"No..." they whimpered, thrashing against the confines of the bedding. "I don't understand..."

In their mind's eye, images flickered and swirled – ancient runes etched into crumbling stone, the crackle of primordial energy surging through their veins, and a vast celestial expanse that seemed to span eternity itself.

With a startled cry, they bolted upright, chest heaving as their eyes snapped open. Their heart raced, echoing like the thundering hooves of a thousand stampeding beasts.

The bedroom door flew open with a bang, and Kaden burst in, his face etched with paternal concern. "My child! What ails you?" He crossed the room in three long strides, gathering his offspring into...