Mason blinked, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events. But then, just as quickly as it had happened, the scene shifted. There was a sudden burst of smoke—dark, swirling, and thick—and the air seemed to freeze for a moment. Mason's heart stopped as the smoke clouded his vision. For a split second, he thought it was over. That Justin was gone. The creature was too fast, too deadly.
But when the smoke cleared, everything was different.
The chupacabra, that had been moments away from ending Justin's life, was now lying lifeless on the ground. Its body crumpled in an unnatural position, its glowing eyes now dull and vacant.
Justin lay on the ground, his chest rising and falling with rapid breaths, but otherwise untouched. His face was pale, but there was no sign of injury. The creature that had been on top of him was dead.
"What… what just happened?" Mason's voice was barely audible, his heart still racing in his chest. The adrenaline was still coursing through his veins, his werewolf instincts still on high alert, but the situation had completely shifted in a heartbeat.
Cigam stood in the centre of the battlefield, his wand held firmly in his hand. The old wizard's eyes glinted with quiet intensity, and his lips barely moved as he spoke. "I saved him."
Mason's eyes darted between Cigam and Justin, the confusion still clear on his face. "You—you did that? With just a spell?"
Cigam nodded slightly, his gaze never wavering from the dead chupacabra at Justin's feet. "It's a defensive charm. One that I've honed over many years. It's not without its risks, but it ensures the safety of those who need it."
Justin slowly pushed himself up, his heart still racing but the immediate danger past. He looked up at Cigam, his eyes wide with a mix of gratitude and disbelief. "That… that was amazing," he said, his voice shaky. "I thought I was done for…"
"You were," Cigam replied flatly, his voice cold and practical. "And now you're not. Be more careful in the future."
Mason, still recovering from the shock of seeing his friend nearly torn apart, walked over to Justin, his massive wolf form shrinking as he transformed back into his human shape. His eyes were still full of concern. "Don't scare me like that again," he muttered under his breath, clapping Justin on the back with a little more force than necessary.
Justin gave a weak smile, brushing the dirt from his clothes, his hands still shaking. "I'll try not to."
Justin glanced at the dead chupacabra, then at Mason, who nodded, a silent agreement passing between them. They couldn't afford to wait for the next wave.
"Right," Justin said, his voice gaining strength. "Let's finish this. Together."
Cigam gave a short, approving nod and turned, "allow me…" Then, without warning, Cigam moved.
The old wizard stood there for a long moment, his gaze distant as if he were sensing something in the air, his staff held loosely at his side. Then, slowly, he raised it, the runes on its surface glowing faintly in the darkness. His eyes glinted with an unsettling calmness—there was no panic in him, no fear of the creatures. Just resolve. And then, in a voice as cold and steady as the storm around them, Cigam spoke one word.
"Suficiente!"
The words seemed to hang in the air, vibrating with power. And in that instant, the very ground beneath them seemed to pulse. A crackling surge of energy rippled out from the tip of Cigam's staff, spreading outward like a shockwave through the jungle. The air seemed to grow thick, charged with a sudden, overwhelming force. Before Justin or Mason could react, the energy surged forward, a brilliant flash of blinding light erupting from the staff. The chupacabras, who had been lurking in the shadows, their red eyes glowing with hunger, suddenly froze. The light engulfed them in an instant—first a crackling ripple, then an explosion of force that sent shockwaves through the jungle.
The creatures screeched, their bodies twisting and convulsing in unnatural ways, as if the very essence of their existence was being torn apart. Their glowing eyes dimmed, their bodies disintegrated in a flurry of smoke and sparks, vanishing into nothingness with a final, horrifying wail.
Within seconds, the jungle was completely still again, the chupacabras reduced to ash and silence. Justin and Mason stood there, stunned, their eyes wide as they tried to process what had just happened.
Justin's jaw was slack, his wand still hanging limply in his hand, but he couldn't take his eyes off Cigam. "That… that was insane. I've never seen anything like that before. You… you just wiped them all out with one spell."
Cigam lowered his staff slowly, his expression unreadable, "you were both taking too long. If I knew I'd have to do all the work myself, I wouldn't have bothered asking!"
Justin and Mason exchanged a glance, both of them still processing what they'd just witnessed.
"You… You didn't even break a sweat." Justin said quietly, his voice still full of awe.
Cigam's lips twitched slightly, almost imperceptibly. "There is little use in breaking a sweat when one is prepared." Cigam stood tall, his gaze lingering on the jungle ahead, assessing the area for any remaining threats.
But after a few moments of silence, he turned sharply toward them, his eyes narrowing with a sudden reminder. "Gentlemen, I'm sorry, but I think you've forgotten something…" Cigam's voice was calm but firm. "Alex is still waiting for you..."
The words hit them both like a splash of cold water, snapping them out of the trance the battle had put them in. Mason cursed under his breath. His mind had been so focused on the battle, He glanced at Justin. "We've got to get back to her—now."
"Let's go," Justin said, his voice urgent. He started toward the shack, his pace quickening as he headed back the way they came, Mason right beside him.
Cigam followed with deliberate steps, his eyes scanning the jungle one last time. He paused for just a moment, as if calculating something in his mind, before walking steadily behind them, his presence as calm as ever. Despite the destruction they had just caused to the Chupacabra pack, he wasn't fooled by the apparent silence of the jungle. His instincts, honed over a lifetime, told him that the danger was not entirely over.
Alex knelt beside the bed, her legs folded beneath her at an awkward angle, her body trembling with each passing wave of pain. The rough wooden floor beneath her felt hard and unyielding, but she barely noticed it, her focus entirely consumed by the intensity of the contraction. Her hand gripped the mattress of the bed, her fingers digging into the worn fabric as she fought to steady herself. Her knuckles clenched, and her breath came in ragged gasps, each exhale sharp and desperate. Her face was contorted in pain, a grimace that twisted her features as the pressure built inside her, the contractions crashing through her body like waves against jagged rocks.
Her eyes were squeezed shut, the lids pressed tight as if to block out the overwhelming sensation. Sweat slicked her forehead, glistening in the dim light that filtered through the shack's small windows. Her chest heaved with each laboured breath, her body betraying her in ways she couldn't control. It felt like everything inside her was being pulled apart, the strain making her feel as if she were about to break.
Beside her, Juliet hovered, her face tight with anxiety. Though, she tried with all her might to maintain an air of calm. Her hands were clasped together in front of her, her fingers twisting nervously, as if she were trying to keep herself grounded while watching her friend in such agony. Juliet's brows were furrowed, her mouth set in a worried line, but she didn't let her fear show too much. She knew Alex needed her strength, even if she was struggling to find her own. Juliet stepped closer, her eyes scanning Alex's face as she tried to offer comfort with her presence, but the unease was evident in the way she shifted from foot to foot, as if unsure of what to do next.
"Alex, you're doing great," Juliet said, her voice softer than usual, laced with concern. Her words felt fragile in the tense silence of the room, but she hoped they would offer some reassurance. "Just breathe, okay? In... out. You've got this."
Alex's grip on the bed tightened, her fingers digging deeper into the fabric as another wave of pain hit. "Ah—ugh—why is it so... so... painful?!" Her whole body stiffened, her face contorting once again as a sharp cry of frustration escaped her lips. She clenched her jaw so tightly, it was as though she was trying to hold herself together, to push through the overwhelming pain.
Juliet's heart clenched at the sight of her friend in so much pain, but she stayed close, her eyes never leaving Alex's face. She reached out gently, placing a steadying hand on Alex's shoulder. "I know, it's tough Alex. But you're so close! Just breathe, okay? One step at a time, you can do this!"
Despite Juliet's reassuring words, Alex didn't feel strong. She felt vulnerable, exposed, and desperately alone in her pain. Every second felt like an eternity, the world shrinking to just her, the ache in her body, and the quiet whisper of Juliet's voice.
"I think I'd rather turn into a wolf again…"She whimpered clinging to the bed, her breathing ragged, her vision blurring "Please. Don't leave me."
Juliet leaned in closer, her voice a steady anchor amidst the storm. "I'm not going anywhere, Alex. I'm right here."
Suddenly Alex felt an odd sensation—a quick, sharp pressure that made her freeze. She glanced down, frowning. "Oh, no…" Alex winced, her voice weak, filled with disbelief.
Juliet froze. "What—" she began, then her eyes widened. "Alex, your water—"
"I—I know!" Alex gasped, her eyes wide with panic. She felt it again, a small pop inside her. Then the unmistakable warmth between her legs. "My water just broke." Juliet was at her side in an instant, kneeling next to her.
"I feel like... like I'm leaking." Alex groaned in disgust, her voice now slightly trembling. "Is that what it felt like for you?"
"I can't remember! It was hundreds of years ago!"
The door of the shack creaked open, the sound sharp in the otherwise still air. Mason, Justin, and the Professor stumbled into the room breathless from their hurried trek, their faces flushed with exertion. Mason's eyes immediately darted to Alex, his heart sinking when he saw her on her knees beside the bed, her face twisted in pain, her breaths shallow and rapid.
"Alex!" He called out, his voice a mix of relief and worry. He rushed over to her, his hands outstretched as though he could somehow absorb her pain just by being close to her.
Alex's eyes flickered up at the sound of his voice, a weak, pained smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "About time you guy got back," she gasped, her voice strained, but there was an undeniable relief in her tone.
Mason dropped to his knees beside her, his hands hovering over her as he scanned her face. Justin stepped closer to Alex, his face a mixture of concern and uncertainty as he surveyed the room. His voice, though laced with worry, still held an attempt at calmness. "Alright so, how's everything going?" He asked, his eyes flickering between Alex and Juliet.
Before Alex could answer, her entire body tensed again, and she gasped sharply as another contraction hit. The pain shot through her like a bolt of lightning, causing her to clench her teeth together with a force that made her jaw ache. She let out a low, almost growling sound as she fought to keep her composure, her fingers digging into the bed like a lifeline.
Her eyes snapped open, narrow and intense, her face flushed with the exertion of the pain. Through gritted teeth, she shot Justin a look. "How does it look it's going, Justin?" she snapped, her voice tinged with frustration. "I'm in labour!"
She forced herself to exhale, trying to control her breathing, but her body wasn't listening. Her muscles trembled with the effort, and sweat began to bead at her temples, slicking her skin. She could feel the weight of the moment crashing down on her, but the only thing she could focus on now was getting through the contraction, one brutal second at a time.
Justin, taken aback by her sharp response, stood frozen for a moment, his gaze flickering to Mason and then Juliet. He blinked, trying to collect himself, before he cleared his throat and nodded calmly, though there was a slight quiver to his voice.
"Right, I was just trying to be helpful..." He muttered, his words trailing off into the tense air. He took a step back, glancing nervously at the others, not quite sure how to navigate the situation, his earlier desire to help suddenly feeling so inadequate.
Alex let out a slow breath, feeling the contraction ease off, her body still trembling with the residual pain. She rubbed her belly in slow circles, attempting to calm herself, but the irritation was still there, a sharp edge to her tone. "I know you're trying, Justin," she said, her voice strained but quieter now. "But right now, I just need you to... I don't know, try not ask stupid questions!"
"Well Justin," Juliet said, her tone calm, "if you want to help you could flash us to the hospital. Alex's water just broke…" She glanced from Alex to the others, the gravity of her words settled in the room like a sudden storm.
Justin's head snapped toward her, his eyes widening. "What? Really?" His voice suddenly tight with panic. He took a hesitant step forward, his hand instinctively reaching out for Alex, but he paused, unsure of what to do next.
Juliet nodded, her gaze never leaving Alex. "We're sure, so w need to move. Quickly."
Justin stood frozen for a moment, his face pale as the realization of the situation hit him. His eyes flickered from Alex's flushed face to her clenched fists, and he quickly crossed the room to her side. "Alex, this is really happening?" His voice was a strange mix of awe and anxiety, the weight of the moment settling on him.
Alex turned to face him, her expression still tight with pain but now sharper, more focused. "What do you think, Jack ass?" she panted, her voice coming out strained.
Mason's hand found hers once again, the warmth of his touch a reassurance to her. He squeezed her hand, his thumb brushing across her knuckles. "It's going to be okay. Just breathe, love."
Alex's breathing deepened as she whined , "it hurts!" She gripped Mason's hand a little more tightly. "I always thought Mom was exaggerating when she talked how painful birth was." Then another contraction hit, and Alex can't help but let out an excruciating groan. She glared at Mason beside her, "This is your fault," she snarled through gritted teeth.
Mason's eyes softened as he gazed at Alex, a mixture of love and admiration filling his gaze. His posture was slightly hunched, as if he wasn't quite sure how to help but knew he needed to be there for her. His lips parted, his voice barely above a whisper, but his words carried the weight of all his emotions. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice thick with remorse, as though he blamed himself for her pain. "I promise, after this, I'll do anything you want. Anything."
He tightened his hold on her, gently but firmly, pulling her closer against his chest. The warmth of his touch was like a silent promise, a reassurance that no matter how difficult the journey ahead, he would stand by her side. His hands dithered, but it wasn't from fear—it was the overwhelming sense of helplessness he felt, the weight of being unable to take away her pain.
Alex's body shook with the aftermath of the contraction, the pain ebbing away slightly, leaving her worn but determined. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up at Mason, her face still flushed and damp with sweat, her expression softened, but there was a trace of humour in her voice as she weakly managed to speak. "I'm holding you to that, Mason," she whispered, her voice rough but tinged with a smile that barely touched her lips.
The brief moment of lightness broke through the tension, and she leaned further into his embrace, letting him take some of her weight as she tried to catch her breath. Her chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths, but she felt the relief of the pain's temporary retreat. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to relax into him, the heat of his body a grounding comfort against the storm that still raged within her.
Mason, still holding her close, nodded solemnly, his fingers brushing the damp hair away from her forehead. "Anything," he promised again, the sincerity of his words unwavering.
Meanwhile, Justin and Juliet exchanged a quiet glance, the weight of the moment not lost on either of them. The look between them was one of shared relief, the contraction had passed—for now. Justin let out a quiet exhale, his shoulders sagging slightly as he leaned against the wall, his hand running through his hair in a gesture of nervous relief. He caught Juliet's eye and gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, as if to say, We're getting through this.
Juliet's own gaze softened as she watched Alex and Mason, the tenderness between them palpable in the air. She relaxed, her shoulders loosening as the tension faded away with the passing of the contraction. She stepped back a bit, allowing the couple their space, but still remained close, a steady presence in the background.
"We need to go to the hospital," Justin suggested, "Like, now?" His words were a mix of concern and disbelief, his usual calm demeanour cracking under the pressure.
Alex nodded slowly, her voice quivering as the nerves she'd been suppressing began to fray at the edges. "Yeah. Yeah. We need to go now." But as soon as she spoke, a wave of doubt surged through her—she wasn't sure anymore. Was she really ready for this?
Mason, his hands steady but his own anxiety simmering beneath the surface, gently placed his hands on to Alex's shoulders. "Okay, we'll get you there," he said softly, his voice unwavering but his eyes betraying the panic that lurked just beneath. He helped her sit up, then, carefully, guided her to stand. His arms wrapped around her waist, steadying her as her legs felt weak beneath her.
The second Alex's feet touched the ground, however, something shifted. A sudden warmth, slick and unmistakable, pooled between her legs. She gasped in shock and froze, her heart thundering as the realization hit her—another gush of fluid was trickling down her legs, pooling at her feet in a stark and sudden rush. Her breath caught in her throat, and she fought against the overwhelming sense of panic rising inside her.
"Alex!" Justin's voice cracked with alarm, the worry in his tone unmistakable. The sight of her—weak, vulnerable, and clearly in pain—shattered his calm. He stepped forward, his hands outstretched as if to catch her, his brow furrowed deeply in concern. "Are you okay?"
Alex winced, trying to steady herself, but her knees buckled slightly, though adrenaline surging through her veins. She swallowed hard, desperately trying to hold onto some semblance of control. "I—I'm fine," she forced out, though her voice was thick with fear. Her heart pounded in her chest, and the sound of it seemed to echo in her ears. "It's just... this is normal, right?"
Her gaze flickered between her family and the Professor, the uncertainty clear in her eyes. She needed reassurance, something to make her feel grounded, but all she could do was try to push back the rising tide of panic.
Mason's eyes were wide, his expression a mixture of concern and confusion. He glanced toward the Professor, his voice trembling as he turned to him for guidance. "We're sure this is normal?" His words were quiet, but the tension in his voice was palpable. He needed answers—he needed to know Alex was okay.
Cigam ever composed, despite the frantic energy in the room, nodded calmly. "Completely." His voice was measured, reassuring in its certainty.
Alex tried to steady her breath, her chest heaving as she absorbed the Professor's words. She turned her head slightly, her eyes locking with Mason's. Her voice was small, but steady as she sought comfort in his presence. "Mason..." She whispered, her words almost a plea, a soft cry for support. She leaned into him, "please, just... stay with me."
"I'm not going anywhere…"
Alex's body began to dither with the intensity of another impending contraction that was building within her. Her breath came in rapid, shallow gasps, her chest heaving as she struggled against the rising pressure. Her face contorted with pain as she clung herself desperately on to Mason, burying her head into his shoulder.
"I... I can't..." She cried, her voice tight and urgent, "I think I have to push!"
Mason's eyes widened in alarm as he saw the distress on her face, his hand instinctively gripped hers tighter. He leaned in close, his voice low and soothing, trying to keep his composure, though the worry in his eyes was undeniable. "No, Alex. It's not time yet." His words were gentle but firm, "you need to wait. Just keep breathing, okay? And we'll get you back to the hospital as soon as we can."
He pressed his forehead against hers, trying to offer her some comfort, though the fear in his own chest was beginning to mount. "You're doing great," he continued softly, "but the baby isn't ready yet."
However, Alex felt as if her body had taken control, and as her eyes locked with Mason's, her face tightened with pain as the contraction continued to pulse through her. Her breath was shallow and erratic as she tried to steady herself, but the urge to push—to do something—was relentless, a primal need that was impossible to ignore. She breathed in deeply through her nose, trying to focus, to pull herself together, but the sensation was too powerful.
She gritted her teeth, her grip on Mason's hand increasing painfully. "I can't wait," she managed to push out between breaths, her voice tight and desperate. The pressure was mounting, her body begging to give in to the urge, the feeling of the baby's imminent arrival was undeniable.
Mason's face softened with empathy, but he could feel his own heart racing. He reached for her cheek, brushing her damp hair away from her face, his touch tender. "Alex, I need you to listen to me," he said, his voice firm but filled with love. "I know it's hard, but we have to wait just a little longer. We need to get you to the hospital. Just hold on a little bit longer..."
"Alex, listen to Mason," Justin stepped forward, his face etched with concern. "You don't want to start pushing too early. It could make things harder for you." His words were meant to calm her, but even to his own ears, they sounded like a fragile plea, an attempt to tether her to reason amidst the chaos.
Juliet, standing nearby, was visibly frantic, her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, as if she were trying to will herself to remain calm for Alex's sake. "It'll be fine, Justin can flash us there. You'll be there in no time!"
Alex's breath quickened, the rhythm was erratic, as if her body was struggling to keep up with the overwhelming pressure building inside her. It was relentless, a tidal wave of urgency and pain that washed over her with each passing moment. The muscles in her legs quaked as the force of the contraction nearly knocked the air from her lungs.
She squeezed her eyes shut, her face a mask of anguish as another contraction crashed through her. A strained groan escaped her lips, low and guttural, her body fighting the overpowering sensation. She latched on to Mason, trying to anchor herself to something, anything, to steady the chaos within her. But the urge to push—so primal and undeniable—demanded her attention, her body giving in before her mind could protest.
"I can't..." Alex gasped, her voice raw and strained, barely a whisper between breaths. Her teeth were gritted, her jaw tight with the effort to hold back the push, but it was like trying to hold back a storm. Her fingers clenched on to Mason's shoulders. "Mason..." she whimpered, her eyes locking onto his. Her body arched slightly, and the pressure mounted again, suffocating and all-encompassing. "I... I have to push!"