|| LILAC’S POV ||

The evening sun painted the wooden houses in golden light as I stood by the window, Aurora's warm weight nestled against my chest. She was getting heavier now, her tiny fingers curling around mine as she dozed. Outside, the forest swayed gently in the breeze, the trees whispering secrets I still couldn't remember.

A week. A whole week since Alaric had left for the border.

"Luna, dinner is ready," Mira called softly from the kitchen.

"Thank you," I ...