Mira chose this moment to clear her throat with professional delicacy.
"If the immediate emotional reckoning is complete," she said, not unkindly, "I do still need to finish explaining the medical situation."
Naga straightened—his posture shifting back toward controlled composure, though his hand remained over Alex's.
"Continue," he said.
Mira nodded. "As I was explaining—six cubs requires significant energy support. More than two mates can provide during the final stage, especially when one of those mates is still three days away."
She looked at Naga directly. "Which means for the next several days, you cannot be the only source of support. Your energy alone, even through a five-star bond, will deplete faster than you can restore it."
Naga's expression was complicated—the rational part of him clearly understanding, the instinctual part clearly hating every word.
"What are you suggesting?" he asked carefully.
