The morning arrived calmly, but that peace did not last long.
Sophia woke up earlier than usual, not because of noise or disturbance, but because something felt different within her body.
Her breathing was slightly heavier, not out of exhaustion, but due to a subtle pressure she did not fully understand.
She sat up slowly on the edge of the bed, her hand instinctively resting on her abdomen.
Several seconds passed, then she took a deeper breath, trying to convince herself that it was merely fatigue from the past few days.
On the other side of the room, Adrian Blackwood was already awake.
He watched Sophia without approaching immediately, his eyes catching subtle changes that others might miss.
"You didn't sleep well," he said softly.
Sophia shook her head slightly.
"I'm fine," she answered quickly, too quickly.
Adrian did not respond immediately, but he stepped closer, standing directly in front of her.
"Don't lie," he said in a low voice.
