The next morning, Sonic was silent at breakfast. Silver and Manic understood why and left him alone, watching with sad expressions on their faces. On the Semes' side of the room, Shadow was strangely subdued.
"Hey, Shadow, you okay?" Knuckles asked in a low voice.
"Fine, now leave me alone," Shadow snapped, although Knuckles didn't flinch at Shadow's harsh tone.
"All right." The echidna sighed.
Breakfast ended and the Carriers and the Semes started their usual trek to their first lesson. Manic and Silver hung back with Sonic who was finishing up his breakfast. He was slower than usual because of Dark; the six month old was starting to eat
Shadow stared as Sonic entered the cafeteria with Meph and Drake's mates. The entire cafeteria fell silent and every head turned to look at the three Carriers. They weren't staring at them exactly, but at the baby carrier Sonic was holding. Sonic had not been seen after giving birth; he had remained in the dormitories taking care of his newborn pup away from prying eyes. Now, after nearly four months, he was ready to return to the public eye.
Shadow blinked. Meph's mate was starting to look uncomfortable in his uniform. Soon he would be in maternity clothes. Drake's mate, Manic, whispered and told Sonic something. Sonic nodded and Shadow wat