NYLATWO MONTHS LATER I gripped Kael’s hand tightly as another contraction hit, the pain sharp and rolling through my body. The hospital room felt both too bright and too small. Monitors beeped steadily around us. I had been in labor for fourteen hours, and the twins were finally ready to come."You are doing so well," Kael said, wiping my forehead with a cool cloth. "Just breathe through it. I am right here. We are almost at the end."The doctor checked again. "It is time to push, Nyla. The first one is coming fast."I pushed with everything I had, squeezing Kael’s hand until my knuckles turned white. He kept talking to me, low and steady. "That is it. You are so strong. One more big push."Minutes later, the first cry filled the room. A boy. They placed him on my chest for a moment, tiny and perfect, before the next wave hit."Here comes the second one," the doctor announced. "Keep going, you are doing incredible."I pushed again, exhaustion mixing with my screams. Kael never let
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