{Whispers of Peace.... Cracks in the Silence}
Kai stood in the garden, barefoot on dew drenched grass, one hand resting on the soft curve of his growing belly. The morning air was crisp, laced with birdsong and the faint smell of wildflowers Adrian insisted on planting to "brighten the place up."
He smiled to himself, head tilted to the sun.
The peace was intoxicating. After everything they'd been through fangs, blood, near death kisses this stillness was more surreal than any battle. It was quiet, yes, but the kind of quiet that dared you to trust it.
Inside the cottage, Adrian was humming again, that same dumb love song the one that always got stuck in Kai's head. He was making toast and slicing fruit like he hadn't once been a predator who could snap a neck in seconds. Like he hadn't once torn through a dozen vampires to save Kai's life.
The warrior was a homemaker now.
And Kai?
He was safe.
Adrian leaned against the doorframe, mug in hand, eyes roaming over Kai like a man still convinced he didn't deserve him. "Still feeling alright?"
Kai turned, smirking. "You ask me that every two hours."
"You're growing a tiny were-vamp, baby. I think I'm allowed to be a little obsessive."
Kai rolled his eyes but came willingly into Adrian's arms. "You're sweet when you're soft," he whispered, head tucked beneath Adrian's chin. "Dangerous, but sweet."
Adrian chuckled, wrapping both arms and one large palm protectively around Kai's belly. "You're the dangerous one now. Do you know how hot it is that you're carrying my baby? I think I'd burn the world down if anyone touched you."
Kai blinked. Something tightened in his chest.
That was it. That feeling.
Not fear. Not danger.
Dread.
Like a shadow brushing past the window, even when you swore the curtains were still.
Later that day, Adrian received a letter an envelope slipped under their front door with no name, no seal.
Just a message:
"They know."
Adrian didn't show Kai at first. He burned it, lips pressed into a thin line, pretending everything was fine. But his eyes no longer softened the same way. His shoulders, always relaxed now, went rigid again.
And Kai noticed.
The nights were still warm, still full of whispers and promises, but there was something unsaid between their kisses. Like a cold draft beneath a locked door.
Kai lay awake one night, listening to Adrian's breathing. "Do you feel it too?" he whispered.
Adrian's arm tightened around him. "Yeah."
Neither of them said it out loud.
Not yet.
But the message had been received. Not just the words on paper but the universe's subtle shift.
Something was coming.
And it wasn't going to show mercy.