Doctor Thessa had already begun setting up the blood drip. The line glinted under the chandelier's light as she attached it to Luna's hand with practiced gentleness. The blood trickled down slowly, rich and dark—a quiet lifeline for both mother and child.
"Is this a daily routine?" Ravena asked, her tone cool but not cold. She didn't look at Luna. Her eyes were fixed on the blood bag.
Luna sighed, already bracing for a sermon.
"If you're uncomfortable, Mum, you can wait outside.".
"No. I'm fine." Ravena's jaw twitched as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed even tighter. "Where does the blood come from? I mean… it's Blood City. There aren't any volunteers around throwing their veins open."
