"The second trial begins now," Tiamat announced, her frost-blue eyes fixed on Seraphina's face. "While you labor to bring new life into this world."
Seraphina gripped the bed rails as another contraction peaked. "Now? I'm about to give birth."
"Especially now." The ice dragon's massive head lowered until her breath misted the air between them. "Power is most dangerous when we are vulnerable. When we have the most to lose."
Dr. Morrison looked up from her monitors. "Ma'am, any additional stress could complicate the delivery—"
"The trial cannot wait," Tiamat interrupted. "The Void Walkers grow stronger with each passing moment. We must know if the Moon Goddess Queen will remain compassionate when faced with ultimate loss."
Through their mate bond, Damon felt Seraphina's spike of fear. "What kind of trial?"
"The same one I failed, centuries ago." Tiamat's voice carried ancient pain. "The test of despair. To see if love makes us stronger... or destroys us completely."
