Orion leaned forward, his body instinctively curling inward as another wave of intense pressure slammed into him. He couldn't hold back the tears any longer—hot, fat drops spilling down his cheeks as he let out a deep, guttural moan. His hands flew to his belly, as if trying to ease the unbearable sensation building within him, but it was no use. The pressure was too much. He felt like he was being torn apart from the inside out.
"So much… pressure," Orion groaned, his voice hoarse, trembling as the intensity of it all overwhelmed him. His whole body ached, the pressure in his lower abdomen making it nearly impossible to sit still. Every muscle in his body was taut with tension, and he couldn't stop the sobs from escaping his lips.
Articus was at his side in an instant, his strong arms steadying Orion as he leaned forward. He crouched down beside him, rubbing his back in slow, soothing circles, his heart breaking at the sight of his son in so much pain. "I know, I know," he murmured softly, his voice calm but filled with concern. "It's almost over, Orion. Just a little more."
Orion shook his head, tears streaming down his face as another wave of pressure built up, stronger this time. His hands clenched the edge of the bed, knuckles turning white as he moaned again, this time louder, the sound filling the room. His entire body was trembling, and he could barely catch his breath between sobs.
"I can't," he whimpered, leaning into his father for support. "I can't… do this."
"You can," Articus said, his tone firm but gentle. He kept one hand on Orion's back, the other gripping his hand. "You're so strong, Orion. You've made it this far. Just hold on a little longer."
The healer moved closer, her eyes filled with quiet determination as she checked on Orion's progress. "You're doing brilliantly, Orion. The pressure means the baby's moving down, and you're getting closer. You just need to focus on breathing through it, alright?"
Orion tried to focus on her words, but the pressure was all-consuming, and the pain felt like it was splitting him in two. His breathing was ragged, shallow gasps that barely filled his lungs. He felt like he was suffocating under the weight of it all, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He leaned forward again, his forehead pressing against Articus's shoulder, seeking comfort in his father's solid presence. He couldn't stop the tears that continued to fall, each contraction pushing him closer to his limit.
"I'm so tired," he sobbed, his voice breaking as another wave of pressure surged through him. "I just… want it to be over."
Articus held him close, his hand rubbing soothing circles on Orion's back. "I know, son. I know. But you're so close now. You're almost there."
Orion's whole body shuddered as he cried out again, the pressure so intense he thought he might pass out. His hands clutched Articus's arm as if it were his lifeline, desperate for some relief from the agony.
"You're doing so well, Orion," the healer said, her voice calm but encouraging. "The baby's almost here. Just focus on your breathing. We're almost at the finish line."
Orion took a shuddering breath, trying to follow her instructions, but it felt impossible with the crushing pressure bearing down on him. His chest heaved with each sob, his face flushed and wet with tears.
But through it all, Articus was there, his presence steady and grounding, his voice soft and full of reassurance. "You're almost there, Orion," he murmured. "Just hold on a little longer."
Orion nodded weakly, his body still trembling from the overwhelming pressure, but he clung to his father's words. It had to be almost over. He just had to survive a little longer.
And with that thought, he braced himself for the next contraction, knowing that no matter how much it hurt, he wasn't alone. His father was there, and soon, so would his child.
