Chapter 333

Chapter 333
Isabella's POV

I was gripping Gabriel's hand so tightly that if he were an ordinary human, I would have surely broken his bones. Another contraction washed over me like a tidal wave, and I desperately tried to focus, following Sarah's breathing techniques, trying to go with the pain rather than fighting against it.

"That's it, just like that." Sarah encouraged me from my right side, "You're doing great, Isabella."

Gabriel sat beside the bed, one hand gently pressing on my lower back, the other clutched tightly in mine. Through our mental bond, I could feel the anxiety hidden beneath his calm exterior. He was trying to appear strong, but his worry was still leaking through.

"How much longer?" I asked breathlessly as the contraction eased slightly. Sweat had dampened my forehead, and Gabriel gently wiped it away with a cool cloth.

"God, that feels good." I murmured, grateful for this small comfort.

Sarah checked my progress and smiled, "You're almost there, we'll be ready to push soon."

Outside the room, three doctors and a team of nurses were standing by, while Ryan and William were looking after Lucian. This time, we were fully prepared, unlike the chaotic rush when Lucian was born.

"I'm so tired." I confessed quietly to Gabriel, "More than when I had Lucian, I've never felt so completely exhausted."

Gabriel's eyes were full of concern as he gently stroked my hair. "You're amazing, my Luna. Our princess will be here soon."

After checking the data on her tablet, Sarah returned to the bedside. "Alright, Isabella, are you ready to start pushing?"

I laughed weakly, with a hint of near-hysterical humor, "I've been ready for hours, Sarah. Let's bring this baby into the world."

She patted my shoulder and walked toward the door. "I'll call the team in, it's time."

After Sarah left, Gabriel moved closer, his forehead touching mine. "Our daughter is almost here, dear Isabella. Just hold on a little longer, you'll see her soon."

"I'm going to be jealous," I said half-jokingly, my voice tired, "with another girl in your life taking your attention."

Gabriel's expression softened. "Little human, you will always be my favorite."

I smiled slightly, satisfied with his answer, but before I could respond, the next intense contraction swept over me, the pain almost tearing me apart. I couldn't hold back a scream.

Sarah hurried back with the medical team. "Okay, get into position. Gabriel, help support her shoulders."

Sarah helped adjust my legs while Gabriel moved behind me, steadying my back.

"When the next contraction comes, push with all your might." Sarah instructed, "Like you're forcing all your strength downward."

I nodded, concentrating what little energy I had left. When the next wave hit, I pushed with everything I had, my moans turning into growls and finally screams.

"Excellent!" Sarah encouraged, "I can see the head! Push once more!"

As I pushed again, the edges of my vision began to darken. After the contraction eased, my vision didn't clear – instead, the darkness seemed to be spreading.

"Gabriel..." I called softly, my voice trembling with sudden fear, "do you see that?"

"See what?" Gabriel frowned, looking completely confused.

"Those shadows... they're moving, growing." I watched as the darkness seemed to spill from the corners of the room, flowing like black water across the floor and up the walls.

Gabriel looked around alertly. "Sarah, what's happening to her? Is this normal?"

Sarah was equally confused. "What exactly are you seeing, Isabella?"

"Shadows." I gasped, staring in horror as the darkness continued to expand, "They're everywhere, getting bigger—"

Before I could finish, darkness suddenly engulfed the entire room. Gabriel and Sarah froze like statues, time stopped, and even the sound of the monitors disappeared.

The room seemed to contract around me, becoming like a dollhouse—real yet somehow diminished, as if I were observing from a distance. In the center of this transformed space, a tall figure composed entirely of shadow appeared, his eyes flickering like burning coals.

"Isabella." The figure spoke, "At last we meet."

He stepped forward, and the shadows peeled away like smoke, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp, defined features. He wore exquisite clothing, layers of different shades of black that seemed to absorb all light.

"Congratulations on your imminent first daughter."

I breathed rapidly, instinctively protecting my belly with both hands. "What have you done? Where am I?"

He smiled, "You're in a pocket of suspended time that I created. Don't worry, only a minute will pass in your reality. When our conversation ends, you'll safely return to continue giving birth. Your child is in no danger."

"Who are you?" I demanded.

His eyes sparkled with pleasure. "You must have heard of me, I am the mate of the one you call the Moon Goddess."

"The Moon Goddess's... husband?" I repeated quietly, gradually realizing the truth. This was the Dark God, the counterpart to the Moon Goddess in werewolf mythology.

"'Husband' is just a simple term." He waved dismissively, "Only because your language is too limited. However, werewolves' understanding of mates is quite pure."

"Love is not at all simple." I retorted sharply, fear gradually giving way to anger, "What do you want from my child?"

He gazed at me, his expression showing a hint of approval. "You have courage, Isabella. In this way, you remind me of her."

He took another step forward, "As for why I'm here—isn't it my right? After all, you are the child of my beloved."

He bent down to look me in the eye. "If she hadn't chosen a mortal to bear you, you would have been my daughter. Although we share no blood, I still find you quite interesting."

"What does this have to do with my daughter's birth?" I tried to understand his intentions.

"If I had known of your existence earlier, I would have been present at your and Sarah's births. But I missed that opportunity." His voice carried a trace of regret, "This time, I won't miss your daughter's arrival."

"Why specifically her? Why not when Lucian was born?"

"Sons belong more to their fathers," his voice softened, "but daughters—daughters are the true children of the moon. They also find their own power in darkness."

He reached out toward me, and I instinctively backed away, protecting my belly.

"The Moon Goddess has only taught her followers to fear the darkness." He said softly, with a faint sadness in his tone, "She never taught them that there is beauty and power in darkness as well."

"Someone threatened me and Sarah in your name." I accused, "They even tried to kidnap my son."

He scoffed, seemingly genuinely offended. "Those who claim to follow me are merely acting on their own. Their mortal politics have nothing to do with me."

"I want to go back." I said firmly, "Back to Gabriel, back to reality."

"I admire your directness." He smiled, "I truly wish you had been my daughter."

His expression became solemn, "Soon I will send you back to continue giving birth. But before that, I want to give your daughter a gift."