Isla's POV
They were in the safe house now. Miles away from Silvercrest. Miles away from the chaos and the blood and the transformations.
But nothing felt safe.
Isla sat on the edge of the bed, her hand resting on her swollen belly. The baby was kicking more now. Moving with purpose. With awareness. With a presence that felt almost conscious.
Cassian stood by the window, looking out at the dark forest beyond. His shoulders were tense. His jaw was clenched. He hadn't spoken much since they left.
"She's getting stronger," Isla said quietly, watching the way her skin rippled with each movement from inside.
Cassian went perfectly still.
"What did you just say?" His voice was careful. Controlled.
"The baby," Isla said slowly. "She's getting stronger. I can feel her moving more. More purpose now."
She felt it before she understood it. The way the air around Cassian shifted. The way his entire body reacted to that one word.
She.
