Magic rose around them, spinning through the roots and air. Emelia arched her back, crying out as golden light surged from her belly to Anastasia's palms. The dagger hovered for a heartbeat, the air thick with silence, before sliding forward with a sound like a gasp.
Blood spilled, bright and red against the glowing green roots. Emelia's scream tore through the air and was followed by the human woman's sobs. The sacred tree's bark cracked louder, as if feeding on the magic pouring from their bodies.
I covered my mouth, frozen, my body trembling. "No…" The word escaped me like a broken breath.
Young Princess Anastasia brought out the baby, and lightning flashed through the sky. Her breath caught as she sobbed. The baby was stillborn.
The human lady stared in horror, unable to cry.
"No… no, no." She sobbed as she cradled the still baby in her arms.
Her gaze met with the other lady. "The baby is still…" she stuttered.
