AYLA'S POV
(FOUR MONTHS LATER)
Labor came like a storm.
I'd been standing in the throne room, mediating a territorial dispute between two Alphas, when the first contraction hit. Sharp. Violent. Impossible to ignore.
"Luna?" Thorne's voice seemed to come from very far away. "Are you—"
The second contraction dropped me to my knees. Silver light exploded from my skin, shattering every window in the room.
"GET THE HEALERS!" Kael's roar echoed through the castle. He was beside me instantly, catching me before I hit the floor. "It's too early—she's not due for another month—"
"Tell her that," I gasped. Through the bond, I felt our daughter's determination. She was coming. Now. Ready or not.
"I've got you." Kael lifted me, moving toward our chambers. "Breathe. Just breathe."
"I am breathing, you idiot—" Another contraction cut me off. This one brought fire—my power surging out of control, setting tapestries ablaze.
Warriors scattered, dousing flames while Kael ran.
