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I moved past him, pushing through the beaded curtain separating the chamber from the rest of our cave. “Evie wants me.”
My voice echoed off the stone walls, swallowed by the cries that renewed with fresh intensity as I entered.
Evie lay upon a raised platform, her body soaked in sweat. Her hair hung in tangled ropes around her face, and her eyes had a wild and unfocused look, as if lost in a storm of pain. My heart constricted at the sight of her suffering. She was so small, so delicate, so utterly vulnerable.
“Kuzar!” she cried, her voice hoarse. “Don’t leave me.”
I rushed to her side and clasped her shaking hand. “I’m here, Evie. I’ll never leave you.”
As another contraction gripped her, her body arching with agony, I was helpless, as if a fist wrapped around my throat. I wanted to take her pain away, but I could only hold her and offer feeble words of comfort.
She leaned her head against my shoulder, panting. “It hurts so much, Kuzar.”
“I know,” I rasped, wiping sweat from her cheek. “It won’t last forever. Geradi is here now.”
Geradi moved to the foot of the platform, her brow furrowed in concentration. She chanted softly, sprinkling herbs over Evie’s swollen belly.
Evie gripped my hand tighter, her knuckles turning white. “I can’t do this. I’m too weak.”
“You’re not weak, Evie,” I said fiercely. “You’re the strongest person I know.”
The contraction passed, and Evie lay panting against me. Her hand trembled in mine, and the fine sheen of her sweat wet my skin.
“I’m scared.” Her eyes held tears that didn't fall.
I brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. “I know, my love. But you’re not alone. I’m here, and I’ll let nothing happen to you.”
Geradi continued his incantations, her voice rising and falling in a soothing rhythm. Evie’s breathing slowed, and she closed her eyes.
I watched her, mesmerized by the rise and fall of her chest, the way her belly swelled and contracted with each breath. She was radiant, even in her pain, a beacon of strength and determination. I couldn’t imagine my life without her.
Time seemed to stretch and warp, each contraction a cruel eternity. Outside, the storm raged on, thunder rumbling like the wrath of the gods.
I didn’t know how much longer I could endure it, watching the woman I loved suffer so. But I would endure it for her. I would do anything to protect her, to keep her safe.
We clung to each other through contraction after contraction, our bodies slick with sweat and tears.
Evie’s screams became louder, more desperate. I held her tighter, praying for it to end.
As Geradi handed Evie our newborn son, a wave of relief washed over me. He was here, our little miracle, and he was perfect. His delicate features and a head full of soft blonde hair resembled Evie. On his small back were two tiny nubs, where his wings would one day unfurl. His human-like hands and feet were a testament to his dual heritage.
Evie breathed a sigh of relief, her exhausted face radiant with love. “He’s beautiful.” She cradled him close. “Like a cherub.”
Geradi chuckled softly. “What will you name him?” she asked.
Evie and I looked at each other, our eyes filled with love and uncertainty. We hadn’t picked a name yet, too caught up in preparing for his arrival.
“We’ll think of something.” I ran a gentle finger down my son’s cheek. He stirred in his sleep, his tiny mouth forming a perfect pout.
Evie leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. “He’s going to be a powerful warrior, just like his father,” she murmured.
I smiled, my heart swelling with pride. I knew he would be. He was a Durzomian, after all.
Geradi cleared her throat, breaking the tender moment. “Kuzar, Evie, rest. I’ll take the little one and clean him up.”
Evie nodded, her eyes still fixed on our son. “Thank you, Geradi.”
Geradi took the baby from her, her gnarled hands surprisingly gentle. She carried him out of the chamber, leaving Evie and me alone.
