He awoke to a sharp roar, the sound of Serena groaning while clutching her swollen stomach. The sight sent jolts of electricity through his body. His eyes snapped, and he rushed to her side.
"Serena!?" His voice cracked with a dry shout, golden hair falling loose.
The room soon filled with commotion. Yumiko bolted upright from the distant bed, her eyes bright, listening to Serena's laboured breaths. Velvet stood in the doorway, already calling for them to fetch midwives. Levia, typically a composed woman, dropped beside the bed, grasping Serena's hands while casting healing spells.
"Her contractions have started," Alice said, despite her trembling voice as she wore an apron and fetched towels from the cupboard. "She's going to give birth!"
Serena gasped while choking for air, sweat dripping down her forehead as she glanced at Asmodeus and clung to his wrist while digging her nails into his flesh.
"Ryuji.... don't.... don't leave me... It hurts.... and I'm scared."
