Chapter Forty-Eight - Nightmare

Ella's POV

Morning sunlight streamed through my balcony doors as I awoke, a smile already tugging at my lips. The joy of reconnecting with Aiden still bubbled within me, bright as the dawn outside.

In just two days, he would be here, flesh and blood instead of just a presence in my mind.

Lea stirred happily inside me, tail wagging. "Isn't it wonderful, Ella?" she barked excitedly. "Finally our mate is coming home!"

"It feels like a dream," I admitted, hugging a pillow tight. "I was so afraid we'd lost him to the darkness. But somehow, through the baby's gift, we brought him back."

I placed a hand over my belly bump, awash with gratitude for our unborn child. In sleepy contentment, I imagined Aiden's reaction when he learned he would be a father.

I pictured his eyes lighting up with wonder and joy as he felt the bump for the first time. The sweet images kindled a warm glow inside me.

A knock at the door heralded Delia, bustling in with breakfast. Her round face lit up at seeing me al