YELENA

Pregnant? My best friend might be pregnant.

The word hung in the air, sweet and heavy. Vivianne leaned back on the couch, her expression softening into a rare, knowing smile. "That's what I meant. Your head is finally catching up, but we won't know for sure until you actually take the test."

"Oh, moon! I really hope it's true," Nyra said, her hands pressed against her stomach as if she were already cradling a secret.

I smiled, feeling a surge of genuine joy for her. "It would be ...