The warning came in the seventh month.
Lyra was on the widow's walk, watching the sun set. Her body had changed—a soft curve where there had been flatness, a warmth that never faded. The baby moved constantly, a flutter of life that reminded her with every moment: I am not alone.
Kael joined her, his hand finding hers.
"Helena says you should rest more."
"Helena says a lot of things."
"She's trying to keep you alive."
Lyra leaned against him. "I've been thinking about names."
"Names?"
"For the baby. If it's a girl, maybe Elara. After your grandmother."
Kael was quiet for a moment. "She would have liked that."
"And if it's a boy..." She hesitated. "Aurelius."
"The creature?"
"The name. It meant 'golden.' Before it became what it was, someone loved it enough to name it. I want our child to have a name that means something. A name that carries hope."
Kael's arm tightened around her. "Aurelius Shadowbane-Silvanus. That's a lot of name for a baby."
"Good. It should have a lot of everything."
The sun sank below the horizon. Stars emerged. And then, from the trees at the edge of the property, a figure stepped into view.
Kael was on his feet instantly, his body shifting toward wolf form. Lyra rose more slowly, her hand on her stomach.
The figure raised empty hands. A woman. Gray-haired. Familiar.
"Helena?" Kael called.
But it wasn't Helena. This woman was older. Her eyes were the same pale gray as Lyra's.
"You don't know me," the woman said. "But I know you. Both of you."
"Who are you?"
"My name is Selene. I was a member of the Silent Ones. Before they fell." She paused. "I came to warn you."
Lyra's blood ran cold. "Warn us about what?"
"The child you carry. It's not just a bridge. It's a key. And there are those who will do anything to keep that key from turning."