No. She was terrified because the child was coming, and the way-drakes wanted to consume her. Or the child. Or both of them. And she was all alone.
“I can’t,” Tungel cried, sobbing into his shoulder and then freezing as another contraction bloomed inside her.
When it was past, Holder said, “You must do as Mother says,” but she clung to his arm. It was a childish gesture, but she told herself stubbornly that without a stone, she was still a child. Holder folded Tungel’s hands together, and she wilted onto the bed pillows.
“Daughter,” Holder said, dread turning his gentle voice stern, “don’t get the house burnt down or, worse, set yourself on fire, trying to give birth and fight off way-drakes at the same time. One drake-take is more than enough.” Looking down at her, his face crumpled, b
