For several seconds after speaking, Noel didn't move. He remained leaning slightly over the bed, his eyes still fixed on the small face wrapped in white cloth. The baby had already settled again, eyelids drifting closed as if the brief effort of opening them had been enough for now. Elena adjusted the bundle gently in her arms, careful with every movement. Only then did Noel finally sit down on the chair beside the bed.
"Are you alright, Elena?" He leaned forward slightly, studying her face with concern. "Is the baby okay? Wasn't it too early?" A brief pause, and then the last question slipped out almost automatically. "Are you sure everything went well?"
Elena let out a soft, tired laugh. Selene shook her head slightly from where she stood nearby, the corner of her mouth lifting with faint amusement. "Stop panicking," she said calmly.
