The definition of the past is...

Venom hadn’t been comfortable in the last few days, her hips were aching and no matter what position she always hurt. Sleep was becoming more difficult to attain and she was often tossing and turning in the thick furs that lined her den. Hattori often slept in the main hall when he didn’t want to disturb her with his coming and going, but these days she wondered if he did it so that he could get some sleep. Venom was always moving and rearranging her now bulging belly. Her hopes of only having one or two small children were quickly dying and reality took its place. This would be no tiny litter.

She knew the big day was getting close. Her massive girth, the movement in her belly, and swelling teats predicted the end would soon come. With spring would come new heirs for the Ashen Empire, as well as an end to Venom’s suffering. She was trying to stretch and alleviate the aching pain in her back when Anko announced Kiyo’s arrival. Sunset gaze lifted to see the Lady, breakfast in jaw, as she sought permission to enter.

”Come in,” Venom welcomed her softly as she straightened and tried to look more content than she really felt. She was counting the days until she met her children, not only in eagerness for the new life but also to have her body back.