Chapter 36

I stared at the ceiling of the medical room of this alien base with a nervous feeling that was hard to control. The walls were made of gleaming metal that looked cold and alien, making me feel even smaller. Zask had brought me here very carefully, but even though I trusted him, fear still raged in my chest. What would happen after this? I wasn't really ready, despite having convinced myself that I would do anything for this baby.

Zask asked me to wait for a moment while he went to prepare... the liquid. Just thinking about those words made my stomach turn, and the thought of what I had to do made my palms start to sweat. Even though I'd been intimate with Zask before, this felt very different. I could never imagine having to... consume a part of him. It felt so foreign and disgusting. I took a deep breath, trying to relieve the discomfort that hit my body.

Several aliens dressed as medics seemed to be standing around me, watching my condition closely. One of them, a silvery-skinned alien with large, intense purple eyes, watched me attentively as I breathed in slowly, trying to calm down.

"Are you feeling nauseous?" the alien asked in a gentle tone that surprised me a little. I nodded slowly, unable to hide the discomfort that was taking over my body.

He moved closer and pulled out some sort of small, round device. Within seconds, I felt the subtle vibrations of the device on my wrist, and strangely, the nausea in my stomach slowly subsided. They seemed to have a very effective medical method for dealing with discomfort. Slowly, I began to feel better, although the fear was still entrenched in my mind.

"I know this may not be easy for you," the alien said again, his voice soft and soothing. "This process is still in the hypothesis stage, but experts believe that this is the best way to ensure the development of your fetus. Although there is no 100% guarantee, we predict a success rate of over 75%."

I paused, digesting the words he had just said. That number was quite high, but still... there was a possibility of failure. Part of me was relieved to hear such good odds, but on the other hand, I knew that this baby's life and future could not be completely guaranteed. All this I was doing, all these sacrifices, still had the possibility of failure. I had to be prepared to accept any consequences, but the thought of losing this baby made my heart feel broken.

"Thank you for explaining," I muttered in a barely audible voice. My eyes stared straight ahead, at the cold, shiny metal wall. I tried to steel my heart, but a limp dominated my body. I knew I had to do this, no matter how difficult it was.

Just as I started to feel myself sinking into my anxiety, I felt something warm and soft in my stomach. A small throbbing, faint movement from inside my womb. It was as if this baby was trying to communicate with me, telling me that she was there, alive and growing. The warm feeling enveloped me, erasing some of the fear that had dominated my mind. Gently, I placed my hand on her belly, stroking it softly as if to calm her.

"This is all for you," I whispered softly, the sound only audible to myself. I smiled slightly, trying to convince myself that it was all worth it. That all this fear and sacrifice would bring happiness one day.

The sound of footsteps made me lift my head. Zask appeared from behind the door, carrying a transparent container filled with a silvery liquid that glittered in the room's light. I swallowed, trying to prepare myself for what I was about to do. The liquid seemed thick and slightly sticky, flowing slowly as Zask tilted the container.

Zask's gaze was full of tenderness and support, though I could see a glimpse of doubt in his eyes. "Lana," he said softly, coming closer and placing the container in front of me. "It won't be easy, I know. If you don't feel ready, I won't force you."

Even though he said something like that I was sure he really expected me to say yes. I also don't want to be selfish because this is for the sake of my son's interests not just Zask's interests, If it was only for Zask's interests I would have already refused even though in the end it would still be forced.

I shook my head, even though this gripping fear still hadn't disappeared. "I... I'll do it," I replied with a trembling voice. "I've already decided."

He nodded, appreciating my decision, but did not immediately give me the container. He sat beside me, holding my hand tightly, as if to give me strength. His warm and caring touch made me feel a little calmer, though there remained a sense of trepidation in my heart.

I picked up the container with slightly trembling hands, staring at the liquid inside. It felt so strange and unfamiliar, imagining that I would consume it. My belly started to feel queasy again, but I steeled myself. I knew I had to get through this.

With bated breath, I brought the container to my lips, closing my eyes as the liquid began to flow down my throat. It tasted slightly sour, with a thick, slippery texture, but I tried not to think about it. I was only focused on one thing-this baby. The baby I wanted to survive.

After swallowing the first mouthful, I felt my stomach rebel, as if my body was refusing to accept the liquid. But I restrained myself, took a deep breath and tried to calm my body. I drank some more, little by little, until finally the container was empty.

I coughed softly, feeling the liquid still in my throat, but I composed myself, trying to ease the lingering nausea. Zask looked at me with eyes full of admiration and sincerity, as if he didn't expect that I would be able to get through this.

"Lana... you're amazing," he whispered softly, his voice filled with genuine admiration. He rubbed my shoulder gently, giving me a touch that made me feel a little stronger.

I smiled slightly, though my heart was still in turmoil. "I'm just doing what I have to do, Zask. It's for our baby."

He looked at me deeply, his eyes shining with an affection I'd never seen before. Maybe I was getting my hopes up, but I wanted to believe that this was the start of something new.