"How high?"
"I don't know. She's warmer than usual. That's all I know. I don't have a thermometer."
"Of course, you don't. Fever is usually the first sign. Call Julian and ask him if you should bring Arezoo to the clinic."
"I'll do that. Thank you."
"Good luck, Ruvon. And don't worry, Arezoo will be fine. The clan hasn't lost any transitioning Dormants yet, and yours is not going to be the first."
That wasn't the most reassuring pep talk, but Kalugal was doing his best, and Ruvon appreciated that.
"Do you want me to come over?" Kalugal's offer surprised him.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't think you should take time out of your busy day just to provide me with moral support."
"All right. But if you need me, call."
"Thank you, I will."
"Don't forget to call Soraya."
Ruvon's stomach dropped. Soraya would go into full panic mode, and he couldn't handle that right now.
"I'll call Julian first."
"You do that and then call your mother-in-law. She would never forgive you if you did not tell her that her daughter started transitioning."
"Yes, sir," Ruvon agreed reluctantly. "After Julian confirms that Arezoo is indeed transitioning. I don't want Soraya to panic for nothing."
"That's wise. Good luck, Ruvon. I hope this is it."
"Yeah, me too."
The call ended.
Ruvon scrolled to Julian's name and pressed it.
The doctor picked up on the first ring.
"Is Arezoo transitioning?"
Ruvon blinked.
"How did you know? I mean, I'm not sure she is, but she has a fever."
"The timing is right. Three days after the wedding night. Anything other than fever?"
"She's more sleepy than usual in the mornings. She was barely coherent when I tried to talk to her and went right back to sleep."
"Has she been around any humans recently who might have been sick?"
"She's been in the city for fittings and other pre-wedding stuff. She had brief contact with many humans in the last two weeks."
"Then it could be a virus, but it could also be the transition. I'll come over and check what's going on with her. I should be there in fifteen minutes."
That was a surprise. Ruvon had expected the doctor to tell him to bring Arezoo to the clinic. "Thank you. I appreciate that."
"It's my pleasure. Welcoming new immortals into the fold is always exciting. My mother says that it feels like delivering a baby. A new life is joining the clan."
