Chapter 24 · The Voice in My Baby

I couldn't stop screaming.

Dorian's hands were on my shoulders but I couldn't feel them. All I could feel was the thing inside me, moving. Not the way babies move. Not the kicks Edwin told me to expect.

This was something else.

"Iris." Dorian's voice cut through the noise in my head. "Look at me."

I couldn't. My hands were pressed against my belly and the skin was too hot, burning through the fabric of my dress. The baby kicked again and I heard it—that voice, low and cold and absolutely not mine.

"Dorian."

It said his name. Inside my head. In the Regent's voice.

"Get it out." My voice broke. "Get it out of me."

"Edwin!" Dorian's shout rattled the windows. The door slammed open and Edwin was there, his medical bag already in his hands.

He didn't ask questions. That scared me more than anything.

"On the bed," Edwin said. His face was pale but his hands were steady. "Dorian, hold her still."

"Don't touch me." I shoved at Dorian's chest but he didn't move. His arms came around me from behind, locking my wrists gently against my sides.

"I'm sorry," he said into my hair.