Orion lay back on the bed, completely drained from the brief walk he had just endured. His body still trembled, and the pain from the contractions continued to linger in waves. His breathing was labored as he clutched at the sheets, trying to ground himself as the throbbing in his back and abdomen remained constant.
Articus sat beside him, his hand still resting on Orion's arm, offering silent comfort. He had been there through it all—through every contraction, every moan of pain, every cry of frustration—and his steady presence was the only thing keeping Orion from falling apart completely.
The healer, who had been observing closely, approached the bed once more. Her voice was calm but firm as she gently lifted the blankets from Orion's lower body. "You did really well with that walk, Orion. Let's see how much progress we've made."
Orion groaned, exhausted, but he nodded slightly. His body still felt like it was made of lead, and his muscles were screaming in protest. But there was a glimmer of hope in the healer's words—progress meant he was closer to the end.
"Okay," the healer said as she positioned herself to check his dilation again. "Let's see how you're doing now."
Orion clenched his teeth, feeling a fresh wave of anxiety as the healer's hands worked with practiced ease. The tension in the room was palpable, and even Articus, normally calm, looked concerned as he waited for the healer's assessment.
For a few moments, the healer was silent, her brow furrowing slightly as she examined him. Orion's heart pounded in his chest, the anticipation almost as painful as the contractions. He closed his eyes, gripping Articus's hand tightly, waiting for her to speak.
Finally, the healer's face softened into a smile. "Orion, the walk worked. You're at nine centimeters now."
Orion's eyes flew open, and he stared at her in disbelief. "Nine?" he gasped, barely able to process the information through the haze of pain and exhaustion. "Already?"
She nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, you've made significant progress. Your body is responding well, and you're getting closer. I know it's been difficult, but you're almost there. We just need to get through these last few contractions, and then it'll be time."
Orion felt a rush of relief wash over him, but it was quickly followed by another wave of fear. He knew what came next, and the thought of the final stages of labor terrified him. He had already endured so much, and the idea of more pain, of pushing… it was overwhelming.
"I don't know if I can," he whispered, tears springing to his eyes as he looked up at Articus. "I'm so tired… I don't know if I have any strength left."
Articus squeezed his hand gently, his gaze steady and filled with pride. "You've been so strong, Orion. You've already come this far—you can finish this. I'm here with you, every step of the way."
The healer nodded in agreement, her voice soothing as she spoke. "You've done an incredible job so far. Just take it one contraction at a time. You're almost there."
Orion took a deep, shaky breath, trying to steady himself. His body was wracked with pain, his mind clouded by exhaustion, but knowing that he was so close to meeting his baby gave him a flicker of determination.
He nodded slowly, trying to find the strength within himself. "Okay," he murmured. "I'll try. I'll keep going."
The healer smiled again, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "That's all you need to do. Just keep going."
As the next contraction built up, Orion braced himself, clenching his teeth as the pressure mounted. Articus stayed by his side, his hand never leaving Orion's, offering silent support as his son battled through the pain.
Orion groaned, his whole body trembling, but the words of encouragement from both Articus and the healer echoed in his mind, pushing him forward. He could do this. He was strong enough. He had to be.
The end was in sight, and with each contraction, he knew he was one step closer to finally meeting his child.
