The estate was quieter that night.
Not peaceful.
Just quiet in the way a forest becomes silent before a predator moves through it.
Aria felt it the moment the sun disappeared beyond the horizon.
She stood near the tall windows again, her arms folded loosely over her stomach as she watched the darkness settle over the territory.
Since the council meeting, the warmth inside her had become steadier. Stronger. It pulsed at intervals now, almost like the child was reacting to the world around them.
It was strange.
But not frightening.
If anything, the feeling brought her comfort.
Behind her, Damien sat at the large desk across the room, reviewing several documents Jay had brought earlier. His eyes moved over the pages quickly, though his attention wasn't truly on them.
Not when Aria was across the room.
Not when she carried his child.
He set the papers down eventually and leaned back in his chair.
"You've been standing there for ten minutes."
Aria didn't turn.
