LUNA SKYEFYRE The moonlight spills over the garden, casting soft shadows that seem to stretch endlessly across the marble floor. I sit on the stone bench, feeling the coolness seep into my skin, but it's nothing compared to the chill that has settled deep in my chest. The emperor's words echo in my mind, relentless and suffocating.

Edric stands by the fountain, his posture rigid, his sharp gaze never leaving me. Roland stands off to the side, his hands clasped behind his back as he watches us, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. It's been an hour since I broke the news to them, and yet the weight of the conversation still hangs heavy.

"I don't understand, Luna," Edric says, his voice low but filled with emotion. "Why do you have to marry him? Why Harry Thorne?"

I close my eyes, trying to push back the tears that threaten to spill. "Because it's the only way, Edric. The emperor is forcing me. If I refuse, I put everyone I care about in danger. Harry Thorne might be a scumbag, but this marriage will protect my people."

I can see Edric's fists clench, his jaw tightening with frustration. He's angry, and I can't blame him. I'm angry too. But there's nothing I can do. The emperor's command is law, and I don't have the luxury of defying him. Not now. Not with everything at stake.

"Protect your people?" Edric repeats, his tone growing harsher. "And what about yourself? What about the child you're carrying?"

The mention of the child makes my heart stop. My hand instinctively moves to my stomach, where the tiny life growing inside me feels both like a blessing and a curse. My heart aches as I glance at Edric. I never thought it would come to this, that I would be carrying his child under such circumstances. But here we are.

"I can't let the emperor destroy everything," I whisper, my voice trembling. "I have to do this, Edric. For the child. For everyone."

Edric takes a step closer, his expression hard and unreadable. He's trying to stay composed, but I can see the worry in his eyes, the way his gaze flickers down to my hand resting over my stomach. "Luna, you're carrying my child. I can't just let you throw yourself into that world. Into danger."

I feel a sharp pang in my chest, the weight of his words sinking deep. I've never felt more vulnerable, more exposed. The life inside me is a reminder of everything that's at stake now. I'm not just protecting myself anymore. I'm protecting Edric's child, our future.

"I don't have a choice," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "If I don't do this, everything will fall apart. And I can't let that happen, not with this child inside me."

Edric runs a hand through his hair, pacing for a moment before stopping in front of me. "You don't have to do this alone. I'll help you. We'll find another way."

I shake my head, my eyes burning with unshed tears. "You don't understand. The emperor's grip is too tight. He won't let me out of this. But if I marry Thorne, I can protect you, I can protect our child. I can keep everyone safe."

Roland, who has been quietly watching, steps forward now, his expression grim. "She's right, Edric," he says, his voice steady but full of determination. "The emperor has a plan, and Luna's part of it. It's not just about her anymore. It's about all of us."

"But why Thorne?" Edric insists, his voice sharp with disbelief. "Why him, of all people? He's a monster!"

"I know," I whisper. "But it's the only way to keep the peace. If I have to marry him to keep the empire stable, then I will. I can't risk the lives of everyone I care about."

Edric steps closer, his face filled with something unreadable. "Luna, I love you. I will never let you marry him. I can't... I can't let you do this."

I feel my chest tighten at his words. He loves me. I know that. But this is bigger than both of us. And as much as I wish I could deny it, the reality is undeniable.

"I'm doing this for you too, Edric," I say, my voice low but firm. "For our child. I have to protect them. This is the only way."

Edric's eyes darken, a mixture of anger, fear, and something deeper I can't name flashing across his face. He's torn, and I know why. He doesn't want to lose me. He doesn't want me to make this sacrifice. But I have no choice.

Roland speaks again, his tone more solemn than I've ever heard. "If you want to protect our people, Luna, then you'll have to play the emperor's game. But we'll stand by you, every step of the way."

I look between the two of them, my heart aching. "Thank you, Roland. But... I need more than just your support. If anything happens to me—"

Edric interrupts me, his voice raw with emotion. "Luna, stop. Nothing is going to happen to you. I won't let it."

I look at him, my heart breaking as I reach out for his hand, gently placing it over my stomach. "But if it does," I say softly, my voice filled with an urgency I can't hide, "please, Edric. Take care of our child. Promise me."

His face tightens as if the very idea of losing me is too much to bear. He doesn't say anything at first, his hand trembling slightly as he holds mine. Then, with a quiet resolve, he speaks.

"I swear to you, Luna. I will protect our child. You have my word."

The promise he makes sends a wave of relief through me, but the fear still lingers. The path ahead is uncertain, filled with danger and sacrifices, and I can't be sure of what will happen. But in this moment, I have Edric's word. And for now, it's enough.

Roland steps closer, his expression serious. "We'll find a way to get you out of this, Luna. I won't let the emperor or anyone else take you away from us."

I nod, the weight of his words settling over me like a heavy cloak. I don't know what the future holds, but with Edric and Roland at my side, I feel like there's a glimmer of hope.

"I trust you both," I whisper, squeezing Edric's hand. "But I need you to be strong, for this child. For all of us."

And as we stand there, united in our resolve, I realize that despite the darkness closing in around us, I'm not truly alone. Not yet.