**Stefano’s POV**

The world stopped. It felt as if a mirror had shattered right in front of me, and every piece reflected a version of me I didn't recognize.

A child.

Elena was pregnant? In the middle of all the blood and betrayal, a tiny life had been growing in secret. While I was out hunting monsters and acting like one, she was nurturing a miracle. My stomach twisted with guilt so sharp it felt like a physical wound.

"Please, doctor," I pleaded, my voice cracking. I felt stripped of the ...