Magnus
Cleo squeezed his hand and gasped, sweat and tears dripping down her face. Magnus pressed a tender kiss against her forehead.
"Magnus, I love you." Her voice was hoarse, exhausted. She's been in labour for days by this point. The child still had not come out.
Concern for her was an understatement. The midwives had not allowed him to enter the birthing room until merely hours ago, yet, it was the action of requesting his presence that tripled his already boiling anxiety of becoming a father. He knew that there was a very high possibility that would have to raise the child, his son on his own.
He wanted to slap himself for even thinking that. Cleo would not die, she can't leave him. He would break without her.
"Shh...reserve your energy. I love you too." Magnus hated the vulnerability that was revealed in those words. Cleo smiled sadly and gasped again.
"Push Your Majesty! He will be here soon!" The midwives encouraged.
With horror, Magnus witnessed his Cleiona tense up and let out a shrill shriek of agony. His heart wrenched in another wave of pain for his wife. The sense of uselessness made his stomach flip.
The sudden thick scent of coppery blood shocked him. He glanced at Cleo. Her usually pale complexion, along with the unhealthy sheen developed during her pregnancy and labour was accompanied by an almost ghostly look. She collapsed into the pillows as she finished with the push.
One of the midwives shrieked. Another yelled for medication. Magnus, cradling Cleo's head with one arm, followed the gaze of the midwives in dread. Red...suddenly everywhere. Cleo's blood was gushing out in buckets. Panicked, Magnus called at the maid that walked in a second ago to deliver more water for birthing.
"Find out if Lucia's back, and get her in here!" The maid scanned the scene, and sprinted out the door.
"CLEIONA!" Cleo's eyes rolled back into her head, and her entire body twitched uncontrollably...
————————————————
After Cleo had woke, he was escorted out of the room so a healer could conduct the rest of the birth.
Magnus did not know why, they let him inside already due to the dangers around her, why would they kick him out again when she's even closer to the arms of death? Irrelevant. Magnus thought. Cleo's well-being is much more important than not being present during her birthing.
Jonas Agallon was waiting outside the door. Magnus ran a hand through his hair, mask free, weaknesses sprawled out for the world to see.
A look of comprehension of Cleo's state dawned on Jonas's face.
"Magnus...you summoned Lucia when Cleo went in there. She will arrive within the next day if there are no complications in her travels."
He knew that Lucia was on her way, but he needed her, now, or Cleo would...Where was his sister when he needed her most? It was clear now that Cleo would not live. Not unless a powerful wielder of Earth Magic could strengthen her before she passes. Magnus went to the Beast to summon Valia. He told Jonas to try to find Olivia, wherever she was in this world, quickly. Valia did not answer his summons. So, he returned to pacing outside the birthing chambers, wracking his brain with ways to save Cleo. The bloodstone was lost, no one powerful enough was around, he didn't have magical grape seeds at his disposal. Dawn rose from the nearby window, marking the beginning of the fourth day of Cleo's labour. Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream sent painful shivers down his spine. Then, a momentary silence, and the cry of an infant filled the air. Magnus pushed past the door as soon as it was open.
"Cleiona!" He went straight for his wife. She was sitting up, supported by propped up pillows. A small baby was given to her as Magnus approached. She was the in the most beautiful state that he had ever seen her, but so fragile.
"His name...is...Luka."
Suddenly, Magnus could not breathe. Cleo named their son, Luka...Magnus' middle name was Lukas. Luka...bringer of light. The words he said to her a year ago echoed back at him. "In the shadow my father has cast over my entire life, you are the only light I can see anymore." She was saying goodbye.
"Cleo..." She ignored him.
"I...know...that...he will...grow up...to be great...like his...father." Each word was a struggle. A tear rolled down Magnus's face. Cleo continued. "Luka Magnus...Damora...Bellos" Her voice was growing weaker. Magnus squeezed her hand. She gestured him to take Luka. The most perfect person he had ever seen before was placed in his arms. His heart swelled with love and the fatherly instinct to protect this child with his life rushed over him. Yet...Cleo.