The silence that followed was heavy, sucking the air from the room and turning triumph into a cold, suffocating tomb. Moments ago, the cabin had rung with life—sharp, powerful cries, the sound of newborn lungs announcing themselves to the world. The first had been strong, demanding, a cry that shook dust from the rafters. The second followed close behind, piercing and fierce. Two voices. Two lives. But then—Nothing. The abrupt absence carved a hollow in the air, so deep it felt like the world itself had paused, uncertain how to continue.
Talia’s breath caught painfully in her throat, panic splintering through her chest like breaking ice.
“Why—” Her voice broke, rasping over raw, shredded vocal cords. “Why am I not hearing the third pup’s cry?”
Alina didn’t answer.
Amalia didn’t either.
