Page 127 of Hunt Me

“I love him, but I want to raise my child. I think if there were some way, I’d like to wait.”

Dr. Blackwood gave a thoughtful nod. “That is your right. Your mortality does not have to be decided tonight. You should focus on bringing the heir of Night Falls into the world.”

Matilda nodded and shifted onto the bed when her contractions started wreaking havoc on her body again. She heard his heavy footsteps before he arrived. The heavy doors crashed open so hard the hinges rattled. Luka filled the doorway, looking equal part panicked and relieved. His cloak was half-fastened, hair wind-tossed, and his eyes burned with emotions he didn’t bother to hide.

He was by her side in a blink of an eye, lowering to a knee and grasping her hand.

“Matilda,” he breathed, squeezing her hand.

Her mouth dropped, but the pain swept away her words like a rip current.

“I-I-I….”

“Yes, my beloved?” he said, leaning closer.

“I loathe you, my King,” she whispered.

He patted the back of her hand. “I love you, too.”

“That’s not what I said.”

Luka ignored her and turned to Dr. Blackwood.

“Tell me what is happening.”

Dr. Blackwood cleared his throat. “Her labor has progressed rapidly, Your Majesty. Faster than we could ever anticipate.”

Luka’s jaw tightened. “Are they in danger?”

Another contraction seized Matilda, forcing her forward with a low guttural groan. Luka steadied her instantly, bracing an arm around her back, the other gripping her hand. He murmured soothing words to her in their old tongue, and she clung to the sound.

“I-I feel immense pressure,” Matilda admitted. “I need to push.”

Dr. Blackwood moved briskly, examining her once more.

“What is happening?” Luka asked again, trying and failing to mask his concern.

“She’s close. The child is descending quickly. You’ll need to push when the next wave of contractions comes, my Queen.”

Another contraction hit, painful and deeper than the one before. Matilda cried out, fingers crushing Luka’s. He didn’t flinch but remained steady for her… for them.

***

“Good,” Dr. Blackwood praised. “Breathe again and push,” he instructed.

Matilda bore down. She trembled violently as Luka whispered words of encouragement against her temple, grounding her with the steady weight of his presence.

“You’re doing beautifully, my Queen. Stay with me.”

“I’m trying,” she gasped. “Gods, Luka—”

“I’m here.”

“I see the head!” Dr. Blackwood exclaimed. “Just one more, my Queen. One more.”

Matilda gathered what strength she had left and leaned into Luka, pushing with a raw cry that tore through the room.

Then… silence.