Bella stood at the edge of the main courtyard, her hand resting over the slight curve of her belly. The moon was hidden behind clouds, and even the wolves pacing the walls seemed unsettled. She could feel the pulse beneath her palm—her child’s heartbeat mingling with the strange hum of energy that had begun to follow her everywhere.

Behind her, Alfred barked orders to the patrol captains. His voice was firm, calm, but she could hear the strain underneath. Every sound tonight seemed to ...