Malachi

The eclipse persisted for two agonizing days, a grueling test of Kaida's fortitude against her fate.

Her suffering was relentless. The more she struggled alone in her pain, the more my own irritation grew.

I detested my inability to alleviate her agony. If only our connection hadn't been severed, I would have drawn some of this pain into my own body. Labor pains were often described as so excruciating that even the strongest men could not endure them.

Despite her delicate frame, ...