Rissa’s POV

The silence after the fracture closes should feel like victory.

It doesn’t.

It feels like the moment before something worse begins.

I am still on my knees when it hits me again.

Not the pull.

Not the connection.

Something deeper.

Quieter.

Alive.

My hand moves to my stomach before I can stop it.

Instinct.

Fear.

No.

Not fear.

Knowing.

“Rissa.”

Mark’s voice is closer now, rough with something he is trying not to show.

His hands steady me, pulling me upright.

“Stay with ...