Chapter 44

Anna’s POV

I stirred slowly in my sleep, though it wasn’t really sleep anymore, because voices were already tugging at me, pulling me awake. At first, I thought maybe it was a dream, but then I recognized them. Ryan’s voice, broken and shaky, and Dr. Kellan’s, steady but serious. My lashes fluttered, but I didn’t open my eyes fully, I just stayed still, pretending to be in a deep sleep while my ears stayed sharp.

Then I heard Ryan, his voice choking on the words, as if saying them hurt him more than anything ever had. “Pregnant? Anna?”

My heart stopped. My stomach twisted so violently I thought I’d throw up. Pregnant? Pregnant? That couldn’t be me. No. I told myself I must have misheard. I must be dreaming. But then Dr. Kellan’s voice came in, calm, matter of fact, cruel in how certain it sounded.

“Yes. She’s pregnant. I’ve run enough checks to know. The symptoms aren’t just from your bond. It’s the child she’s carrying. The combination of your mark an