The moon hung high over the Snow Kingdom, veiled by thin clouds that drifted like ghosts across the sky. Snow Manor had long gone quiet—only the distant crackle of the hearth and the low hum of winter wind whispered through its halls.
Nicole lay curled on her side, her hands resting atop her belly.
It was rounder than ever, swelling faster than any midwife had deemed natural. Her skin pulsed with a warmth that wasn't her own, and lately, even when still, she could feel movement inside—not just of limbs but of energy. Ancient. Magical. Unruly.
She shifted in bed, groaning softly as the weight of her children pressed down on her spine. Despite her exhaustion, sleep eluded her.
Then—The world around her began to shimmer.
The candlelight flickered strangely, stretching across the room in long tendrils before vanishing entirely. The stone walls melted away, replaced by silver mist that swirled around her.
Nicole blinked,She was no longer in her bed.
