POV: Araya
The pain starts in the middle of the night.
Araya wakes with a gasp, her hand flying to her belly. The cramping is different this time. Deeper. Sharper. Waves of pressure that make her breath catch.
For a moment, Araya lies still, waiting for the pain to pass.
It doesn't.
Another wave hits, stronger than the first. Araya's back arches off the bed, a low groan escaping her lips.
"Lyra," Araya calls out, her voice strained. "Lyra, wake up."
Lyra is on her feet in seconds, crossing to Araya's bed. Her golden eyes are alert despite the late hour. "What's wrong?"
"The baby," Araya gasps. "I think it's coming."
Lyra's expression shifts immediately. She places her hand on Araya's belly, feeling the tension there. "How long have you been having contractions?"
"Just now," Araya
