"What did you say?" Baal's voice cut through the tense silence, heavy with disbelief. His face, usually so composed, betrayed a flicker of genuine surprise.
By Lucien's side, Kaelith stiffened, eyes wide. He had faced battles, betrayals, and countless secrets, but this—this was new.
"She is pregnant," Lucien said, his tone sharp though his body trembled with fatigue. His crimson eyes burned with quiet defiance. "With my child."
Baal blinked once, then narrowed his gaze. "Impossible." He stepped closer, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the younger vampire. "A pure-blood vampire, barely matured, cannot sire a child. Especially with one just as young as you. It defies our laws and our nature."
"I know what it sounds like," Lucien replied, lowering his head slightly, sadness threading his voice. "But it happened. It's real. She carries my child."
