he silence was finally broken by the faintest of movements beneath the delicate silk shroud—a subtle but undeniable shift. Gasps echoed around the room, disbelief mingling with the faintest glimmer of hope.

With newfound determination, Rowan rushed forward, gently pulling back the shroud to reveal Nyla’s pale, serene face. His hand trembled as he reached for her belly, feeling for any sign of life. Another movement, more pronounced this time, confirmed what his heart dared to believe.