Elara’s body suddenly arched violently on the stone bench in the private courtyard, a sharp cry escaping her lips as one of the quadruplets delivered a powerful kick that felt like fire spreading through her veins.
She doubled over, both hands flying to her belly, fingers digging into the fabric of her gown as the star mark on her collarbone blazed with blinding silver light. The pain was sharp, intense, and completely unexpected, making her breath catch in short, ragged gasps. Her silver-white hair fell forward, sticking to her damp forehead as she rocked slightly, trying to breathe through the wave.
Thorne was at her side in an instant, his strong arms wrapping around her to keep her from falling. “Elara! Breathe. We’re here. Just breathe.”
Kael dropped to his knees in front of her, h
