BEYOND REDEMPTION

The door finally opened, and the doctor stepped out. I rushed toward him at once, my chest tight with fear.

"How is my Luna?" I demanded before he could even speak. But the look on his face made my stomach sink. Something wasn't right.

"What happened to her?" My voice came out harsher this time, almost desperate.

"She is out of danger," the doctor said, though his expression remained heavy.

Relief washed over me for a moment, but his pause unsettled me. I leaned closer, eyes narrowing. "But what? Tell me! What about the baby?"

"The child is safe too," he answered, lowering his voice, "but she must be extremely careful. Any stress, any reckless action... it could put both of them at risk. Stay close to her. Don't let her push herself or face anything that might harm her."

His words struck me like a blade. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm.

"I'll protect them with everything I have," I swore, my voice rough but steady.

The doctor gave a slow nod, then walked away, leaving me in the hall with a storm of emotions. My Luna was alive, my heir was safe, but one wrong step, and I could lose them both.

I couldn't let that happen.

I pushed the door open slowly, my heart hammering against my chest. The soft scent of herbs filled the room, mixed with the faint smell of blood.

There she was. My Luna.

Her skin looked pale against the white sheets, her eyes closed as if she had been fighting for her life and barely made it through. My chest tightened at the sight.

I moved closer, every step heavy with guilt and relief. Sitting beside her, I reached for her hand. It was warm, thanks to the Moon Goddess-but weaker than I remembered.

"My love," I whispered, brushing my thumb over her knuckles. "You scared me... I thought I was going to lose you."

Her lashes fluttered, and slowly, her eyes opened. When she saw me, a faint smile curved on her lips.

"I'm fine," she murmured, though her voice was fragile, almost breaking.

"No, you're not," I replied firmly, though my voice shook. "The doctor said you have to be careful. No stress. No danger. From now on, I won't leave your side. Do you hear me?"

Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded weakly.

"And the baby?" she whispered, one hand moving to her stomach.

I leaned down, pressing my forehead against hers. "Safe. Our child is safe. But we must protect both of you."

A tear slipped down her cheek, and I caught it gently with my lips.

"Rest now, Kora," I whispered.

And why are you outside?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.

Her eyes widened slightly, but I continued, unable to stop myself. "You have to be careful. Walking around carelessly could put the baby in danger."

The moment the words left my mouth, I saw her expression shift. Her lips pressed together, and a shadow crossed her face.

"The baby is safe," she replied quietly, though there was a sting in her voice. "And I won't do anything to endanger your child again."

Her choice of words cut deeper than any blade. Your child. Not ours. As if I had accused her, I know it just contract to her.

Before I could say anything else, she turned her face away and pulled the blanket over her head. "I want to rest," she whispered.

I stood there for a long moment, my chest heavy with regret. I hadn't meant to hurt her, yet my worry had sounded like blame.

Clenching my jaw, I forced myself to step back. Pushing her now would only wound her further. She needed peace, not arguments.

So I remained beside the bed, silent, guarding her fragile figure. I vowed quietly, I'll protect you, even from my own words.

Maybe she misunderstood me. I wasn't trying to scold her. I only wanted to protect the life growing inside her. But the truth was, it wasn't just about the baby. I cared about her. I cared more than I could ever put into words.

I sank into the couch, my gaze fixed on her fragile form hidden beneath the blanket. My thoughts, however, drifted elsewhere, back to the slick oil I had seen on the stairs earlier.

Who would dare attempt such a thing in my own mansion? Who could hate Kora enough to plan her downfall?

My jaw tightened. Plenty of women envied her. Many still resented me for choosing her over them. But envy alone... could it truly push someone to try and kill her?

It wasn't just recklessness. That oil wasn't an accident. It was placed there deliberately.

And the worst part? No one else knew about the child yet. If this was the danger before the secret was revealed, what would happen once the truth came out? The threats would only multiply.

My chest burned with anger. Whoever wanted to harm my Luna and our heir would soon learn what it meant to cross me.

I swore silently, watching her as she lay there. Or rather-pretending to sleep. I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me when I noticed her lashes trembling ever so slightly.

She's praying I'll leave the room, I thought with amusement. But I'm not ready to give her that peace.

Curious to see how far she would take the act, I rose to my feet. I walked slowly toward the door and even pulled it open, letting it creak as if I was stepping out. Then I closed it softly behind me.

Silence filled the room.

A moment later, she moved. Carefully, almost too carefully, she sat up on the bed. Her head turned, scanning the space as if to confirm I had gone.

But when her eyes lifted and met mine standing in the corner, she froze.

Our gazes locked.

Her lips parted, surprise written across her face, while I leaned against the wall with a faint smirk.

"Caught you," I said, my voice low but edged with warmth.

She looked flustered, tugging the blanket tighter around herself, unable to find words.