The embers in the forge glowed low now. The sparks that once danced in the air felt frozen in place, like the whole room was waiting for someone to hit "play" again. Everyone stood still—like statues with too many questions jammed into their throats.
Kaiden stood at the center of it all, hands tucked into his belt, trying not to look too awkward.
Aria narrowed her eyes. "Okay. How? When? How did that even happen?"
Alfred waved both hands in the air like he was conducting a panic symphony. "No, seriously—when did this happen? Where was I? How long has this been going on?"
Aurora stepped forward, voice calm as always. "It didn't happen here. It happened… in the future."
Jordan nearly choked. "I'm sorry—what?"
"The future," Aurora repeated. "Seventy-eight years from now."
Draken blinked. "You're telling me you two—" he pointed from her to Kaiden—"hooked up in the future, had a kid, and then sent him back in time like some divine Amazon delivery?"
Aurora shrugged. "Roughly."
