In between both worlds

Prologue

"It's getting darker." The young boy burst through the door.

"Come on Katrina, one more push."

"I am pushing!" Katrina shouted through heavy breaths.

The darkness was taking over by the minute and she was trying really hard for the child to be delivered before it fully takes over. The aftermath would be disastrous and Katrina did not want her daughter to be apart of this world. To take on the responsibility of such an important task. Sucking in a huge breath, she pushed as hard as before. Even losing so much blood already, she still tried to maintain her strength.

"Almost there." Aliana encouraged. "Come on.... That's it. One more."

With one last scream, Katrina pushed as fresh tears wet her cheeks. She then let out a sigh of relief when she heard the voice of her baby. Her eyes started to close but she willed them to stay open to see the beautiful face of her daughter.

"You did it," Aliana held the child in her arms in a thick blanket. "She's beautiful."

A smile came to Katrina's lips as the little girl held on to her finger. She was beyond beautiful.

"May you live a great life little one." Katrina whispered to her child. "May no harm come your way as you enjoy the wonders of this world."

Aliana stood by the bed watching Katrina and a smile also came to her lips. To say she was happy was an understatement. She was overjoyed and delighted that the little one was healthy and safe and that they had a new member added to the family.

The baby started crying again and Aliana rushed to Katrina's side to comfort her. Then suddenly, the darkness was gone and soon light took over the room they were in.

Katrina's heart began to pound when she realized that the darkness was eaten up by the light and for once in her life, she felt nervous and scared. Scared of the dread that will creep upon her daughter's future. She may not survive Katrina thought. This was what she was running from and it seemed fate had brought her to where she didn't want to be.

"Aliana," Katrina's voice trembled. "The darkness is gone?"

Aliana peeked through the curtain at the window as bright light hit her eyes. She knew what this meant. Katrina also knew and seeing that she had been through enough already, Aliana didn't want to turn around and see the hurt look painted on Katrina's face. As reluctant as she could be, Aliana turned to face her lady as she struggled to hold back the water in her eyes. She focused her gaze on the floor as Katrina began to shake her head from side to side with tears flowing down her face.

Katrina cried knowing her daughter would never be strong enough to handle what her future awaited. The worst part about it is, she won't be there to tell her everything. She won't be there to help her through such a difficult time.

Katrina peered down through teary eyes at her daughter who didn't have a clue to what was waiting for her out in the world.

"I'm sorry you have to come like this." Katrina whispered kissing her child's forehead. "But I pray that the heavens will always watch over you."

Aliana stood watching through fits of tears at the mother quietly speaking soothing words to her daughter. She knew that Katrina's heart was bleeding but she was trying to be strong. There was nothing they could do now that the darkness was over but pray to the skies that the child will be brought up in normality and the twisted fate that hung above her head will not overpower her life.

"I'm so sorry, Katrina." Aliana managed to say through tears. Seeing Katrina in such a situation only made her feel sad and helpless since she could do nothing as a maid to help her lady.

"It's okay, Ana. You tried your best." Katrina roughly wiped her face. "Please, go and get Grandmother."

Aliana shook her head not wanting to go for she knew what would happen by the time she'll be back.

"Aliana!" Katrina spoke in a stern voice. "Go and get Madeleine."

This time, Aliana didn't refuse as she hurriedly made her way out of the room hoping to make it back in time.

Katrina spent the rest of the moment with her little one. Admiring her tiny little hands and feet and her thin strands of brown hair that gently stuck to her scalp.

"Why did the heavens allow such beauty to enter this world if all you will face is pure torture?"

The child held on to her mother's finger so tightly that Katrina felt like she was telling her something. That she was showing concern for her as a daughter. Katrina smiled at this even though she was falling apart inside. She could feel her eyes closing in on her and she knew time was nearing. She didn't hold back from her fate but in fact, welcomed it with open arms. At least her little girl was okay. She couldn't live with herself if her own child was the one to be carried away by the darkness instead.

Aliana would take a while to find mother, so she had plenty of time left.

Katrina planted a light kiss on her baby's head and carefully placed the little girl on the rocking chair beside the bed.

"I hope someday, you won't have to face this cruel and heartless world alone. I know Mother and Aliana will take good care of you."

With that said, Katrina leaned back on the bed and closed her eyes to embrace her fate. She understood what had to be done. Giving up your own life as a mother was not as hard as it seemed. She was ready to go. Life had given her a fair share of struggles and hardship and this was the best way to end her pain. Right here, right now.

Katrina felt her heart beat slowing to a pace and her mind drifted off into unconsciousness. She forcefully opened her eyes to take one last look at her surrounding as she took her last breath before knocking out into blackness.