Nova’s eyes flew open to the sound of River’s shrill scream—a sound that cut through the night like a blade. Her heart stuttered, a cold fear gripping her chest as she shot out of bed, the weight of pregnancy making her movements slow but frantic.
River’s cry was nothing like the normal discomforts of a hungry or fussy baby. No, this was pure, raw terror, his wails jagged and broken, as if he was experiencing something that gripped him from within. Nova’s breath caught in her throat as she ran to the cradle.
His tiny face was beet red, his body taut and shaking, his little hands balling into fists, his screams escalating with every second. Nova's hands trembled as she scooped him up, cradling him against her chest, trying to soothe him with gentle rocking. His tiny form felt too rigid, l
