The Wishing Hour

Wishing -

Twenty-four

The cave we inhabit is guarded by two mammoths, a group of five enormous black panthers and five Bengal tigers. The animals are just as protective of me as Sebastian. We've often communed with them whenever we've come out to the countryside and they understand the importance of the child I carry. The bear in whose home we are staying willingly gave up his living space and sought shelter elsewhere.

Between the two of us, we've turned the once dark cavern into a cozy hideaway. A large, down comforter-covered bed sits against the far wall. A rustic, brown leather sofa is situated across from the bed and a large braided rug stretches out between them. I still find it unreal at times that I can simply will things into existence.

We have food, water, light, and even a few of my favorite books. Anything else can be created as we need it.

I lay on the bed with my head on Sebastian's shoulder, his arms curled around me, and lightly rub my stomach as we silently marvel at what has just taken place.

Our unborn child spoke to us! He literally warned us to flee and we barely escaped. The explosion had come fast and we felt its impact a mile away from the house. Someone still wanted me dead, enough to blow up our home along with anyone in or near it. It couldn't have been anyone from the surface, because both entrances are being monitored and guarded around the clock. My senses are fine-tuned enough now to sense danger, but this was done at a distance. It had to be.

Now our beautiful home is gone and our people most likely believe we are dead, which according to Sebastian is good and bad–good because the assassin will believe he or she has been successful, and bad because the people will lose hope. However, Sebastian has telepathically contacted President Simon to let him know we are alive. The president agreed that our escape should be kept silent for now. He didn't want to know our location, only that we were safe.

Little Antonio has been extremely active but is now calm and still, except for a hand or foot prodding every now and then. He is also settled lower in my stomach now, readying himself for birth, which means labor could start at any time. I am both excited and afraid. I had thought our son's birth would happen in the comfort of our home where everything is light, airy and peaceful. I also hoped Sarah would be present. Taking in our surroundings I decide that two out of three isn't bad. At least it is airy and peaceful.

My eyes fall on a small shelf that sits a little ways from the bed, filled with towels, cloths, oils, herbs, extra gowns, baby blankets and clothes, and other things I will need for the birth. A large vase of water sits next to it. Sebastian will deliver the baby and has made sure we have everything we will need. Though neither of us have ever had any experience in this area, Sebastian is confident he can do what needs to be done, and though delivery will not be painful like it is for women on the surface, it will still be exhausting work. I'll take exhaustion over pain any day.

Are you well, beloved?

Adjusting my head, I look into his eyes. I'm all right. But I don't think it will be long. I canfeel the change in my body, like it's readying itself. Your mother told me it would be like that, that I would know.

I feel the change as well. I feel a new strength in you. He smiles. The healer said ourwomen are at their most vulnerable when carrying a child, but you are not like the rest. You are far more gifted.

I smile back. Do you think?

I do.

Sighing, I place a hand on his solid chest over his heart. He lays his hand over mine, holding it there, and feeling the calm rhythm beating against my palm, I snuggle closer.