The examination took longer than usual.
Mira's expression grew progressively more serious as she worked—pressing carefully on Alex's belly, listening through water-sense to the babies' movements, checking vitals that Alex couldn't see but could read in the tension of her mouth.
Finally, she pulled back.
"The energy deficit is accelerating faster than I anticipated," she said bluntly. "Your body is already beginning to draw on its own reserves. Not critically yet, but—"
"How long?" Alex interrupted. "Before it becomes critical."
Mira hesitated—which was answer enough.
"Three days," she said finally. "Maybe four if you rest completely and Lord Naga maintains constant contact. But realistically? Three days before your body starts cannibalizing itself to feed the cubs."
The words hit like physical blows.
Naga's entire body went rigid beside Alex. "Three days. That's—Leo won't even be here by then."
"I know," Mira said quietly.
