The redemption

Chapter 2 The Birth of Selene StormBlood A Sudden Beginning

Mira was in the garden of the cottage she shared with her husband, Merrick, collecting fresh vegetables and herbs as storm clouds began to gather overhead. Eight months pregnant with their first child, Mira was beginning to rise her waters broke. She realised it was time for the baby, but their pup was coming early.

Calling for Help

Being part of a pack meant Mira could reach out through the mind link, connecting with the Midwife. “Can you come? My waters have just broken,” she said. The Midwife responded quickly, “I’m on my way, Mira. I’ll be there in a matter of moments.”

Labour Begins

The first contraction came, strong and sudden. The Midwife arrived swiftly, finding Mira pacing in the bedroom. “How far apart are the contractions, Mira?” she asked. “They’re coming quicker and quicker—about every three minutes now.” The Midwife looked concerned. “They shouldn’t be happening this quickly. Can you lie on the bed for me, please, Mira, and let me have a look? I need to see how far along you are”

A Fast Delivery

The next contraction hit, and Mira screamed. The Midwife checked and said, “Mira, you’re fully dilated. This baby is coming fast. On the next contraction, I want you to push.”

The Storm Outside

At the same time outside, the storm intensified as Mira went was in labour in the forest cottage. Inside, herbs hung from the ceiling to dry, and the glow of the fireplace provided comfort. Amidst the peace, Mira’s cries echoed—not cries of horror, but something else entirely.

The Final Push

The Midwife looked at Mira and said, “One last push.” Mira bit down and, as the next contraction arrived, screamed and pushed as directed. The Midwife shouted, “Stop,” as the infant’s head appeared. Mira, breathing hard, didn’t know if she could continue, but knew she had to.

A Moment of Worry

The Midwife checked the baby’s head and neck—there was no sign of the umbilical cord. She looked at Mira and said, “This is the final push.” Mira pushed with all her strength, and the baby was born. At first, there was no sound. The Midwife rubbed the baby vigorously as Mira began to panic, her voice rising, “What’s happening? Why isn’t my child crying?” Was her baby dead?

A Joyful Arrival

Suddenly, Mira heard the most wonderful sound—the baby cried. The Midwife handed Mira her child and said, “Mira, you have a beautiful baby girl. What do you name her?”

Naming Selene

Mira held her newborn close, tears streaming down her cheeks. She gazed at her daughter—small, fierce, and alive—and whispered, “Her name is Selene StormBlood.”

After the Birth

The Midwife left to fetch fresh linen and hot water to clean Mira. Mira cradled her newborn, her heart racing, and reached out through the mind link, her voice trembling with joy.

Sharing the News

“My love… your daughter has arrived early.” After a brief pause, Merrick’s voice responded, warm and fierce, “Is she safe? Are you safe?”

Mira smiled faintly, brushing her fingers over the baby’s cheek. “We are. She’s strong… just like her father.”

Relief swept through Merrick. “I’m coming. Don’t move. I need to see you—both of you.”

Mira held their daughter closer, whispering to her, “Your father is on his way, little Selene.”

Merrick

A few minutes later, Merrick burst through the door, breathless. He froze at the sight of Mira and their daughter, awe and emotion softening his features. Gently, he lifted the baby into his arms before leaning down to kiss Mira.

“What have you named her?” he whispered.

Mira met his gaze. “Selene… after your mother.”

Merrick looked down at his daughter, emotion in his throat, and brushed a finger over her cheek. “Welcome to the world, my Selene,” he murmured. “You are loved… and you will be protected. I swear it—I will guard you and your mother with my life.”