The cries came without warning.

Liora doubled over, clutching her stomach as pain tore through her body. The healers, already close by, rushed into the room. One of them shouted for warm water, another for linen.

Draven was the first to reach her. He caught her before she fell. “Liora,” he said quickly, holding her close. “What’s happening?”

Her breath came in gasps. “The baby—too soon—”

The oldest healer, a calm woman named Maelin, examined her and looked grim. “The ...