𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬

Chapter 29

•••

I don't crave your love. I crave your submission, your surrender-your soul bound to mine.

•••

Several hours passed, and despite Aamirah's best efforts, Mohammed's fever remained stubbornly high. She gently wiped his small forehead with a damp cloth, her heart aching at his flushed face and labored breathing. She tried calling Osman multiple times, but each attempt went straight to voicemail. Frustration and worry knotted in her chest.

The door creaked open, and Nour entered quietly, her face tight with concern. "Aamirah, I've informed everyone about Mohammed's condition," she said. "Aaliyah and Osman's grandparents are all aware."

Aamirah nodded, barely registering Nour's words as she continued tending to Mohammed. "What did they say?" she asked, not taking her eyes off the baby.

Nour hesitated before responding. "Grandmother Rania insists you take Mohammed to the hospital immediately. She's sending guards to escort us, and I'll go with you."

Aamirah felt a wave of relief wash over her. She couldn't wait any longer. The doctor's warnings echoed in her mind-infants were fragile, and time was of the essence.

"Let's prepare to leave," Aamirah said, her tone firm despite the panic swirling inside her. She carefully lifted Mohammed into her arms, cradling his feverish body close. He whimpered softly, too weak to resist. "Stay strong, my little one," she whispered.

Nour left to alert the guards and prepare the car while Aamirah gathered Mohammed's essentials-a blanket, a few bottles, and the medicine prescribed earlier. Her hands shook slightly, but she forced herself to focus.

Minutes later, Nour returned with the guards. "The car is ready."

"Let's go," Aamirah said, hurrying toward the entrance. As they stepped into the night, the cool air hit her, a sharp contrast to the warmth radiating from Mohammed's small body. Her anxiety deepened with every step.

The guards opened the car door, and Aamirah climbed in with Nour by her side. Mohammed lay limp in her arms, his tiny chest rising and falling unevenly. Nour placed a hand on Aamirah's shoulder. "He'll be okay, Aamirah. We're doing everything we can."

Aamirah nodded but didn't trust herself to speak. The driver sped toward the hospital, every second stretching into an eternity. Her heart pounded with fear, and she silently prayed for strength and protection.

When they arrived at the hospital, nurses rushed to their aid as soon as Aamirah explained the situation. Mohammed was whisked into the pediatric emergency room, leaving Aamirah and Nour waiting anxiously in the corridor.

Aamirah's knees threatened to buckle, and Nour quickly guided her to a seat. "You need to stay strong. For Mohammed," Nour said gently.

Tears pricked Aamirah's eyes, but she held them back. "He's so small, Nour. What if-"

"Don't think like that," Nour interrupted softly. "We'll fight for him."

The minutes dragged by, each one heavier than the last. Just as Aamirah was about to break from the tension, the pediatrician stepped out of the room. His expression was serious but not grim.

"The fever is still high, but we're stabilizing him. We're running some tests, the results will come in an hour. For now, he's being monitored closely. You did the right thing bringing him here."

Aamirah exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Can I see him?"

"Only for a few minutes," the doctor said. "He needs rest."