The east wing of the Avila mansion had become a sanctuary for the two pregnant women. Alissa, now heavily pregnant with her second child, and Claire, carrying her second baby, spent many afternoons together in the sunlit sitting room overlooking the gardens. The bond between them had grown even stronger since Claire’s return — a deep, sisterly friendship forged through shared joy, pain, and the challenges of motherhood and Luna duties.
One warm afternoon, they sat together on a large, comfortable couch, feet propped up, cups of herbal tea in their hands. Alex Jr. and Luna played nearby with toys, their laughter filling the room with lightness.
“I never thought I’d be pregnant again so soon,” Alissa said with a tired but happy smile, rubbing her rounded belly. “This little one is already
