“I…” Amelia hesitated. “I found out something today. Something that’s going to change things.”

Byron frowned. “You’re starting to worry me now.”

“I suppose there’s no other way than to just come out with it. I’m pregnant,” Amelia said in a low voice.

She had never seen Byron look so shocked in her life. “What?”

“Magda told me she could sense it, so then I stopped by Dr. McKenzie’s office on the way home, and she confirmed it,” Amelia said.

“But…but we hadn’t even discussed having children yet. My mother said that, as a vampire and you a witch, we both had to make a conscious decision to have a baby.”

“Magda said it was probably that night we spent in the New Forest, when I opened myself up to the other side. It must have been an unconscious need or desire,” Amelia said.

Byron stood silently. Amelia had no idea what her reaction was going to be, but she soon found out. Byron fell to her knees in front of Amelia, and she saw something she hadn’t seen before—tears running down Byron’s face.

“My God, I can’t believe it. A baby for us?” Byron asked.

The joy Amelia felt under the surface came out. “Yes, a little baby.” She took Byron’s hand and placed it on her stomach. Byron touched her stomach with reverence, almost like she thought she could hurt it.

Byron was overwhelmed with emotion. “This is the most joyful moment of my life, mia cara. Thank you, thank you.”

She put her head on Amelia’s lap and Amelia stroked her hair.

“I couldn’t believe it myself, but Dr. McKenzie thinks the baby is making its presence known earlier than usual because it’s a born vampire.”

Byron lifted her head and took her hand. “It’s our child. A part of us.”

“I’m scared, Byron,” Amelia said.

“What could you be scared of?”

“I’m supposed to be learning about my magical powers, in order to defeat evil. How can I do that pregnant?” Amelia said with panic in her voice.

“You listen to me. I won’t let anyone or anything near you. Saving the world will have to come another day, or I’ll defeat this Madam Anka. You and our baby’s safety are more important than anything. Whatever lies ahead, we’ll face it together.”

Amelia had calmed and she smiled. “I did always want a baby one day. It’s just come sooner than expected.”

“Quite right. Wait till Sera finds out she’s going to be an aunty.” Byron laughed. “That’ll make her feel older than she already is.”

Amelia laughed. “Then there’s Uncle Jaunty and Uncle Simon.”

“Uh-oh. Your Uncle Simon is going to be angry that I got you into trouble,” Byron joked.

“Shut up.” Amelia laughed. “He secretly likes you.”

Byron raised her eyebrows. “It must be very secretly then.”