Bab 198: Ruthless Rumors (3)

Elian's hands cradled his growing belly, as tears streamed down his face freely onto his tunic. The cruel speculation about his unborn child, and the haunting shadow of Cedric, his tormentor, even in death, crushed him under their weight.

"Why won't he leave me alone?" Elian choked out between sobs, clutching his stomach as if to shield his child from the cruel world outside. "Even in death, Cedric won't stop haunting me..."

Aria and Niko exchanged worried glances. For a long moment, they had stood in silent hesitation, unsure how to approach him. But the sight of Elian crying so helplessly broke their heart and they couldn't take it anymore.

Aria was the first to move, her soft footsteps bringing her to Elian's side. She knelt before him, her voice gentle but firm.

"Elian," she said, her hand hesitantly reaching out to cover his. "Please, don't do this to yourself. You're stronger than this, stronger than the lies they're spreading."