The ascent felt longer than the descent.
Not because the dragon slowed—but because everything had changed.
Aerin sat in silence at the crest of the sea dragon's neck, her hands resting where they had not moved since the truth had settled into her bones.
Pregnant.
The word echoed in her mind, heavy and unreal.
Yet the quiet pulse beneath her palm reminded her that this was no illusion.
It was steady.
Alive.
And connected—threaded through the bond that linked her to Caelum and Noctyrr.
Behind her, both kings remained close.
Not speaking.
Not interrupting her thoughts.
But present.
Always present.
The bond hummed low and constant between them, no longer flickering with uncertainty or hesitation.
It was something deeper now.
Something rooted.
Aerin exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting upward as faint light began to filter down from higher waters.
"We're going back," she murmured.
Noctyrr's voice came from just behind her shoulder.
"Do you want to?"
She hesitated.
