Ella
Pain wracked my body as another agonising contraction hit me. I groaned, gripping the sheets in white-knuckled fists.
This labour was happening too fast - it must've been triggered early by the poisoned "medicine" I drank. Damn Kristy and her sick schemes!
Lea stirred anxiously within me as I panted through the pain. "Breathe, Ella," she urged. "Focus on your strength."
I tried to steady my harsh breathing. But it was so hard to think through the relentless waves of pain crashing over me.
Sweat soaked my skin and matted my hair. I felt like I was being split open from the inside out.
Where was Dalia? I needed the healers. But the castle was in chaos with the fighting - no one even knew I was in labour yet.
The guard also left. And didn't return.
Another contraction seized my body. It was like getting stabbed over and over. A scream ripped from my throat unbidden.
Lea's presence wrapped around my mind, calm and comforting amidst the agony. "You're strong, sister. Our baby will
