Everyone nodded again and we started leaving Darius’s room to go back to our own.
“Zayden?”
I paused to my name and let everyone go ahead of me. “Yeah?”
“Do you really think this could work?”
He tone told me he needed more than a simple yes and I closed the door to go to him. “You’re not going to lose her, Darius. Okay? We won’t let that happen.”
“I know everyone keeps saying that but what if it doesn’t work? What if you’re wrong? I can’t―”
He succumbed to his emotions as if it wasn’t possible to hold them back any longer. I haven’t seen him like this since we were children but I forced myself to re-ignite his hope.
“Darius, you’re thinking too negatively. You won’t have to live without her, okay?” I embraced him because he needed it but it wasn’t getting better. “There’s still something we can do but we only have one shot. We have to get her out of here.”
“And if it doesn’t work? Zayden, I can’t―”
“It will work. We’ll make it work even if we have to get your son out first. He’s strong enough; he’s ready. He’s just stubborn like you and doesn’t want to come out.”
It made him laugh just a little but he was still upset about this. “Then they’ll both be okay?”
“Yes. I promise. You’ll have them both.” I pulled back to looked in his eyes so he knew I was serious. “But you have to stay strong for them. You have to be here for them.”
He nodded, trying to collect himself. “I will.”
“Good. Get some rest with her now. We’ll be back at midnight to put this worry to rest.”
“Thank you, Zayden. Just don’t tell anyone about this.”
I smiled to his need to protect his pride even now. “Don’t worry. No one would blame you. I’ll be back later. Rest.”
He nodded and I turned to leave, meeting Adele back in my room. Rift was on his chair and only looked up when I entered like he were tired too.
“What’d he want with you?” Adele asked.
I tried to be vague about it since Darius didn’t want anyone to know. “Just to talk. It’s settled.”
She already looked sad for him. “He vented on you, didn’t he?”
I nodded. “He needed to.”
“I know but do you really think this will work? Honest opinion.”
“It has to. There isn’t another choice.”
Adele sighed and sat down on her side of the bed, facing the white bassinet. “I know. It does have to.”
“Hey, Love—” I turned to her from hearing her saddened voice. “It’ll be all right. She’ll make it.”
“I hope so. I just can’t—”
She trailed off with her tears and I crawled across the bed to sit behind her and rubbed her back. It was just like Darius but I could be a bit more sensitive with her. Darius would have shunned me if I treated him like a baby. “Then don’t. We’ll all get through it and she’ll be with us.”
“I know and I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
“Being like this.”
“Don’t be sorry. You have every right to be upset about this.”
“I just wish I didn’t have to be but this pregnancy is messing with my emotions and turning me into such a girl.”
I let out a quiet laugh and sat closer with my legs hanging off the bed around her. “Then maybe there’s something I can do to distract you from it.” I kissed the side of her neck and Adele almost let out a shiver and moved away. “Love? What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry.” She turned around with her arms held in close to her chest and a nervous voice. “This feels—I just—I haven’t been touched in—”
“Hey, it’s okay. It’s just me.”
“I know but I don’t want you to see me like this.”
“Like what? You’re beautiful.”
“I’m still wearing clothes. You don’t want to see me without them.”
“How could you say that? You’re not going to be any less beautiful to me. You’re carrying our son and you’re hardly showing.”
“I’ve just been really self-conscious about how I look. You’re not going to want me.”
I sighed lightly and stood in close to her, making her look at me. “I’ll always want you. You shouldn’t doubt that.”
“Even now?”
“Even now. If you want.”
Adele finally moved her eyes away shyly as she stepped back towards the bed. “Wow. Why am I nervous?”
“You don’t have to be.”
“I should know that but it’s been so long. It’s like we’re starting this all over again.”
“Well, if I recall, you weren’t the least bit nervous when we first got together.”
“I guess. I’m just not used to having you around and maybe I don’t want to because I feel like you’re going to go away again and I’ll be alone.”
I pulled her into me as her tears started to fall and held my arms around her gently. “I’m not going anywhere, Love. I’m back and I’m staying.”
“It’s still hard to believe. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’m right here. It’s all right. Maybe you should just get some rest. We have something else to do soon and I want you to be ready.”
Adele nodded against my chest through her sniffles and I helped her into bed. She laid on her right side, facing the edge and I went around to get in on the other side.
“Can you hold me?” She muttered in a broken voice.
“You want me to?”
“Yes.”
“Then of course I can.” I moved up behind her and put my arms around her.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” My hand slid down to her stomach and was only there for a moment before I felt the slightest movement. “Is that him?”
“Mmm hmm. I think so. He likes to wake up when I lay down. You can imagine how fun it’s been for me.”
I laughed by her slightly joking tone and stroked her stomach. “Let your mother rest, Seth. She’s going to need it.”
“It’s okay. I’m used to it and he won’t listen anyway.”
“Think you can still rest this way?”
“Yeah. As long as you’re here.”
I smiled and kissed the back of her left shoulder. “I am.”
Adele held my arms tighter around her and I was happy to have this time with her. It wouldn’t be long but getting Ruby out and making sure she got better was much more important. We’d have more time together later.
Chapter 37
Darius
The moon rose high in the sky and midnight came slow for me. I was tired beyond all reason as I tried to keep my eyes on Ruby. Even though I wanted to, I couldn’t turn my eyes away or even close them for a second or two. I was afraid that if I did, something would happen.
I knew the others would be arriving any minute now and I needed to get myself ready. I managed to pull away from Ruby’s side long enough to get my boots back on that were sitting right beside the bed and strapped my sword to my back.
Once it was secure, I leaned over the bed and tucked the blanket around Ruby. I carefully got my arms under her and she started to wake up. She hasn’t been moved in a while and it startled her. “Darius—”
“Shh, it’s all right. We’re getting you out of here. Just hang on.”
She was too weak to say anything else and just laid her head against my chest while I stood up with her completely.
I started stepping to the door and the others came through before I made it half way.
“Good.” Zayden said quietly. “We’re ready. Let’s make this as quickly as we can but also quiet.”
I nodded and stepped closer as some started turning out the door.
“How is she?” Jaylyn asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t know. I just hope this works.”
“It will.” She took my arm and started leading me out the door. “Come on.”
Things became a little more calm and relaxed for me when we finally did make it out but I was even more tired from the walk. My strength kept Ruby in my arms but I felt like I could collapse any second if I didn’t rest.
“No.” Zayden reached my side and kept me walking. “We’re almost there. You didn’t get any rest, did you?” I could only shake my head and Zayden just sighed, making sure I kept walking.
We reached the familiar Cappel House where we’ve been a few times before in times of need and there were already lanterns on inside. It was weird since it was the middle of the night but we approached and Troy was the one to knock.
Footsteps came and Julianna opened the door. “Hurry, bring her inside. I’ve been expecting you.”
“How?” Adele wondered as we all walked in and Julianna closed the door. She just pointed with her eyes up towards the kitchen and a figure stepped into view, taking off their black hood.
“Mother.” Zayden said in surprise.
“Your father was right, wasn’t he? You are up to something.”
“How did you know we’d come here?”
“A mutual friend.”
She turned her eyes this time like she was looking at someone and Gwen appeared next to her, looking alive like us.
Adele and Jaylyn both screeched. “Gwen?!”
“Hello, my lovelies.”
Ruby twitched in my arms and she was trying to force her eyes open. “Mother?”
“And my precious gem. Don’t worry. Everything will be all right.”
Ruby must have been in too much of a shock to see her because she kind of passed out in my arms but I made sure to check if she was still breathing.
“What are you doing here?” Adele asked.
“Same as you.”
“Bring her in here.” Kathryn said.
We followed her into a back room and I walked over to the bed, placing Ruby down on it as gently as possible. “What happens now? Can you save her?”
Gwen looked at me a little sympathetically. “I’ll do what I can but I cannot alter what happens here.”
“Then why are you here?” I probably sounded rude but if she wasn’t going to just magically heal her daughter, I didn’t think she had much purpose.
“I’m here so Bryce won’t be and try to stop this.”
We were all confused now.
“My father won’t come here if you are?” Jaylyn asked.
“He won’t come because you are, dear. He wouldn’t never want to bring you more pain by his presence. I am merely here for your moral support. You’re the only one that can save her.”
“Well and other knowledge.” Kathryn said. “Julianna will be here to watch over her as well. She has twenty years prior experience in the medical field so she’ll come in mighty handy if her labor begins. Her nursemaids expected it anytime now.”
“What are you going to do?” Zayden asked.
“I’m going to get back and make sure your father doesn’t get suspicious. You’ve made the right choice in coming here.”
“I hope so.” I muttered.
“I better go. Gwen, keep our children safe.”
“I will, Kathryn.” They embraced.
“And I’m sorry.”
Gwen smiled. “Don’t be. You didn’t abandon us. You fell in love and the results of it were well worth it.”
She looked at Zayden like she held some kind of attraction to him and even he smiled.
“Look out for this one, Adele.” Kathryn warned. “You’re not the only one who had a thing for blondes.”
Adele’s eyes widened, scooting herself closer to Zayden and Gwen laughed. “Get out of here, Kathryn! We’re on a mission here!”
Kathryn smiled and left the room.
“Sorry about that.” Gwen said. “Old habits.”
“It’s okay.” Adele replied. “It’s still great to see you.”
They embraced like she’s been waiting for it and Jaylyn was right there to do it next.
“We’ve missed you so much.”
“I know but we have something to focus on now.” We all looked at Ruby on the bed and I sat down next to her.
Julianna walked around everyone to get on the other side and touched Ruby’s forehead with her hand. “She’s got a slight fever. If we can keep it down low enough, that’ll be a start.”
Ruby’s breathing started to hasten and I immediately leaned in closer to her. “Ruby, what is it? What’s wrong?”
She kept her breathing heavy and moved my hand down to her stomach.
“He’s moving.” Gwen said.
Julianna was getting curious as well and started to move the blanket off Ruby so she could see. “No. That shouldn’t be hurting.”
“It can for her.” Jaylyn said. “Before she fell under this sickness, he broke a few of her ribs just by kicking.”
“He’s not just moving.” Julianna got Ruby’s stomach completely exposed and examined the movement with her hands. “He’s turning.”
“Is that bad?” I asked.
“In a late stage like this, light turns from side to side are normal but he’s flipping himself head-over-heels. It happens much less often but it means a normal delivery would not be possible. He could injure both himself and his mother if he tried coming out feet first. That only leaves one other option and I’ve prepared to have to take that road.”
“Oh, no.” Adele muttered. “You’ll have to cut him out?”
“It would be the only way at this point but we have a few advantages other cases like this don’t have. Statistically, only one-in-ten women would survive a delivery like this but she could be completely healed immediately after the baby is cut free. That brings her chances of surviving it definite if she remains stable through the process.”
I was worried as I looked down at Ruby with my hand still in hers. She opened her eyes as best she could while her breathing was slow again and tried gripping my hand. “It’s the only way. You’ve already saved me.”
“But what if something goes wrong?”
“You need to sleep. You’re losing your positive thinking and you look awful.”
I laughed, hardly letting out a sound and kept my eyes down on her. “You need it more. I can’t close my eyes if yours already are.”
“Don’t be a fool. I know that’s not who I married.”
“When is this going to happen?” I asked, looking up to Julianna. “She shouldn’t have to be going into labor for that, right?”
“No but I think it would be best for all of us to get some rest. We’re going to need everyone at their best. There’s three rooms upstairs you five can take. I’ll stay down here to monitor her with Gwen.”
They nodded and one by one started to leave the room.
“Darius, come on.” Zayden said, reaching for my arm. “You need it.”
“No.” I snatched, pulling away and looking down at Ruby. “I can’t.”
“Please.” Ruby muttered. “I’ll be okay.”
“She will be.” Gwen said. “She’s going to need you later, Darius. Rest now, help her later.”
Zayden kept slowly going with the pulling of my arm and I started to get up still looking down at Ruby. I didn’t want to leave her but I knew they were right. I desperately needed the rest and her hand started to slip out of mine. “I won’t be long. Be careful and save your energy.”
“I will. Go. Rest.”
I couldn’t help but regain a step back towards her and kiss her head as I spoke with much worry. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Now go.”
I backed off her and very slowly left
the room with Zayden. I didn’t want to lose sight of her and when I did, I didn’t like it and started to take deep breaths.
“Hey, it’s all right.” Zayden said, patting my back as we walked towards the stairs. “She’s here. Everything is going to be fine.”
I just nodded, badly wanting to believe him and we went upstairs. I was closed in a room by myself and laid down on the bed. The moment my head hit the pillow, I felt this state of relaxation come over me and my eyes started to shut. I was out within minutes and was finally getting the rest I needed.
“Darius, wake up!”
My eyes popped open and the questions just came to me. How long was I out? What was happening? Where’s Ruby?
Troy was at my side, trying to get me to get up. “Darius, come on. It’s Ruby!”
I sprung to my feet when he said it and we rushed downstairs. I could hear Ruby in pain the closer I got and I burst through the door. “Ruby! Are you all right? What’s wrong with her?”
“She having contractions but the baby is reacting badly to them.” Gwen explained.
“He doesn’t like them.” Jaylyn said. “He’s getting angry.”
I started to get worried. “We have to get him out.”
“Now!” Ruby shouted. “It burns! Please!”
“Then do it now!” I demanded of Julianna.
“They’ll be no time for the sedatives to kick in. We’ll have to cut her open without them and she’ll feel it.”
I took a breath and looked over at Jaylyn while I held Ruby’s hand. Gwen was kind of just an overseer of what was happening but I knew Jaylyn could help. I’ve heard she’s done it before. “Jaylyn, don’t let her feel it. Any of it. Please.”
She nodded and got up on the bed, sitting up by Ruby’s head. “I won’t.” She put her hands on the side of Ruby’s head and her eyes started glowing their bright green.
Ruby started to calm down within seconds and her breaths seemed more relaxed.
I sighed in relief but remained close at her side.
“How long can you keep that up?” Julianna asked.
“As long as I need to.”
“Good. You’re doing well. He’s still reacting to the contractions but she can no longer feel it. This is good. Hold that while I get the tools I need.”
New Roots (Fate's Intent Book 8) Page 14
