[Inside the Imperial Chamber]
The chamber burned with frantic firelight, shadows thrashing against the silk curtains as healers and priests rushed in and out. The air reeked of incense, sweat, and panic.
Lucien lay pale against the velvet sheets, his hair plastered damp to his forehead, breaths ragged, shallow—but determined. His hands clutched the sheets until his knuckles turned bone-white.
"Push, my lord… please, push—!" Faylen urged, beads of sweat dripping down his temples.
"Aghhh—!" Lucien cried, his voice hoarse, trembling with pain. "I… I can't…! Why—why is the baby coming this soon…? WHY—?!"
"Stay with me, my lord," Frederick pleaded, his voice cracking as he pressed on Lucien's side. "Don't close your eyes, please—hold on and try again—!"
Lucien screamed, back arching as the pain tore through him. "AGHHHHHHHHH—!!! I… CAN'T—DAMN IT—!!" He sobbed, his strength draining away, eyelids fluttering shut. "…Silas… I need… Silas…" His voice shook, breaking apart. "…Silas…"
