(The next morning)
Eva lay nestled in bed, her fingers brushing over the soft sheets.
"Kyel told me not to move until he returns," she murmured, turning her head toward the tray beside her.
A bowl of almonds, fresh apples, sweet dates, and warm milk sat waiting for her.
Eva sighed. "How am I supposed to eat all of this?" Yet despite her complaint, her chest softened, warmth rising as she touched her stomach. "He's doing too much… but it's because he cares."
---
Slowly, Eva's eyelids grew heavy.
"Why do I feel so sleepy all the time…" she whispered, her words trailing into silence as she slipped into slumber.
When she opened her eyes again, her heart sank.
"Not again…" she muttered, realizing she stood within the strange dreamscape.
"Welcome back, Eva," came a familiar voice from behind.
She didn't turn. Her shoulders stiffened.
"What's wrong, Eva? Are you still angry with me?" Leo asked gently.
"Yes," she answered without hesitation. "I still remember what you said."
He sighed. "Then allow me to apologize."
She finally glanced at him, lips softening into a small smile. "Fine. But don't ever say anything like that about my husband or my brother again."
"Alright," he promised.
For a moment, there was a fragile peace between them. Then she asked, "Why did you call me here this time?"
"To congratulate you." His eyes gleamed. "You are expecting a child, aren't you?"
Eva's face brightened, her hand brushing her stomach. "Yes. I'm so happy."
"And I'm happy for you," Leo said warmly.
But his tone shifted after a pause. "Eva… you love your husband, right?"
She blinked. "Of course."
"Then what will you do if your husband tells you to leave him?"
Her expression darkened. "Leo, I already told you not to speak like this, and here you are again."
"I'm simply trying to help you."
"Help?" Eva's voice sharpened. "You call this help? Do you have something against my husband? Why do you always speak as if he's a bad person? You don't know him—I do. My Kyel is the kindest person in this world. He loves me. He would never leave me."
"You never know, Eva. People can change." His eyes lingered on her, heavy with meaning. "So can your husband."
Eva clamped her hands over her ears. "Stop… I don't want to hear this. Let me out of here!"
"Not today," Leo said firmly. "You're not going anywhere until I've told you everything I need to say. And you have to listen."
Her breath trembled. "Then speak."
"Don't trust a single word your husband tells you. When he asks you to leave… don't go. Just once, Eva—turn your head and look at him."
Her brows furrowed, frustration edging her voice. "I don't understand. You speak in puzzles, Leo. At least say something I can truly grasp."
"You will understand—when the time comes."
Before she could press further, his gaze shifted. "Ah… he's here. It's time to wake up. Someone is knocking at your door. Now go."
With a wave of his hand, the dream dissolved.
Alone in the lingering shadows, Leo whispered to himself, "Don't break, Eva… not when you hear the words that man will tell you."
---
Eva's eyes fluttered open. Knock, knock.
Her heart skipped. "Leo was right… someone really is at the door."
She slipped from bed, padded softly down the stairs, and opened it.
Standing before her was Prince Velco, his smile polished and smooth.
Eva bowed politely. "What brings you here, Your Highness?"
"Lady Eva," he greeted, his tone light but his eyes sharp. "Good to see you. I have come to tell you something."
Velco's gaze locked on hers, sharp and unyielding. He spoke the words slowly, savoring their weight:
"Lady Eva, I have come to tell you the truth… about your husband."
---
Royal Palace, Velmoria
The heavy doors swung open with a bang.
"Luca!" Eyan's voice rang down the corridor.
Startled, Luca nearly dropped the book in his hands. "What?"
Before he could blink, Eyan rushed forward and pulled him into a fierce embrace.
"Luca—you're going to be an uncle!"
Luca's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Finally."
Eyan froze, pulling back just enough to search his brother's face. "Wait… what do you mean 'finally'? Don't tell me—you already knew?"
"I did," Luca replied, utterly calm.
Eyan blinked, baffled. "How in the world—?"
Luca's eyes softened. "Because my healing magic didn't work on sister-in-law. It was your blood, the blood of the Therald line. That's how I knew."
Realization dawned across Eyan's face. "So that time you hugged me and said you were happy for me… that's what you meant."
"Yes," Luca said with a nod.
"But then… how did you heal Eva's hand? You and I both know the only way the blood of the Theralds can mend wounds is through the wolves."
Luca smirked faintly. "Exactly. That's why, that day, I took your wolves with me. They're the ones who healed her."
Eyan's eyes widened. "And she didn't find out?"
"I simply gave her sweet water, called it a healing potion, and waited until she fell asleep. After that, the wolves did their work."
"Oh…" Eyan shook his head, laughing under his breath. "You're too clever. I didn't even suspect a thing."
"I made sure not to ruin what should be the happiest moment of your life," Luca said with a light shrug. "I may be single, but I understand things like this."
Eyan's chest warmed. "Thank you, Luca."
"Fine, fine," Luca waved him off. "But tell me—why are you here? Shouldn't you be with sister-in-law instead of bursting into my chambers?"
Eyan's eyes lit up again as he remembered. "Ah, right! That's why I came." He quickly pulled out a parchment and thrust it toward his brother. "Can you bring me these things?"
Luca unfolded the list—and nearly choked. "Almonds, figs, saffron milk, fresh berries, honey, barley porridge, sweet dates, walnuts, and… silk cushions? Don't you think this list is too short?"
"You think so too?" Eyan's expression turned serious. "I should make another one. There are so many more things I need to add."
Luca burst into laughter. "Eyan! I was joking. This is already too much. You don't need half these things."
Eyan rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "It's my first time becoming a father. I don't know what to do."
Luca's eyes softened. "Relax. I'll help you out."
He scanned the parchment again and nodded. "Some of these can only be found in the neighboring county. It might take me a while, but I'll get them."
Then he looked up at his brother, his gaze steady. "You stay here. You've got one more responsibility now."
"I know," Eyan said quietly, a rare weight in his tone.
"Good." Luca folded the list neatly, then with a flick of his hand, a swirl of magic lit the air. His figure shimmered—and vanished.
Eyan remained standing in the doorway, a faint smile tugging at his lips. For the first time in his life, the weight of fatherhood felt real in his chest.