"Ren," Cilian whispered, leaning down so his lips brushed Ren's ear. "If I were you, I'd stop worrying about the Captain. Look at the elder. He's headed this way."
Ren froze. The elder was indeed walking toward them, carrying two more jasmine crowns and a fresh bowl of the milky tonic.
"The Protector and the Bride!" the elder announced, his voice booming. "The first union was strong, but tonight, the whole island joins you. To celebrate the new life, and the life that is to come!"
Ren felt the nausea spike again, a sharp, cold realization hitting him. They weren't just celebrating Harris and Kaelo. They were celebrating a double pregnancy—one confirmed by the night's screams, and one they assumed was already taking root in Ren.
"Cilian, tell them," Ren gasped, his hands trembling as he shoved at Cilian's chest. "Tell them we aren't… we can't… I can't…" His words were stuck in his throat.
