Lavender’s stomach twisted, and her feet faltered. Before they could notice her, she turned to leave, but Fern's voice rang out, bright and sickly sweet.
“Luna Lavender! Wait!”
Her heart sank as Fern ran toward her, waving the test in the air. Lavender stopped, her body stiff as Fern approached.
“Look!” Fern said, shoving the test in Lavender’s face. Two bright lines stared back at her, sealing her heartbreak. “I’m pregnant!”
Lavender forced a smile, though her chest burned. “Congratulations."
But Fern wasn’t satisfied. Her lips curled into a smirk. “It’s funny, isn’t it? Cedar and I have only been together for a little while, and already the Moon Goddess has blessed us. Meanwhile, you and Cedar…” She tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh, I forgot—you’re not real mates. Of course, you’d never have a child.”
Lavender’s hands trembled, but she dug her nails into her palms to keep calm. "Enjoy your moment, Fern," she said evenly, turning her heel. “I have things to do.”
But her retreat only seemed to fuel Fern’s irritation. “Walking away, huh? Is that all you can do?”