Blake barely registers the cries filling the room.
Her body is drenched in sweat, her breath coming in ragged, shallow gasps.
Every inch of her aches, the lingering pain of childbirth leaving her drained and hollow.
She stares at the ceiling, unblinking, her vision hazy with exhaustion.
Elira holds the newborn close, gently wiping the remnants of birth from his tiny body.
Elira moves closer, lowering herself beside Blake. "Here is your baby, a beautiful boy." she urges, her voice soft but firm.
Blake's gaze flickers toward the baby, but she quickly turns away. Her throat tightens. "No…" Her voice is barely more than a breath, raw and full of pain. "Take it away."
Elira hesitates, glancing at Rika, who watches with quiet concern. "Blake..."