I couldn't even answer. I gripped her forearms, my knuckles turning white. The pain felt... rhythmic, but not like contractions. It felt cold, like a pulse of liquid silver was circulating through my veins. Every time the pain flared, I could feel a faint, metallic hum vibrating deep in my bones—the exact same frequency as the Silver Vow sitting back in the study.

"I'm... I'm okay," I managed to choke out, though my breath was coming in ragged hitches.

"You are not okay. You’re shaking," Lira hissed, looking frantic. "I’m calling the doctor. Or Malcolm."

"No! Don't tell Malcolm yet," I whispered, clutching my belly. "He's already on edge. Just......