Elaris's POV
The first thing I became aware of was the steady beeping somewhere nearby.
Slow.
Rhythmic.
Reassuring.
For several moments, I remained still, floating somewhere between sleep and consciousness. My entire body felt heavy, as though every muscle had been stretched beyond its limit. My arms ached. My hips throbbed. Even lifting my eyelids felt like work.
A dull soreness settled low in my abdomen, reminding me exactly what my body had accomplished only hours earlier.
I had given birth.
The memory returned in fragments.
The contractions.
Linnea's hand squeezing mine.
Noah driving through the early morning streets.
The blinding lights of the delivery room.
The overwhelming pressure.
One final push.
Then...
The first cry.
My daughter's first cry.
My eyes opened imme
