An enchanted listening horn, carved with runes that amplified sound. She pressed it gently to my stomach, angling it carefully, then gestured for me to listen.

At first, there was only the soft rush of my own body—blood flow, digestion, the quiet music of life. And then

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

Tears pricked my eyes.

"Hi, baby," I whispered. "I hear you."

Tears pricked my eyes.

"Hi, baby," I whispered. "I hear you."

Lira grabbed my hand, her own eyes bright. "That's incredible. You're incredible."

I listened a moment longer, memorizing the rhythm, before finally pulling away. Healer Mira nodded approvingly.

"Now then," she said, turning to Lira. "Your turn."

Lira's exam...