Chapter 21: Is that a head?
Naia’s fingers brushed against something warm and unfamiliar beneath the folds of Eren’s robe. The moment lasted no more than a heartbeat, but it shattered the stillness between them. She froze, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes dropped, wide with confusion.
"Eren... what was that?"
Eren stiffened. A cold shiver rippled down his spine. He’d been careful—so careful—but he hadn’t accounted for this. Not here. Not now.
Naia’s hand lingered, her fingers hovering just above the spot. "That felt like... like a head?" Her voice quivered. "Is that a head? Why do you have something like that down there?"
She looked up at him, a dozen questions in her eyes. Questions he wasn’t ready to answer.
Eren’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. His throat felt dry. He shifted slightly, but the robe parted further, and Naia’s gaze dropped again, catching a clearer glimpse. She gasped.
"It’s... it’s big. What is that?" Her voice was hushed, but not fearful—just astonished.
Eren instinctively moved to pull the robe closed, but she caught his wrist.
"Why didn’t you tell me? Or Mother? She should know, right?"
He shook his head quickly. "No. No, Naia. If Mother finds out, she’ll panic. She might think something’s wrong with me. She’d call the healer again. They already think I’m not like the rest."
Naia’s grip eased slightly. She looked torn, her brow furrowed as she studied his face. Then, slowly, her gaze dropped again.