CHAPTER 115: THE PRICE OF A MIRACLE

Zavren carried Ariana as he noticed her breathing begin to grow rapid. His face twisted with worry as the maids rushed to clean up what had happened. Leah hurried not far behind Zavren, her face mirroring his concern.

This was the first time Zavren had heard his wife actually scream—the first time he had ever heard her voice. Until now, he had only heard her through their link. The fact that he heard her now...his sharp senses picking up the sound—made his jaw tick hard as he felt the pain from them. He was just thankful he had arrived in time to catch her before she fell to the floor.

They reached the royal hospital, where the physician and several other women dressed in white and wearing gloves were already waiting. For the past few days, they had been stationed there, keeping close watch on Ariana, knowing the baby could come at any moment. But this timing was far more sudden than expected. Zavren moved quickly, placing her gently on the bed, his expression calm as the medics rushed in to check on her.

"H...Her throat... Get the tray! Where is it? The herb...she needs to drink it!" one of the women shouted.

Ariana was drenched in sweat as the pain hit her. Her breathing grew even more rapid as she tried to breath, but her body felt drained and heavy—exhausted from the intensity of it all.

Zavren gritted his teeth. He hated seeing her like this. If he could take the pain for her, he would. The way her head pressed against the pillow, as though trying to escape the agony—it made his chest ache.

He moved closer as the women turned to him. Ariana’s eyes welled with tears as Zavren held her hand. She squeezed him tightly, her eyes locked on his. One of the women gently poured a warm herbal liquid into her mouth. She gulped it down, and the ache in her throat eased slightly.

A tear slipped down her cheek as Zavren whispered softly,

"Sweetheart, I’m here."

He caressed her hand, even as her grip on him tightened.

"We need to begin the delivery," the royal doctor said quickly as she moved into position. Ariana’s legs were gently parted and modestly covered as her face twisted in pain.

"Sweetheart, everything will be fine. Don’t worry...I’m here. Just follow her instructions."

Ariana’s hand tightened around his. The other gripped the bedsheet as the woman positioned herself.

Zavren’s face filled with deep worry. He had no idea it would be this painful. Seeing such torment in her eyes—and knowing there was nothing he could physically do—was unbearable. But he resolved to comfort her however he could.

Ariana’s chest heaved as she struggled to control her breathing. Panic started to set in, different what-ifs flooding her mind.

"Ariana," Zavren called calmly. She turned to him, her face sweaty and tense.

"Squeeze my hand all you want. Slap it, okay? Please."

Ariana nodded weakly as a small smile graced her lips despite the pain.

Then the woman spoke,

"Luna Ariana, please push."

Ariana’s lips parted as she inhaled deeply. She pushed, her hands tightening around Zavren’s. Her eyes locked with his, her lips trembling as she shook her head.

"H...Honey, I can’t,"

she whimpered, shaking her head as the pain surged.

"Yes, you can, sweetheart," Zavren encouraged gently, and Ariana managed a weak smile again.

"Push, please, Luna Ariana," the doctor urged again. Ariana pushed—and another scream tore from her throat. She clutched the bedsheets tighter. Her grip on Zavren intensified. Her thoughts turned hazy as her head pressed into the pillow, sweat dripping down her face.

"Ahhhh!" Another scream erupted. Her face pushed deeper into the soaked pillow. The woman gently spread her legs wider and leaned forward.

"Push..." she instructed again.

Ariana pushed with everything she had, while the doctor continued to guide her.

"Clean towel! Warm towel! She’s losing blood!" the woman shouted. A nearby medics rushed off. Zavren remained at Ariana’s side, his eyes locked on hers. Through their mind link, she heard him:

You’re doing great, perfect sweetheart. The baby will be here soon.

He still didn’t understand why childbirth had to be this painful. His expression softened as he gave her a look filled with care and strength. Ariana’s breathing grew heavier.

"Please wait... do not push yet," the doctor pleaded suddenly. More towels were placed on the bed.

She adjusted her position.

"Push. This will be over soon," she said urgently.

Ariana pushed harder, using the last of her strength. A scream tore through her again cracking, her body trembling as she gasped for air.

"Yes, please—push further... the baby’s head is out," the doctor said, her voice hopeful.

But then her expression shifted.

"I think she’s reached her limit..." the assistant murmured.

Ariana looked completely drained. Zavren leaned closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek.

"You can do this, my wife. I believe in you," he whispered.

Ariana’s tired eyes met his, then clenched shut as she pushed one final time. The doctor moved into position to receive the baby.

"Ahhhhhhh!"

Another scream burst from Ariana—but this one was different. It pierced Zavren in a way none had before. Was it the blood-bond? The pain struck him like a blade...but even that was nothing compared to the fear now overtaking him. Seeing her like this... hearing her voice this way for the first time... it broke something in him.

Ariana’s heart thundered—and then finally, a soft cry echoed through the room.

Silence reigned for a moment as the doctor gently lifted the baby. She carefully cleaned the child with a white cloth while Ariana lay still, gasping, her eyes fixed on the tiny figure. The baby’s cries filled the room—and somehow...her heart melted into warmth and love.

Zavren’s lips curled up as he saw a smile form on Ariana’s lips, even as tears streamed down her cheeks. Their eyes met as Ariana shifted slightly to see her child well despite the unbearable pain in her body. The doctor, now holding the baby wrapped in a cloth, brought her closer.

Ariana’s lips trembled with joy as she gazed at the little one.

Zavren finally looked at the child. His entire body went still as he took in the tiny being—the soft cries still lingering.

"Your Grace, congratulations. You’ve given birth to a baby girl..."

The baby’s dark hair shimmered faintly, and her golden eyes...wide and curious—locked onto Zavren. He blinked, stunned, as if the child already understood him.

Ariana’s smile widened. She couldn’t believe how beautiful this moment was..h..how beautiful their daughter was.

Zavren’s hands trembled slightly as he stepped forward. To his surprise, the baby raised her tiny hands toward him. Carefully, almost nervously, he reached out—and she gently wrapped her fingers around his thumb.

The baby soft gaze shifted to Ariana, who let out a shaky breath. Her lips trembled with joy, tears in her eyes. She was so overwhelmed with happiness she could barely speak. Her face, though tired, was glowing as she cradled her daughter.

Then her eyes turned to Zavren.

She mind-linked softly,

’S-she’s so beautiful...’

Zavren nodded, his face lighting up at her words.

Ariana blinked slowly. Her vision blurred with exhaustion. She knew she needed rest, but she had one more request.

Z-Zavren... hold the baby. Carry your daughter... she whispered through the link.

Zavren hesitated, slightly nervous. But he stepped closer and gently lifted the baby into his arms. She was so light, so small, it made his heart race—he was terrified he’d drop her.

But in that moment, the world went still. The weight of everything faded. He was holding his daughter.

The doctor, now moving to clean Ariana, suddenly noticed her breathing grow heavier.

Then, the baby began to cry loudly.

Zavren’s eyes widened as Ariana gasped for air.

"She’s losing blood! Quick..r..raise the drip! Bring the IV tube! Towels—make haste!" the assistant shouted as panic erupted and time seemed to slow.

Zavren’s eyes remained fixed on Ariana. Her breathing was erratic—and then... it stopped.

Her expression looked both sad and joyful as a single tear rolled down her cheek. As if sensing something, the baby’s cries grew louder.

Ariana smiled weakly and mouthed,

"I love you."

And then... her eyes closed.

She stopped breathing.

****

Vampire Lands – Royal Chambers

Back in the Vampire Lands, King Vrazen sat in his office, legs crossed, his expression cold as stone. He signed letters lazily, resting his chin on his knuckles, looking utterly unbothered.

The heavy doors creaked open.

Amos entered, sweating and pale. He had clearly been running.

He bowed deeply, aware that disturbing the king during his private hours..especially while he signed royal documents, was dangerous.

Vrazen slowly raised his head, his icy gaze falling on Amos before moving it back to his papers calmly as if he had not just been interrupted.

"I apologize for the interruption, Your Highness... but there is very urgent news. The Seer is here... and she says it’s important," Amos said breathlessly, silently praying the king would listen. The Seer never panicked. For her to plead—something far greater was at stake.

"Send her away," Vrazen replied curtly, his gaze dropping back to the document in his hand.

"Leave," he said again, more firmly.

But Amos didn’t move.

"It’s regarding your w-wife..."

Vrazen’s hand froze. The pen hovered midair. Slowly, he lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Amos.

Silence stretched.

Then, calmly, he said,

"Let her in."

Amos bowed deeply and rushed to the door.

Soon after, the Seer entered, walking with grace. She bowed, waiting for permission to speak.

Vrazen, lost in thought, finally looked at her.

"Speak."

"Your Majesty... the Senerp—it has finally been found," she announced.

Vrazen body stiffened. Amos stared at her in disbelief.

"T-The Senerp... it’s the Werewolf Queen’s blood. To awaken your wife... we need the Vampire King’s wife’s blood."