Chapter 175: Cat Stevens - Morning Has Broken
Doctor Thessa had already begun setting up the blood drip. The line glinted under the chandelier’s light as she attached it to Luna’s hand with practiced gentleness. The blood trickled down slowly, rich and dark—a quiet lifeline for both mother and child.
"Is this a daily routine?" Ravena asked, her tone cool but not cold. She didn’t look at Luna. Her eyes were fixed on the blood bag.
Luna sighed, already bracing for a sermon.
"If you’re uncomfortable, Mum, you can wait outside.".
"No. I’m fine." Ravena’s jaw twitched as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed even tighter. "Where does the blood come from? I mean... it’s Blood City. There aren’t any volunteers around throwing their veins open."
Luna adjusted her veil slightly as Thessa checked her vitals. "We have a daily supply from the humans. Donated. It’s all legal. There’s a contract between Blood City and the human government. The blood is transported weekly in cryogenic tanks and delivered to the blood bank. It’s all paid for. And monitored."
"Hmm." Ravena made a sound that could’ve meant anything from interesting to treasonous. "It’s strange hearing you say we. It’s like you’ve accepted you’re one of them now."
Luna’s gaze met her mother’s.
"I am, Mum. I am carrying the royal heir. I’m marrying my mate today. And in a few days, I’ll be queen. He will be king. They are my people now. This is my home."
Ravena hadn’t expected Luna to say it out loud—to claim them, claim him, so completely.
Doctor Thessa, sensing the crackling tension, cleared her throat gently.
"I’ll be by your side all through the wedding, Your Highness, in case you need me. If you feel anything wrong—fatigue, dizziness, anything—just let me know." She spoke gently but efficiently, a steady presence in a room thick with emotion.