Orion was slumped back against the pillows, drenched in sweat, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he struggled to catch his breath. His entire body felt like it was on fire, every muscle aching, every nerve screaming in agony. The pressure in his lower abdomen was unbearable, and he could barely think straight through the haze of pain and exhaustion. He didn't know how much longer he could keep going, his energy completely drained from the relentless contractions.
"I… I can't," Orion groaned, his voice barely a whisper as he turned his head towards Articus, who was sitting beside him, still holding his hand. His eyes were filled with exhaustion and desperation. "I can't do this anymore."
Articus squeezed his son's hand gently, his expression soft but firm. "You can, Orion. I know you're tired, but you're so close now."
The healer stepped forward, her expression kind but focused as she approached the bed. She studied Orion for a moment before speaking, her voice calm but insistent. "Orion, I know it feels impossible right now, but you need to try to move. Walking a bit could help push the baby down and relieve some of that pressure you're feeling. It might make things progress faster."
Orion's eyes widened, and he shook his head weakly, panic flashing across his face. "No… no, I can't," he gasped, his entire body trembling from the effort of just lying there. The idea of standing, let alone walking, felt impossible. "I can barely move…"
The healer gave him a sympathetic look, but she was firm in her suggestion. "I know it's the last thing you want to do right now, but it will help, I promise. Even just a few steps. It'll make a difference."
Orion's hands gripped the blankets tightly, his body tense as another contraction loomed. The thought of moving was terrifying—he didn't have the energy, and the pain was already so overwhelming. How was he supposed to walk when every part of him felt like it was being torn apart?
"Come on, son," Articus said gently, but there was a quiet strength in his voice that urged Orion forward. "I'll help you. I'll be right here with you."
"I can't," Orion whimpered again, his voice shaking. "I'm too tired…"
The healer exchanged a glance with Articus, her eyes serious. "If we can get you moving, it could help the baby move down faster, Orion. We don't want things to stall."
Orion bit his lip, tears welling in his eyes as he looked at his father, his fear and exhaustion palpable. "I don't know if I can stand…"
Articus gave his hand another reassuring squeeze before moving to the side of the bed, gently helping Orion into a sitting position. "Let's just take it one step at a time," he said softly, his hands steady as he supported Orion. "We'll go slow."
Orion groaned as he shifted, the weight of the baby pressing down painfully on his lower abdomen. His legs trembled as he swung them over the edge of the bed, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and exhaustion.
Articus stood beside him, wrapping an arm around his back to help support him. "Lean on me, son. You're not doing this alone."
Orion took a deep, shaky breath, his body trembling with the effort, but he nodded. Slowly, with Articus's help, he rose to his feet. The pressure was intense, and the moment he stood, another contraction hit him full force. He gasped, doubling over slightly, his hands flying to his belly as he moaned in pain.
"Breathe through it," the healer instructed, stepping forward to guide him. "You're doing great, Orion. Just take it slow."
Orion's legs wobbled beneath him, and he clung to Articus for support, his breathing ragged as he tried to focus through the pain. Every step felt like a monumental effort, his body protesting every movement, but with Articus by his side, he managed to take a few shaky steps.
The pain was still there, overwhelming and all-consuming, but as he moved, he could feel the baby shifting slightly inside him. It wasn't much relief, but it was something.
"That's it," the healer encouraged, her voice steady and reassuring. "Just a little more, Orion. You're doing so well."
Orion gritted his teeth, pushing through the exhaustion and the pain. His legs felt like they would give out at any moment, but he kept going, his father's steady presence giving him the strength to keep moving.
After what felt like an eternity, he stopped, panting heavily, his body trembling with the effort. He couldn't take another step—his legs were about to buckle beneath him.
"I—can't," he gasped, leaning heavily against Articus. "I can't… anymore…"
Articus quickly guided him back towards the bed, easing him down gently. "You did amazing, Orion," he said softly, his hand never leaving his son's shoulder. "That's enough for now. Just rest."
Orion slumped back onto the bed, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He was still shaking, his body exhausted and aching, but there was a faint glimmer of hope amidst the pain.
