Chapter 108

~ Rufus’s POV

Sweat beaded on my forehead as I stirred honey into a steaming mug of chamomile tea. Elara had been having strong pregnancy cravings lately, and I knew a soothing cuppa would be a welcome comfort. Just then, her voice cut through the air, laced with panic.

"Rufus!" she called, her voice strained.

I dropped everything and rushed out, heart pounding. Elara lay on the chair, her face contorted in pain. I knew she was in labor.

I had known that day was coming and had even discussed birthing plans with Elara. But nothing could have prepared me for the raw intensity of the pain etched on her face. Every muscle in her body seemed to be straining, each contraction a wave threatening to drown her.

Normally, childbirth was a beautiful, messy miracle I witnessed often. Yet, something felt…off. Elara had been in labor for hours, enduring agonizing pain, but there was no progress. The baby wasn't coming down the birth canal as it should.

Concern gnawed at me.

could there be a