Weight of The Responsibility

Weight of The Responsibility

Chapter 161: Weight of The Responsibility

“What?!" Shayla screamed, nearly losing her footing on the boulder as Reah’s words hit her like a physical blow.

Beside her, Cain’s world didn't just slow down—it stopped. He stared at Reah, his voice a mere ghost of itself. “W... what?”

"She's carrying a child,” Reah repeated, her smile softening into something more professional yet undeniably warm. "That's why her energy reacted so violently. Her body is already redirecting its core strength to support another life.”

Shayla rose slowly, her mind racing. "How long?"

"Three weeks. The symptoms only surfaced recently because of the sheer strain she’s been under.”

Cain couldn't breathe. Shock, fear, and an overwhelming, terrifying joy crashed into him all at once. “She’s... pregnant,” he whispered. He said it again, louder this time, as if the repetition would anchor the truth to reality.

Reah nodded. “She is weak from the overload, but the child is healthy. Perfectly healthy.”

Cain looked toward the pack house, its roof silhouetted against the twilight sky. A child. It was a possibility he had locked away in a dark corner of his mind, fearing it would be too much for Lena to bear. A wave of selfishness washed over him; amidst the bunkers, the ships, and the looming threat of the Crawlers, he felt a spark of pure, unadulterated happiness.

He didn't wait for another word. Before Reah could offer further medical advice, Cain was moving. He broke into a dead run, his boots pounding against the sand. He was exhausted, but the fatigue was gone, replaced by a desperate need to reach her side.

Behind him, Shayla remained frozen. Her hands trembled as she steadied herself against the stone. “Lena's pregnant...” she trailed off, watching Cain disappear into the tree line.

She stood in a vacuum of silence, feeling a thousand conflicting emotions: envy, grief, and a sharp, stinging disappointment. This was the future she had once envisioned for herself—a life secured at Cain’s side. But as she thought of Lena—her rival, her friend, her responsibility—the bitterness didn't hurt the way she expected it to.

Shayla found herself smiling sadly. She let out a long sigh and turned to Reah. “She’ll need us more than ever now,” Shayla said firmly. “Let’s go.”

Cain reached the pack house breathless. The guards didn't dare stop him, stepping aside as he barreled through the halls. He didn't slow down until he reached Lena's door, but the sound coming from within made him freeze.

It wasn't a cry of joy. It was the sound of a woman breaking apart—a sob filled with raw pain and crushing regret.

Cain pushed the door open. Lyra was seated on the edge of the bed, holding Lena tightly. Lena’s face was buried in Lyra’s chest, her fingers clutching the fabric of the older woman’s dress as if it were a life raft.

“What's wrong?" Cain asked, his heart sinking into his stomach.

Lyra looked up, her eyes wet with sympathy. "She just found out,” she whispered. She gave Cain a meaningful look, then gently uncurled herself from Lena. As Lyra walked past him, she squeezed his shoulder. "I'll make sure no one disturbs you," she added, closing the door softly as she exited.

The room fell silent, save for Lena’s hitching breaths. Cain sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her into his arms. The moment he touched her, the words spilled out of her like an open wound.

“I’m sorry,” she sobbed, clutching his shirt. “I didn’t think... I didn’t think it would happen now. Not like this.”

Cain held her close, cradling the back of her head. “Lena, look at me.”

“I’m happy, Cain,” she cried, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. Her face was red and swollen. “I hate to admit how happy I am. But the timing is a disaster. The war, the Crawlers, the pack... what am I supposed to do? This is my fault. I’m supposed to be the one to end this, but now... now I’m just a burden. A target.”

“Stop,” he said hoarsely.

“You won’t be able to focus!" she countered. "They’ll target me to get to you. What if something happens to the baby because I’m trying to fight?”

Cain didn’t answer with words. He leaned in and kissed her—a gentle, lingering kiss that silenced her protests. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “For the weight I’ve put on you. For asking for the world when you were already giving me your life.”

“Cain...”

“I am terrified,” he admitted, a small, genuine smile finally breaking through his tension. “But I am so incredibly happy. I know the danger. I know the responsibility.” He took her hands in his. “And I will take it. I will carry it for you, even if it costs me everything.”

“Don’t say that,” she whispered, reaching up to wipe her cheeks.

“I say it because it’s the truth. I will do anything to keep you both safe.”

Lena exhaled, a fresh wave of tears falling. “Then... how am I supposed to fight?”

Cain cupped her face, his gaze iron-willed. “You won’t,” he said. “Not like before. Your role has changed, Lena. We will protect you. I will protect you, no matter what it takes.”

Lena leaned into his touch. She knew the risks better than anyone. She knew that in a world of monsters and shadows, bringing a life into the fray was a gamble. But as she looked into Cain’s eyes, the crushing guilt began to lift, replaced by a fragile, flickering hope.