In The Darkness, I Found The Light

Aliana followed after her shortly, a little surprising considering recent events. Siren was sad for both Aliana and Chimera, especially seeing what it was doing to Ali. However, Siren felt little towards the deceased puppies, maybe it would have been different were they her own. Despite Aliana’s own inner flame going out the soft glow of her candle seemed to warm their little maternity ward. The intensified shadows were a stark reminder that even this perfect moment was always at risk of the darkness beyond.

Siren felt a chill go up her spine, and she froze a moment as Chimera entered the room and made himself Dalila’s physical support just as he had for herself, Aliana, and Viper. The Queen’s attention was captured by the unseen. As Dal leaned back into Chimera’s side a scene flashed before her eyes. Sorrow and loss, but a flash of light blinded her to bring her back to the present. Siren wasn’t sure what it meant, but braved the work ahead of her, unable to shake the terrible feeling.

Dalila worked terribly hard to free her first born. Siren wasn’t sure where she would be better placed. Siren was right beside her love the entire time, pressing a cool cloth to her forehead, rubbing her back, and checking her over as labor progressed. She tried to spare Ali as much as she could, taking over whenever she looked like she needed to step back or take a breath. The dark feeling never really left Siren as Dalila cried out as she struggled, and eventually gave birth to her first puppy. Hearing her pain, knowing how her lover felt didn’t help the cloud over her head. Still, head down and focusing she quickly got the puppy wrapped in a fur. He struggled to breathe and Siren rubbed against his sides vigorously, leaning back so Dalila was present and visible through the ordeal. Though she did her best, the little boy’s struggles were in vain and eventually he succumbed and became still. She didn't cease her efforts for a few moments longer, but when she put her ear to his chest there was no heartbeat.

"He’s gone.” Siren offered disheartened, but the professional healer within didn’t allow her to cry for him yet. She wrapped him in the fur she already had him swaddled in and lay him to rest at the side as Dalila immediately returned to her contractions.

"Speech"