Oberon stood frozen, his thoughts a chaotic storm, as the words Neriah had spoken earlier played over and over in his mind. He could not believe it. Dora was going to be pregnant, carrying Neriah's pup. The shock was so overwhelming that it took a moment for him to remember to breathe. How had it come to this? How could Neriah have done such a thing?
His gaze darted around the room as if searching for an answer in the shadows, but none came. His hands trembled, and the tension coiled in his chest until he could no longer hold it in. With a sudden burst of anger, he slammed his hand down on the nearest chair, the loud crack of wood echoing through the room.
Dora flinched at the sound but quickly moved toward him, her face crumpling as she approached. She reached out, wrapping her arms around Oberon's rigid form, as if trying to keep herself from falling apart. She buried her face in his chest, her body shaking with sobs that she could no longer contain.
