Heirs of the Black Legacy

Chapter 4

Regulus was drenched in sweat, his breath coming in ragged, panicked gasps. The room was filled with the tense murmurs of concerned voices, punctuated by the sounds of heavy, irregular breathing. The amniotic fluid that had been released when his water broke was pooling around him, soaking through the sheets.

A sudden, sharp pang shot through Regulus, causing him to flinch violently. The sensation was not just painful but overwhelming. His eyes widened in terror as he felt a distinct popping sensation. He looked down at the wet sheets beneath him, his face contorted with fear. "I'm wet! I’m so wet! What’s happening?" he cried out, his voice breaking with desperation.

James rushed to his side, his face pale with worry. He grabbed Regulus’s trembling hand, trying to offer a comforting presence. "Regulus, just breathe. You’re okay. It’s just your water breaking. It’s part of labor."

Regulus’s eyes were wide with panic. He gripped James’s hand tightly, his fingers trembling. "James, I can’t... I don’t understand. It hurts so much and I feel like I’m drowning."

Orion moved quickly to Regulus’s side, his hands steady despite the concern in his eyes. "Regulus, listen to me. The water breaking is a normal part of labor. It means the membranes have ruptured, and it’s okay. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong."

Regulus shook his head, his breath coming faster. "But it’s too much... I don’t know what to do."

Abraxas, his brow furrowed with concern, knelt beside Orion. He placed a reassuring hand on Regulus’s shoulder. "Regulus, you’re doing great. The water breaking is just a sign that things are moving along. We need to stay calm and focus on getting through this."

Orion glanced at Abraxas, a flicker of anxiety in his eyes. "We need to manage this carefully, especially with the breech position. I could use some help."

Abraxas nodded, his worry momentarily slipping through as he addressed Orion. "You’re doing well, love. We’ll get through this together."

The slip of the term "love" was brief but telling. Orion gave Abraxas a grateful smile before returning his focus to Regulus. "Regulus, the pain and the wetness are part of the process. The water breaking doesn’t mean anything’s gone wrong. We’re here with you."

Regulus’s breath was coming in quick, shallow bursts. He clung to James’s hand, his grip tight and desperate. "It’s too much, James. I can’t handle this. It’s too much."

James squeezed Regulus’s hand in return, his voice firm but soothing. "You can do this, Regulus. I’m right here with you. Just keep breathing. Focus on my voice."

Abraxas gently placed a hand on Regulus’s other shoulder, his voice calm and steady. "Regulus, the water breaking is a sign that your body is doing what it needs to do. It’s a normal part of labor. You’re going to be okay."

Orion worked diligently, his hands moving with practiced ease as he adjusted Regulus’s position. "Just breathe through it. The pain is intense now, but it will pass. We’re here to help you through every step."

As the contractions for Regulus became more intense, he felt the overwhelming pressure build. The fear was palpable, but with Orion’s guidance and Abraxas’s calming presence, he began to find a semblance of control. Each contraction was a battle, but the support surrounding him provided the strength he needed to face it.

Sirius, still resting fitfully, stirred slightly. The room was a cacophony of sounds and emotions, but the collective effort of everyone present was unwavering. James continued to hold Regulus’s hand tightly, offering silent strength and reassurance. The bond of support in the room gave them all the strength to face the challenges ahead.

The battle of labor was far from over, but with every passing moment, the hope for resolution remained strong. The determination and care of everyone involved wove a thread of hope and resilience through the room, carrying them through the intense moments of labor.