Page 81 of Mortify

"When did you get so wise?"

"Somewhere between Njal learning to hot-wire cars and Ingrid discovering boys." She winks. "Experience is a hell of a teacher."

Astrid appears in the doorway, freshly showered and glowing.

Our eyes meet, and her face flushes.

She knows I heard them this morning.

"Morning," she says, grabbing coffee like nothing's awkward. "Everly, how are you feeling?"

"Like I need soundproof walls," I mutter, and she chokes on her coffee.

Mom looks between us, confused. "What?"

"Nothing," we say in unison.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" Astrid asks me. "Privately?"

I follow her to a quiet corner, away from the breakfast rush.

"I'm sorry about this morning," she starts. "We didn't think?—"

"It's fine," I interrupt. "Just maybe... quieter next time?"

"Deal." She glances around, then lowers her voice. "How are you doing? With... everything?"

We both know she means the secret.

The baby's real paternity that only she, Regnor, and I know.

"I'm managing," I say carefully. "It helps, knowing someone else knows. That I'm not carrying it alone."

"I haven't told anyone," she assures me quickly. "Not even Geirolf. It's not my secret to tell."

"Thank you."

"But Everly..." She bites her lip. "What happens when the baby comes? If it looks like Dylan?"

The question I try not to think about.

"Regnor says it doesn't matter. That the baby's his regardless."

"And you believe him?"

"Yeah," I realize with some surprise. "I do."

She nods slowly. "He's a good man. One of the best. If anyone can pull this off..."

"It's still terrifying," I admit. "Sometimes I wake up in a panic, thinking about all the ways this could go wrong."

"I know." She squeezes my hand. "But you're not alone. Whatever happens, we've got your back."

"Everly!" Regnor's voice cuts through.Kirkjais starting."

I find him bykirkjadoors with Tor, both looking grim.

"What is it?" I ask.

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