The wind outside the stone palace whistled in from the mountain, sometimes biting cold, sometimes oddly warm, like winter and autumn were fighting over who owned the sky.
Inside, a polished stone mirror leaned against the wall. It was something Isabella made months ago. At that time, she had been so obsessed with staring at herself in the mirror. Now, it had become her greatest enemy.
Isabella stood in front of it, hands pressed against her waist.
Her waist, that used to be slim and easy to hug with one arm, had become softer and rounder. Her cheeks were a little puffier too, like someone had secretly stored extra food inside.
She pinched her own face and glared at her reflection.
"…I am fat."
She stared a while longer.
Her face was still pretty. Her eyes were big and bright. Her skin was fairer than most beastmen females. Her long hair was smooth.
But.
Her hands subconsciously went to her stomach that was already rounding with the hatchlings, and she puffed her cheeks.
