12: Darken: Resurrection

Chapter twenty-five: Daria

I returned to the banquet hall, and the meal was almost done. Sitting back next to Draus, I gathered my resolve. "My apologies, but it appears I had another visitor today," I told him, knowing that hiding the truth would only bring me more pain.

"Oh?" he raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Who and why?"

"Thornvale," I answered, "he wanted to be sure I was safe."

"And why did you tell me?" he asked, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"Because," I sighed, "you probably knew anyway, so there's no point in keeping it from you."

"I did already know," he admitted, "but I was not expecting you to tell me."

His reaction was unsettling, as if he thrived on the power dynamics at play. The banquet continued around us, the laughter and chatter of the guests a stark contrast to the tension between Draus and me.

"Do eat," Draus motioned to my now cold food.

I picked up my fork and quickly ate, knowing that not following his orders always ended badly for me. I was still eating while everyone else waited to be dismissed to go to the ballroom.

Once I took my last bite, Draus stood to his feet. "For today's ball, I have a little show for you all... the birth of my newest child."

I looked at Draus, who was smiling with pride. "How?" I asked in a hushed voice.

"My men captured her while she was in labor," he told me, his tone smug. "That family keeps their guard way too low. She didn't even tell anyone she went into labor."

The weight of his words sank in, the full scope of his plans becoming clearer. My mind raced, grappling with the implications of his cruelty

The crowd soon left the banquet hall and headed to the ballroom. We entered soon after, and he was not lying. Astraea's arms and legs were chained to a stone table, a magic suppression collar around her neck. She would not scream, but it was clear that she was in a lot of pain from the sweat and panting.

The sight of her in such a state was heart-wrenching. The grandeur of the ballroom, with its glittering chandeliers and opulent decorations, contrasted sharply with the cruelty on display. The guests, dressed in their finest attire, watched with a mix of curiosity and horror.

Draus stood beside me, his expression one of pride and satisfaction. "Behold, the birth of my newest child," he announced to the crowd, his voice echoing through the hall.

I felt a surge of anger and helplessness. Astraea's suffering was a stark reminder of the lengths Draus would go to maintain his power. The gem in my muff felt heavy, a symbol of the responsibility I now carried. I knew I had to act, but the timing had to be perfect.

We took our seats on a platform above everyone else. Some guests danced to the music, while others watched Astraea. Then she screamed. I stood to my feet.

"Sit back down," Draus growled at me. "That is an order."

I looked at him, then at Astraea. "She is the mother of your child, birthing my sibling... and she is my friend. I'm sorry, father... but I am going to her side." I forced out the father part. I then rushed off the platform and went to Astraea, putting my hand in hers. She opened her eyes to look at me.

"Daria... he told you not to... come to... to my side."

"I don't care," I squeezed her hand, being sure to keep the gem hidden in my muff on the other hand. "You need me right now, because no one else will."

I could feel her grip tightening. "The baby... it's coming..."

I nodded. "Do you want me to call for a doctor?"

"You're the... only one... I trust," she told me.

I nodded, setting my muff next to her and going to her other end, lifting her gown. Sure enough, I could see the baby's head.

The room's atmosphere was thick with tension, the music and dancing a stark contrast to the intense moment unfolding. Astraea's pain was palpable, and I knew I had to act quickly. The gem in my muff was a constant reminder of the mission at hand, but right now, my focus was on helping Astraea bring her child into the world safely.

The crowd's murmurs and whispers faded into the background as I concentrated on the task before me. Astraea's trust in me was a beacon of strength, and I was determined not to let her down. The baby's arrival was imminent, and I steeled myself for what was to come.

"You're doing great, Astraea," I encouraged her, my voice steady despite the chaos around us. "Just a little more, and your baby will be here."

Astraea's grip on my hand tightened as she pushed with all her strength. Her face was flushed, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. I could see the determination in her eyes, a fierce resolve to bring her child into the world despite the circumstances.

"That's it, keep going," I urged, my heart pounding in my chest. "You're almost there."

With one final, powerful push, the baby's head emerged, followed quickly by the rest of its tiny body. I gently caught the newborn, cradling it in my arms. The baby let out a strong, healthy cry, filling the room with a sound of new life. She had a tiny set of silver horns and the start of little matching wings. her hair was also the silver of an old woman, diffrent from any Darken born.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at Astraea, her face a mix of exhaustion and joy. "It's a girl," I announced, my voice choked with emotion. "You did it, Astraea."

She smiled weakly, her eyes filled with love as she gazed at her daughter. "Thank you, Daria," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I grabbed my muff, slipping the gem from it and wrapping the girl in it, handing her to Astraea. She held her close, her tears mingling with her daughter's cries. The bond between mother and child was palpable, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. "She's perfect..."

"Daria," a voice came from behind. 

I turned to face Draus, putting my hands behind my back to hide the gem. "I will take whatever punishment you wish to give me for disobeying," I told him. "But I had to be by her side. I am sorry if that could be seen as going against you."

He smiled wickedly. "It's fine. However, I do have a surprise for you on your big day."

His words sent a chill down my spine. The uncertainty of what he had planned loomed over me, but I knew I had to stay strong. The gem in my hand was a reminder of the mission at hand, and I couldn't afford to falter now.