Chapter 106

A few weeks later

the peace of the night was shattered by the first wave of excruciating pain. I doubled over, clutching my stomach as though the sheer force of my grip could somehow alleviate the intensity that seized my body. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and with each agonizing contraction, I felt more alone than I had ever been. Brax’s absence loomed over me like an unshakable shadow, and the weight of solitude pressed down on me, almost as unbearable as the pain itself.

I’d told myself that I didn’t need anyone with me when I gave birth because it was something that I would have to face alone just like I would have to raise these babies on my own. But as the pain became unbearable, I called. “Pearl.”

Pearl came rushing into the room. Since finding out I was pregnant and Brax's death, Pearl had never been too far away. Her eyes widened at the sight of me, and she sprung into action, her nurturing instincts kicking in.

"Oh, Luna, hold on. Breathe through it," she instructe