Then, suddenly, her focus shifted. Thetis's divine senses sharpened, her attention drawn inexplicably to Khillea. More specifically, her gaze fell upon her daughter's abdomen, as if something there demanded her immediate attention.
Her eyes widened in shock, and she took an involuntary step closer, her hand flying to her mouth. "I… Impossible!!"
Khillea's brows furrowed as she observed the unusual expression on her mother's face. It was a rare sight—Thetis, the steadfast, unshakable sea goddess, looking truly unsettled.
"Mother, what is it?" Khillea asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern.
Thetis stepped closer without answering, her gaze softening as she raised a hand to her daughter's stomach. The cool touch of her palm rested there briefly before her eyes fluttered shut. A serene silence fell between them, broken only by the faint whisper of the wind outside. Seconds passed, each feeling stretched and heavy with unspoken anticipation.