Morning light spilled softly across the room.
Rainer stirred first, his arm draped over Calantha's waist. He turned slightly, watching her sleep for a moment before leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her cheek.
"Good morning."
Calantha's eyes fluttered open, a slow smile forming on her lips as she turned toward him.
"Good morning," she murmured, brushing her fingers lightly against his chest. "How are you feeling?"
Rainer exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
"Better," he admitted. "Still angry about yesterday… about Ayla.
But being with you it helps."
Calantha's smile softened.
"I'm glad I can ease your mind," she said quietly.
Then her expression shifted, just slightly.
"But… there's something I need to tell you."
Rainer frowned. "What is it?"
She hesitated just enough to make it believable.
"I've been feeling… different," she said slowly. "And this morning… I was sick."
Rainer sat up a little. "Sick?"
Calantha nodded, her gaze lowering.
"I think… I might be pregnant."
Silence.
Rainer blinked, stunned.
"Pregnant?" he repeated. "But we've only"
"I know," she said softly. "But the signs are there. The nausea… the exhaustion…"
His thoughts raced then suddenly
A smile broke across his face.
"A child…" he breathed. "Our child."
Calantha looked up at him, watching carefully.
"Yes," she whispered. "Ours."
Rainer let out a laugh of disbelief, pulling her into his arms.
"I'm going to be a father," he said, almost in awe. "This… this changes everything."
Calantha rested her head against him, her lips curving faintly
Unseen.
Outside the Chamber
Ryker stood just behind the door, his hand raised to knock.
He had come to speak to Rainer to demand answers after what happened to Ayla.
But then
Voices.
He froze.
"…I might be pregnant."
Ryker's breath caught.
He didn't mean to listen.
But he couldn't move.
"I'm going to be a father."
The words landed heavily.
Ryker lowered his hand slowly.
Pregnant?
His jaw tightened.
Something about it didn't sit right.
Not the timing. Not the certainty.
Not… her.
He stepped back quietly, turning away from the door.
This wasn't just betrayal anymore.
This was something else.
As he walked the corridor, lost in thought
It hit him.
Sharp.
Sudden.
Unforgiving.
Ryker stumbled, gripping the wall as the world around him dissolved
A grand hall.
Bright. Crowded.
Ayla stood at the center radiant, smiling.
Alive.
Then
A shift.
A shadow behind her.
A push.
She fell.
Far.
Too far.
Ryker tried to move
Tried to reach her
But his body wouldn't respond.
He was frozen.
Helpless.
Watching her disappear.
He gasped, snapping back into reality.
The hallway returned.
Cold. Silent.
His heart pounded in his chest.
"No…" he muttered.
He didn't hesitate this time.
He knocked.
The door opened moments later.
Ayla stood there, her expression soft but concerned.
"Ryker? What's wrong? You look.."
"I had a vision," he said.
Her face changed instantly.
"A vision… of me?"
He nodded.
"It wasn't good."
She stepped closer, gripping his arm.
"Tell me."
Ryker hesitated… then spoke.
"You were in a great hall," he said. "Surrounded by people. And then someone pushed you."
Ayla's breath caught.
"Who?"
"I couldn't see clearly," he admitted. "But…"
He paused.
"…I felt her."
"Calantha."
Silence fell between them.
Ayla's expression hardened.
"Why would she do that?"
Ryker exhaled slowly.
"I don't know yet. But there's more."
He met her eyes.
"She told Rainer she's pregnant."
Ayla stilled.
"…Pregnant?"
"I heard it myself."
Something flickered across her face not just pain this time.
Something sharper.
Understanding.
"That means," she said slowly, "she's not just trying to take him."
She looked up at Ryker.
"She's trying to secure her place."
Ryker nodded.
"And remove anyone in her way."
Ayla turned away slightly, her thoughts racing.
"I need to speak to Rainer," she said.
Ryker stepped forward immediately.
"No."
She looked at him.
"He won't listen," Ryker said firmly. "Not like this. Not while he's under her influence."
Ayla's voice softened.
"He's still my husband."
"And you're still in danger," Ryker replied
"I won't let anything happen to you."
She looked at him.
And for a moment…
She believed him.