The underground chamber filled with the sound of pain.
Raw. Unrestrained. Animal.
The woman screamed again, fingers digging into the healer's robes as another violent contraction tore through her body. Her back arched helplessly against the cold stone.
"Please—!" she sobbed. "Please, at least save this child—!"
Her voice cracked on the last word.
The healer leaned over her, pressing glowing hands more firmly against her abdomen.
"Breathe," the old woman commanded, her tone sharp but steady. "Slowly. Don't fight it. You'll exhaust yourself."
The green light flared again, then dimmed, struggling to stabilize what was rapidly slipping beyond control.
"Listen to me," the healer said urgently, lowering her voice. "If you want the child to live, you must calm down."
The woman nodded weakly, biting down on her lower lip hard enough to draw blood.
"I don't care about me," she whispered again, tears finally spilling from the corners of her dry eyes. "Just the child…"
