Chapter 70
In the quiet hours of the evening, the East Valley Medical Hospital was suddenly filled with the sound of a desperate cry. Maria, gripped with pain, clutched her stomach as her water broke, the fluid pooling onto the polished floor beneath her. Her voice echoed down the sterile halls, summoning the attention of nurses and doctors whose duty was to heal and protect. Cloaked in urgency, they rushed to her side, their concern outweighing the late hour and the exhaustion of a long shift.
Yet, this was no ordinary medical crisis. A shimmering magical barrier enveloped the room, casting a soft glow against the clinical white walls. The barrier had been erected earlier for the protection of all present—something necessary when forces beyond the natural were at play. The medical staff, now accustomed to such marvels since the Queen’s arrival, moved through their tasks with practiced care, undeterred by the supernatural presence.
Queen Raine, regal and composed, entered the room amid the chaos. Her presence brought a sense of order and hope, her aura weaving gently with the magic of the barrier. She moved through the crowd with purpose, her eyes scanning Maria’s anguished form and the worried faces of those tending to her. Assessing the situation, Queen Raine’s gaze fell upon Dr. Katestone, who stood ready but anxious amidst the unfolding drama.
Without hesitation, Queen Raine approached Dr. Katestone, recognizing the pivotal role she would play in the coming moments. With a gentle but commanding gesture, she pulled the doctor aside, her voice both soothing and authoritative. “Dr. Katestone, your skill is needed here. The child will be born under unusual circumstances—your expertise and calm must guide us.” The doctor nodded, collecting herself as she prepared to lead the team.
The attending nurse gently rubbed Maria’s back, whispering words of reassurance in an effort to calm her as Dr. Katestone quickly gathered the necessary supplies. The urgency was palpable; Maria’s labor was progressing much faster than anyone had anticipated, making it impossible to safely move her to the designated private delivery room. Standing firm and composed, Queen Raine knelt beside Maria, checking her progress while she remained upright, her assessment swift and expert in the midst of the unfolding emergency.
Maria was ready to push, her face tense with determination, when Dr. Katestone's practiced eye caught something amiss. Pausing, she stood up, removed her glove with measured calm, and walked swiftly to Queen Raine. Leaning in close, she whispered urgently, “The baby is coming out foot first. We have to do a C-section right away.” The gravity of the situation hung in the air, prompting Queen Raine to nod in understanding and signal the team to prepare for emergency intervention.
The emergency services arrived swiftly, wheeling a gurney into the room. Working with practiced precision, they helped Maria onto it, while a guard ensured the hallway was clear and guided everyone out. With urgency and care, the team made their way to the operating room, the magical barrier shimmering as they passed through. Once inside, Maria was gently transferred to the surgical bed, her breathing steady but anxious. The anesthesiologist nurse placed a mask over Maria's mouth and nose, encouraging her to take slow, deep breaths. Gradually, Maria's eyes fluttered shut as she slipped under anesthesia, and the medical team immediately began monitoring her vital signs, preparing for the procedure ahead.
The Queen Raine is outside of the operating room waiting for the baby to be born, one of the witch came to her and whisper into her ear.
Leaning closer, the witch whispered, “Lady Kathy was kidnapped by Noah, but things took a dark turn—Noah was killed by a rogue he’d promised Kathy to. Despite the chaos, Kathy went into labor and gave birth to healthy baby boys. She’s now recovering in the hospital, along with Queen Vanessa and Lady Grace. Meanwhile, Noah’s father, Samuel, is furious over his son’s death at the hands of the rogues.”
Queen Raine’s expression hardened as she listened to the witch’s account. “Well, I don’t blame them,” she said quietly, her voice edged with pragmatism. “If you don’t give rogues what they want, of course they will kill that person. Now we are waiting for this child to be born and give it the potion to kill its witch and werewolf.” Her words hung in the air, stark and decisive, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As Queen Raine stood in silent vigil outside the operating room, her mind was awash with concern and contemplation. The recent revelations had shifted the landscape; the plan that once seemed clear now felt dangerously fragile. She glanced at her fellow witch, their shared look confirming that more than magic was needed—wisdom and adaptability would have to guide their next steps. “Perhaps it’s time to reconsider our approach,” Raine whispered, her voice barely audible above the hum of hospital machinery. “We must devise a plan that protects not only the newborn but also the mothers, and ensures the safety of our people amid this new chaos.” Her resolve strengthened as she weighed each possibility, determined that the coming moments would be guided by both caution and compassion.
While the immediate concern was Maria’s health and the safe delivery of her child, another shadow loomed over her future. Maria’s trial remained unresolved, its outcome hanging in the balance until she recovered from the procedure. The Head Witches would convene after her recovery to determine her fate, their judgment a pivotal moment that could reshape not only Maria’s life but also the delicate balance of power among the magical community.