The Cradle Chamber hummed with power. Ancient resonance crystals floated in a perfect circle above the birthing throne, pulsing soft blue light in time with Calypso's heavy breaths.
The throne itself hovered three feet off the ground, adjusting automatically to keep her wide, pregnant body supported.
Calypso gripped the armrests, her belly massive and tight, veins glowing faintly under her stretched skin. Sweat covered her forehead and made her dark hair stick to her neck.
Elizabeth stood right beside her, one hand on Calypso's shoulder, the other clenched into a fist. Her usual cold confidence had cracked. "Breathe, my love. You're not doing this alone.
Never alone." Her voice shook just a little. Aiden stood on the other side, holding Calypso's hand, feeding her steady Aether through his palm to keep her calm.
