Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“More of a calming agent,” Vika told her. “Paired with sensory
deprivation. Silveny’s also responding to the poultice on her abdomen,
which is dulling the pain of her contractions.” She reached up to wipe
sweat off her forehead before turning to Edaline. “Have you timed
them?”
Edaline nodded. “They seem to be about five minutes apart.”
“Well . . . I suppose that’s the first bit of good news,” Vika said,
pulling on elbow-length gloves. “Gives us a little more time to figure
this out.”
“Maybe not,” Edaline said, glancing at Grady with a dread-filled
look that was much too similar to the one Stina and Vika had shared
back at Sterling Gables.
“What does that mean?” Sophie demanded.
“I don’t know yet,” Edaline told her. “I haven’t been able to do a full
exam.”
“But,” Sophie prompted her to finish.
Edaline wrung her hands, “But . . . I might know why Silveny’s in
labor this early. And why she’s refused to come in for exams—but I
want Vika to confirm it before we put it out there.”
“You’re referring to how distended Silveny is,” Vika noted.
“I am,” Edaline agreed. “And . . . I’m very much hoping you’ll prove
me wrong.”
“So am I,” Vika told her.
Sophie’s legs started to wobble—but Fitz was right there to keep
her steady as she asked, “Will someone please tell me what you’re
talking about?”
“Give me five minutes,” Vika said, slipping on a pair of glasses
similar to the spectacles Elwin always wore and dropping to her knees