Jay fell silent.
"Pure Zelthar blood brings destruction," the Grand Duke continued. "Human blood provides restraint."
He met Jay's eyes directly. "Liv is the reason your child can exist in this world without destroying it."
Jay's breathing grew heavy.
"And the birth?" he asked quietly. "Ingira said she's never handled anything like this."
The Grand Duke did not answer immediately.
He turned back to the fire. "A six-month birth," he said at last. "Fast. Brutal. And… not always fair."
Jay took a step forward. "Speak plainly."
The Grand Duke closed his eyes briefly.
"If balance is maintained," he said, "Liv will give birth and live."
Jay held his breath.
"And if it isn't?"
"The child will be born," the Grand Duke said softly. "But Liv—"
Jay cut him off."No."
One word. Firm. Absolute.
The Grand Duke looked at him again this time not as a ruler, but as a father.
"Are you prepared to defy the laws of Zelthar?" he asked.
