He leaves the apartment.

He left me standing there with his father’s words still echoing in my ears.

Marcian wants the baby.

He wants to erase me.

I sat in silence after he left, clutching the tiny bump beneath my palm like it’s my only shield.

He didn't call.

He didn't come back.

Not that night. Not the next day either.

Eliora does, though.

She shows up at the apartment, uninvited and smug.

“You look tired,” she says, walking in without asking.

“What do you ...