Being a parent is already killing them.

The first night, Dimitri had to step out to perform a ritual. It had been compulsory; if they hadn't, every baby would die. And yet, they felt awful for leaving.

They completed the ritual three times, and since haven't slept.

Each noise feels wrong, anxiety inducing. The girls are so small and fragile. They could scream, if it wouldn't wake them, and so they keep their mouth wrenched shut.

Exhausted, but still wired, Dimitri notices Aisling and recognizes her as one of Fable's. Had it been anyone but a member of Avon, they might have pounced. Instead, they creep from the darkness, trying to force their voice to be gentle.

"They're not ready to play yet." Do they sound unhinged? They need to get a grip. They reach over and run their paw over a rock, then pat it three times. "But they will be, in a few weeks. I.... I will make it so."