Bloodtide

Epliouge

"Push, Ella, push!" The nurse's voice cut through the haze of pain as I fought against every wave of contraction, my voice raw from shouting.

My father held my hand tightly, his grip unwavering as sweat dripped down my face, mixing with the tears that streamed from my eyes. I shook my head in despair, longing for the torment to end.

"Come on, Ella," my father urged, his eyes locked on mine, filled with unwavering support. "You can do this. Just one more push."

"I can't, Papa!" I cried, my voice trembling with exhaustion and fear. But deep down, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I took a deep breath, letting his encouragement wash over me.

With every ounce of strength I could muster, I focused on the moment, letting the pain fuel my resolve. I pushed with everything I had, the world around me narrowing to just me and this life I was about to bring forth.

Suddenly, amidst the chaos, I heard a triumphant shout. "It's a boy!" The nurse announced, her voice ringing with excitement. A wave of emotion crashed over me, my heart swelling as I caught a glimpse of my newborn son, his tiny form wriggling in the nurse's arms.

Tears of joy replaced my anguish as I cradled him in my arms, the sound of his first cries a beautiful symphony that filled the room. The nurses quickly rushed to help clean up, their movements efficient yet gentle, as they tended to both me and my baby.

In that moment, as I gazed into my son's eyes, all the pain faded into the background.

Just as I settled into the bliss of holding my son, the doors burst open with a loud bang. Hallow rushed in, her eyes wide with excitement and anticipation.

"Ella! I heard the news!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of disbelief and joy as she raced toward us.

I couldn't help but laugh through my tears, the pure happiness of the moment overwhelming me. "Hallow, it's a boy!" I said, holding him up for her to see.

Her eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the sight of my newborn son. "He's so handsome!" she gasped, her face lighting up like a child on Christmas morning. She jumped with joy, her laughter echoing in the room, infectious and full of life.

I felt a wave of warmth spread through me as I watched her excitement. "Can you believe it?" I said, grinning from ear to ear.

Hallow knelt beside me, her hands reaching out to gently touch the tiny fingers curled around mine. "Oh my goodness, he's perfect! What's his name?"

As I cradled my son, a name began to take shape in my mind. "I think I want to name him Liam," I said, my voice soft yet firm.

Hallow's eyes lit up. "Liam? That's beautiful!" she exclaimed, her excitement filling the room. It felt like a light piercing through the heavy cloud of uncertainty that had settled in my heart.

I turned to my father, who was watching with tears glistening in his eyes. "I never thought I'd be a grandfather so soon," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "Liam... it suits him perfectly." A few tears fell down his cheeks, and I reached out to squeeze his hand, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow.

But then Hallow's expression shifted, her enthusiasm giving way to concern. "Have you heard anything about... the father?" she asked gently, her voice barely above a whisper.

At that question, a cold weight settled in my chest. I shook my head slowly, a lump forming in my throat. In my heart, I couldn't shake the assumption that John was dead. Months had passed since he was taken, swallowed by the shadows of a kingdom steeped in secrets. Nobody had seen him, and whispers of the king's cruelty haunted my thoughts. Had he met a terrible fate?

The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. I felt a shiver run through me as memories of John flickered in my mind—his laughter, his warmth, and the plans we'd made. I had been hiding, staying away from prying eyes, but the truth was more terrifying than any secret.

"I don't want to talk about it," I finally murmured, my voice cracking. I could see the concern etched on Hallow's face, but I couldn't bear to confront the reality of his absence.

Hallow nodded, her understanding evident.

Hallow and my father exchanged glances, sensing the heaviness in the air. "Why don't we give you some time alone with Liam?" She suggested gently, her voice soothing. "We'll be right outside if you need us."

I nodded, grateful for their understanding. As they stepped out, I took a deep breath, the room filling with a comforting silence.

Cradling Liam in my arms, I gazed down at his tiny face, so innocent and perfect. "You're such a gift," I whispered, my voice barely above a hush. "A beautiful gift from your father."

The thought of John washed over me, bittersweet and painful. I could almost hear his obnoxious laughter, feel his warmth. "I promise I'll love you with all my heart," I said softly, my heart swelling with love and determination.

A few tears slipped down my cheeks as I spoke, a mix of joy and sorrow. I couldn't shake the feeling that John should be here, sharing this moment with us. "You deserve to know your father," I murmured, brushing my fingers over Liam's tiny hand. "I hope one day we find out what happened to him. I hope he's okay."

As I held him close, the warmth of his tiny body against mine anchored me in that moment. I let the tears fall freely, allowing my grief to blend with my love.