Three weeks later, the labor pains start at midnight. I wake to a sharp, cramping sensation across my belly, so different from the false labor Kate triggered that I know immediately, this is real. “Alistair,” I gasp, gripping his arm. He’s awake in an instant, his eyes sharp and focused. “Is it time?” Another contraction hits, stronger this time, and I nod through gritted teeth. Within minutes, the room is full of healers and attendants, everyone moving with practiced efficiency. But I barely register any of it. All I can focus on is the pain, wave after wave of it, building in intensity until I’m certain I’ll break. “You’re doing beautifully, my lady,” Miriam says, the real Miriam this time, verified to be free of Kate’s influence. “The baby is in perfect position.” Hours blur together. Pain. Breathing. Alistair’s hand in mine, his voice in my ear, anchoring me when I want to give up. “I can’t,” I sob at one point. “I can’t do this…” “You can,” he says fie
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