"You need to understand," Tiamat said, her frost-blue eyes fixed on Seraphina's face. "Not just hear about our failure, but feel it. Live it."
Seraphina gripped the medical bed's rails as another contraction built. "Right now? I'm about to give birth."
"Especially now." The ice dragon's massive head lowered until her breath misted the air between them. "Your daughter will inherit the consequences of our choices. She deserves a mother who truly understands what we're fighting against."
Dr. Morrison looked alarmed. "Any kind of mental trauma could affect the labor process. I strongly advise—"
"The ritual is safe," Bahamut's deep voice rumbled. "Tiamat has shared these memories before. Though never with one so close to birth."
"That's not exactly reassuring," Damon muttered, his protective instincts flaring through their bond.
