CROWNED BY BLOOD
The first contraction hit like a bolt of lightning splitting through my spine, stealing my breath and doubling me over with its savage intensity.
Outside, the battle had begun.
The sound was unmistakable, a symphony of violence that I had orchestrated but could no longer conduct. Drums pounded across the valley like thunder made manifest, their rhythm matching the hammering of my heart. The clash of metal on metal rang out as my allies surged forward, a tide of supernatural fury crashing against our enemies' defenses. Screams and roars filled the air, echoing like ghosts from wars long past, carrying with them the scent of blood and desperation. The moment we had spent months preparing for w