For a moment, Aerin could not breathe.
Not because of the depth.
Not because of the crushing pressure of the abyss around them.
But because of the truth settling into her bones.
Something inside her… was alive.
Her hand trembled against her abdomen, fingers splayed as if she could somehow confirm what she had just felt—what the Tidemother had revealed.
The warmth was no longer just warmth.
It pulsed.
Soft.
Rhythmic.
A second heartbeat.
"No…" she whispered, though there was no denial in her voice—only shock.
Behind her, Caelum's composure fractured for the first time since she had known him.
"Aerin…" he breathed, stepping closer, his hand hovering just above hers, not quite touching.
Noctyrr didn't hesitate.
His hand covered hers firmly, pressing lightly against her abdomen as if anchoring her—and himself—to reality.
The moment he made contact—
The bond erupted.
