Nora's POV
"The spell," I whisper, forcing myself to stand straighter despite the lingering ache in my lower back. "We have to cast it now."
"Nora," James begins, and I recognize that tone immediately. It's the same careful voice my friends used moments ago. "You're in labor."
"It's not that serious yet," I lie, the words rushing out before I can stop them. The pain was definitely more intense than I wanted to admit. "Even if I am, we can't wait. My contractions are still fifteen minutes apart. They could stay that way for hours. The spell only takes twenty minutes. I can handle this."
"Just because you can doesn't mean you should have to."
"What happens if something goes wrong with me and the Horsemen arrive?" The fear I've been burying deep in my chest finally claws its way to the surface. My voice drops to a rasp. "What if I don't survive childbirth like my mother did? James, promise me you'll do everything in your power to keep Renata safe."
