Lyselle's breath hitched in her throat.
She stumbled backward, barely able to keep her footing. "No… No, this… this can't be real…"
None of them moved completely in shock.
Even Viros, who usually had something to say, stood completely frozen.
The man lying in front of them was Duke Vareon Polama, one of the strongest nobles now looked like he hadn't seen sunlight in weeks.
His face was pale, sweat clinging to his brow but that wasn't what held their eyes.
It was the clear bulge beneath his armor. It was swollen, round and completely unnatural.
"Is… Is that real?" Luca finally muttered, eyes wide with disbelief. "Am I high or is a grown-ass man about to give birth?"
"I-I don't…" Zaina started but couldn't find the words.
Akamir took a step forward, keeping his hand on his sword. "Vareon, can you hear me?"
The duke's eyes fluttered again. "Asher… is that you…?"
"Yeah," Akamir said, walking closer. "What happened to you?"
Vareon's face twisted in pain.
