Aurora Jin awoke to the soft hum of fluorescent lights and the gentle beeping of monitors. She blinked against the harsh glow, then realized the bed beneath her was softer than the island's cot—and that her body felt heavier, fuller. A surge of panic constricted her chest: the baby was coming.
“Nurse!" she called, voice tight.
The door slid open to reveal Nurse Kim, clipboard in hand. Her eyes widened. “Miss Jin? You're up already."
“I—my water broke," Aurora gasped, pressing a hand to her abdomen where warmth pulsed like a second heartbeat. “Get Dr. Park."
Nurse Kim nodded and darted out, returning moments later with Selene Park and Dr. Ellis Thorne, the island's obstetric specialist.
Dr. Thorne was tall and composed, her white coat spotless. She slid a hand under Aurora's elbow. “Le
