Shadow and Bone - The child of shadow and light

Chapter 5

(9 months pregnant) TW!! If you're sensitive to birth scenes SKIP this chapter or until I give you green light!!

It had started with lower back pains in the late evening, and in the middle of the night, I was awoken by sharp, merciless abdominal pains as well as my bed being soaked in pregnancy fluid. The first thing I had done was shout for Genya, who to her credit, had barged into my room only a heartbeat later, eyes wide in shock and fear. "Genya - I think it's time. I think the baby's coming". It looked like realization finally hit her as she ran to my side, helping me lean against the headboard. "Oretsev!!" Mal also joined us in the room looking lost, as he had no idea what to do in this situation. "Oretsev, start boiling water and get the clean clothes from the nursery. I have to get Olga". She ordered before bolting out the door, running for Olga's hut.

During what felt like hell on earth, I did my very best not to wake up my new neighbors with my screams. Instead, I focused on taking my anger and pain out on the sheets in my clenching hands. After what felt like years Genya arrived with a newly awoken, yet fully serious Olga on her trail. After checking how dilated I was, she finally spoke in a calm tone "She is 6 cm dilated, there is still some time before the second stage of labor. I recommend trying to get her to eat something and if she has strength enough, even walk around a bit between contractions". She looked at me with a look of pity and understanding of the terrible pain that I was going through. "How are you feeling so far, dear?"

I took a shaky breath before answering her. "like I'm on my way to meet the saints" she laughed and smiled warmly "Carful dear, your child might feel insulted and decides to drag out the labor as long as possible". "it better not. Or it's going to get so scolded when it arrives." I said with a scowl. Olga smiled again "you'll most likely not give birth until a few more hours, so I shall return then. And as I said, get some rest, eat something and gather your strength, for saints you'll need it". She finally said before leaving. Mal entered with a large bowl of warm water and clothes, putting everything on the dresser before sitting down by my side.

"Genya went to the kitchen to prepare something for you to eat." I let out a heavy sigh "What would I have done without you all by my side?" "You wouldn't. I'll always be by your side, Alina. Always." "Always" I answered as I drifted off to sleep. let me tell you I didn't get much sleep at all. All sleep I got was the pauses between contractions.

(A few hours later)

If I thought the pain a few hours ago was bad, this must be the actual hell. My memories were blurry as I drifted in and out of consciousness. But I never felt alone, Genya and Mal would take turns taking care of me and keeping me company, and after a few hours, as promised Olga returned looking ready to fight this battle with me. Which I would forever be grateful for. "Well, let's see how far away we are." "Alright, she's 9 cm dilated, it will be any time now". I could barely tell what she was saying as I was in such pain, wishing and praying that it would all be over already. I believe yet a few more hours passed, the sun now shining through the large window above the bed, telling me it was most likely noon.

"Alright dear, it's time. Push! Push!" I gritted my teeth in pain. I'm pretty sure that I was screaming at this point, not being able to hold it back anymore. During all the pain my mind drifted off to the man who was guilty of all of this. Saints, he is lucky he isn't here right now. Oh, how I would've loved to tear his beautiful, perfectly shiny black hair from his scalp, making him feel at least a tenth of what I was going through. All because of him. How much was I supposed to suffer because of him?! Another scream of pain came from me. Alexander. You bloody bastard. You arrogant, seducing, flirtatious, piece of shit, come here!!

A/N: Greenlight!! Safe to read from here!!

And for a moment, I could've sworn something answered my curses at the same time as a loud cry filled the room. "She is here! Congratulations you have a daughter!" Olga exclaimed with a proud smile before cutting the cord, cleaning her up, and handing her to Genya, who approached and sat down by the side of the bed. "She is here Alina. Little Anastasia is finally here" she whispered lowly, just loud enough for me to hear her. I smiled looking over at the red angry-looking face that made me want to laugh if I only had the strength.