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The intensity of Karn’s voice made Ivy turn and look at him. “When did you become an expert in human illnesses?”

“I’m not. I don’t think you’re sick.” Karn stood from his seat as the door locks clicked open.

A shiver of concern slid down Ivy’s spine. “What’s wrong with me?”

“You’re pregnant.”

Ivy stared at him. She ignored the guard who stood behind her. “You think that’s funny?”

Karn glanced at the guard. “I don’t have much experience with this. When I touched you, I sensed another essence.”

“Essence?”

“Are you leaving or not?” the guard asked.

“Just a second.” Ivy closed the gap between her and Karn. Her hand rested on her tender stomach. “You think that essence is a baby?”

Karn’s gaze went to her stomach. “It’s possible. I warned you to be careful when we were together. I could sense your fertility.”

Ivy shushed him. “We haven’t even slept together.”

“We both... enjoyed ourselves the other night. You had your hands all over me and all over yourself.”

Ivy snorted a laugh. “I got myself pregnant? This is my fault?”

“No! I didn’t mean that.” Karn ran a hand through his hair. “All I’m saying is go and get checked out. Human and Forka pregnancies can be tricky. The baby grows fast. You need supplements and extra nutrition.”

“No way!” This had to be another of Karn’s lies, a way to keep her interested and give himself a get out of jail card. Did he think he’d get a lighter sentence because he faked knocking someone up?

“Ivy! I’m not joking with you.” Karn went to grab her arm.

The guard stepped in between them. “Take it easy unless you want the restraints back on.”

“You’re a liar. The sooner you get sentenced to a stretch in the mining prison, the better. As if I’d want you to be the father to my children.” Ivy stalked away from the holding cell, feeling more conflicted than ever. Her unsettled stomach had nothing to do with a baby. It was not possible.

Karn had to be lying. She wanted him gone. It was for the best. Ivy couldn’t afford to have a complicated relationship in her life. She didn’t want a relationship at all. And as for a kid with Karn, no way would that happen. The sooner Karn was out of her life, the better.

Ivy slowed as she turned the corner and rested her head against the wall. Her hand went to her tender stomach, and she stroked it. She couldn’t be pregnant, could she?