Lightning flashed once more, lighting up Alaric's face as his eyes flew open at my words. For a split second, I saw raw panic there—something I'd rarely witnessed even in our most desperate moments.
"Now? Are you certain?" he asked, voice husky with sleep but rapidly clearing.
Another pain seized me, stronger than the last, forcing me to grip his arm tightly. I couldn't speak until it passed, my breath coming in short gasps.
"Yes," I finally managed. "Very certain."
Alaric was immediately out of bed, moving with purpose despite the late hour. "I'll send for the midwife and Mariella."
As he yanked on his robe, the façade of the powerful, unshakeable Duke of Thorne slipped, revealing the nervous expectant father beneath. His hands trembled slightly as he lit additional candles.
"Stay calm," he instructed, though it seemed more for his benefit than mine. "Everything is prepared. We've planned for this."
