Esther’s POV
The announcement hit like a blow even though I’d been bracing for it.
The palace press office had called a “routine morning briefing” in the marble atrium. Everyone came. Officers, healers, servants, and courtiers were all jammed under the tall glass roof as if drawn by some instinct. The space smelled of polished stone and fresh ink from the new banners strung across the balcony.
Amanda appeared on the second-floor landing as though she were already Luna. Red velvet draped her like spilled wine. Her hands cupped her stomach, flat still, but she displayed it as if it already swelled with life. Her hair glimmered under the skylight, perfectly curled.
“I thank you all for coming,” she purred. “I have joyous news for the Blood Moon Pack.” Her voice carried easily, trained for
