“You’re doing great,” Calista said, holding Illyra’s hand.
Illyra screamed again through the pain of another contraction. Healers swirled around her, getting ready for the arrival of her child. She’d been in labor since the previous morning, and she felt like something was wrong, but everyone kept telling her it was fine.
“This isn’t right. Something is definitely wrong,” she whined, burying her face in Calista’s warm, comforting chest.
“Nothing is wrong,” Calista assured, patting her back and kissing her head.
“You can’t come in here!” one of the healers shouted.
Illyra looked up. She saw Skylar outside her room, his way barred by the healers.
“Let him in!” Illyra snapped. Another contraction hit and she groaned, slumping back on her bed.
“I’m here,” Skylar said coming to her side. He gently coaxed Calista away and took her place at Illyra’s side, holding her hand and running his fingers through her hair.