Ethan rushed to her side, grabbing her hand, eyes wide with terror and awe.
"I'm here, I've got you. Mara, I'm here. We will find him."
Stefan didn't even think. He rolled up his sleeves. "Bring me fresh towels and hot water."
"Hurry," Ethan snapped, panic trembling in his voice. Mara let out a sob and screamed again. This time, she wasn't alone.
Stefan moved fast.
His hands were steady despite the storm raging in his chest. He gave Ethan a quick nod, and Ethan helped Mara shift into a safer position. The bed was soaked in blood, sweat, and pain, but none of it mattered now. Only her. Only the baby.
"You're doing so good, Stef," Stefan whispered, brushing damp strands from her face. "One more push. Just one more."
Mara gritted her teeth. Her body was shaking. Her strength had long since left her. But something deeper kept her going—a mother's instinct, a warrior's fire.
She bore down with every last ounce of strength in her.
And then—
A cry.
Sharp. Beautiful. Alive.
