately to tell him about the baby—our little bean—but wasn't sure if now was the right time. He'd just returned from a traumatic experience in the Void, still questioning what was real. Would news of my pregnancy ground him or send him spiraling?

"I'm not going anywhere," I promised instead, squeezing his hand.

After breakfast, we all returned to the cottage. While Silas and Ronan took turns showering, I called Willow to update her.