Outside the reinforced walls, distant engines and shouted orders disappeared beneath the storm. Inside, Chloe’s world narrowed to pain.

Leo stood beside the bed. “You can go,” she gasped. “They need you.”

“No.”

“This is your empire.”

He took her hand. “You are my family.”

Another contraction ripped through her. Hours lost their shape. Chloe pushed until her muscles trembled and her vision blurred. She screamed, cursed Leo, threatened Dr. Ellis, and crushed three of Leo’s fingers in her grip.