The morning he was supposed to leave, Nyx couldn’t stop touching your stomach. His large hand pressed gently against your still-flat belly, brows furrowed in dramatic disappointment.

“You’re sure there’s a baby in there?” he teased, lowering his voice as though the little life inside could hear him. “Because I feel cheated. Three months, and not even the tiniest bump? Nothing? No proof?”

You laughed, swatting his chest. “Not everyone shows this early, you know. Be patient.”

Nyx groaned, tipping his head back. “Patience is not one of my virtues. I want to see it. I want the whole world to know.” His eyes softened, though, and he bent down to kiss your stomach reverently before pressing his forehead to it. “Fine. But you’d better start showing while I’m gone, little star.”

When he finally winnowed away for his three-week mission, you found yourself missing his constant fussing more than you’d expected.

By the time he returned, you’d begun to change—your bump had blossomed just enough to curve beneath your dress. You were waiting in the common room of the House of Wind when Nyx appeared, windblown and tired, shadows clinging to his shoulders.

His gaze snapped to you instantly, eyes widening. He froze, his mouth parting, and for the first time since you’d known him, he looked completely speechless.

“You—” His voice cracked, and he was across the room in seconds, falling to his knees in front of you. His hands trembled as he reached out, brushing over the swell of your stomach. “Oh, gods. Look at you.”