A sudden, sharp pain shot through Rowena's abdomen, catching her completely by surprise.
Her eyes widened as she gasped, clutching instinctively at her belly. Another intense kick reverberated from within, causing her legs to buckle slightly, dizziness washing over her in a nauseating wave.
"Ngh—!" She doubled over, feeling her veins burning, mana surging chaotically through every fiber of her being.
She was about to collapse when strong arms swiftly caught her, steadying her carefully.
Valeria's armored hands held Rowena gently yet firmly, her crimson eyes glinting behind her helmet's slit.
"T-The baby..." Rowena managed through gritted teeth, her voice strained with pain. "She wants to come out... I didn't... expect this to happen so soon..." Sweat began to bead on her forehead, trickling down the sides of her pale face.
According to Igrid, her child wasn't supposed to come until at least a few weeks later.
Valeria's response was immediate and calmly confident, her voice cold yet oddly reassuring, "It's fine. I will have to help you deliver the baby here, now. It might become dangerous for you if we waste time by returning and waiting for a physician."
Rowena blinked through her pain, disbelief flickering in her crimson eyes. She looked up at Valeria, confusion evident in her voice, "You... You know how?"
Valeria didn't hesitate, gently helping Rowena lower herself to her knees. "I assure you, I can safely deliver this child. Your baby is incredibly powerful—even Igrid might not know how to handle such a birth."
Rowena's breathing grew heavy and ragged, her muscles twitching and clenching as waves of pain washed through her body.
Her rational mind screamed that returning to Igrid was safest, but something deep within—an inexplicable trust—told her that Valeria spoke truthfully.
She took a shuddering breath, nodded slowly, and gripped Valeria's armored hand tighter.
"I trust you," she whispered, grimacing with another sharp surge of agony.
Valeria quickly produced a soft mattress from within her spatial root, carefully helping Rowena lay down gently upon it.
She knelt by Rowena's side, removing the gauntlets from her armored hands to ensure gentleness. Her skin beneath was unnaturally pale, smooth, and elegant, yet carried a subtle strength, making Rowena wonder how a warrior's hands could look so soft and noble. But that thought only lingered for a moment before pain overwhelmed it.
"You are going to be alright," Valeria assured, her tone unchanging yet strangely comforting. She squeezed Rowena's trembling hand gently. "I will do my best to ease your pain."
Rowena could only nod, breathing deeply, steadying herself against the torrents of pain, her determination flaring fiercely despite her suffering.
Her heart thundered in her chest, knowing the birth of her child—her and Asher's child—was finally here.
She thought she would be prepared for it...but she wasn't.
"Now, breathe deeply and steadily."
Rowena nodded, forcing herself to follow Valeria's calm instructions. Each breath burned her lungs, each contraction intensified the agony—but she refused to surrender.
Valeria guided her with precision, speaking softly but clearly. "Now, Rowena. Push."
"Aaaaaahhh!!" Rowena's cry tore through the peaceful forest, her mana surging uncontrollably outward in powerful ripples.
Crimson tendrils crackled around her, splintering the air as though space itself was trembling with the force of her anguish and determination.
Trees quivered, leaves swirling violently around them, as the natural mana of the world resonated fiercely with this unprecedented event.
"Again, Rowena," Valeria urged steadily, unshaken by the chaotic energy flooding the clearing.
Rowena pushed again, her muscles straining to their limits. Sweat poured down her face, mixing with tears of pain and exertion. She felt the baby shift, closer to emerging.
"You're almost there," Valeria encouraged her quietly, her voice unwaveringly strong.
Rowena summoned every ounce of willpower and strength she possessed, letting out one final, fierce scream.
Her mana exploded around her, shaking the very ground as she pushed her child into the world.
Suddenly, everything went eerily quiet.
Rowena collapsed back, breathing heavily, her entire body trembling. Her vision blurred, consciousness fading at the edges. She barely saw Valeria catch the small, delicate form emerging into her waiting hands.
Then reality returned with sharp clarity.
Valeria stared down at the tiny, blood-covered child, whose skin glistened with a pale, ethereal glow.
Small, pointed elven ears peeked through tufts of damp, silken hair. A pair of delicate fangs glinted in the moonlight. Her eyes remained closed, motionless in a disturbing silence.
Rowena, sensing something amiss, struggled upward weakly, her voice trembling. "Valeria...? My child... Why isn't she breathing?"
Valeria remained silent, her crimson eyes narrowing sharply behind the helmet.
Without a word, she turned the baby carefully, laying one hand gently on the infant's back. Her palm glowed faintly with crimson mana, pulsing gently, coaxing life to stir.
"Please..." Rowena whispered desperately, tears burning her eyes as panic clenched her heart like a vice.
Still, nothing. Valeria's jaw tightened, quietly determined, channeling more mana—deep, fiery, and powerful.
Rowena's eyes flickered as she sensed the mana that was emanating from her. It was far different than the mana that was coming from her earlier.
It felt so...familiar and warm, reminding her of her mother's mana. Was she imagining it due to her current state?
At that instant, the entire world seemed to pause, the air turning heavy, charged, expectant.
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