Heiko’s breath broke, a choked, vulnerable sound.
“I never thought…” His voice cracked. “With the curse… with everything I’ve done… I never thought I deserved this.”
King Paul squeezed harder.
“You deserve every bit of this happiness. And I’ve never been prouder of you, my son.”
Heiko swallowed hard, eyes burning.
But River screamed again and his world snapped sharply back to her.
--
Hours passed in waves of pain and tension.
River’s grip felt strong enough to break steel. Her hair clung to her skin. She shook with effort and exhaustion, but her eyes were fierce, determined, refusing to give in.
“Push, River. One more push,” the midwife ordered.
River gasped, sobbed, then braced herself.
Lana cradled her head, forehead pressed to hers, whispering, “You can do this—I’m right here
