"So," Nyxavere said, voice dripping with that particular smugness that came from seeing things others couldn't, "how are you feeling about the twins?"
The words hit the room like lightning striking still water.
Tessa blinked. Once. Twice. Her mouth opened, closed, opened again like she was trying to catch words that had fled for their lives. "What... what do you mean twins?"
Maya's head snapped up, eyes wide. "Twins?"
"Oh," Nyxavere giggled, the sound like silver bells wrapped in starlight and mischief. "Did I say twins? I meant... well, I meant twins. There are definitely two little souls in there. They're adorable. One's already trying to kick the other."
The silence that followed was the kind that made reality itself hold its breath.
Tessa's hands flew to her stomach, pressing against the still-flat surface like she could somehow feel what Nyxavere was seeing. "But... but I've been months along. There's no way I have twins... I mean, even with advanced scanning..."
