Felicia
The pain had become a living thing.
It rolled through me in endless waves, each one stronger than the last. I was soaked in sweat, my hair sticking to my face, my voice hoarse from crying out. Hours had passed since we arrived at the healing center, and my body felt like it was being torn apart from the inside.
“Push, Felicia!” Clara’s voice cut through the haze. “I can see the first one’s head. You’re doing so well. Push!”
I gripped Avery’s hand like it was the only thing anchoring me to the world. He was still right beside me, his face pale with worry but his voice steady.
“You’ve got this,” he whispered. “One more big push.”
I screamed as I pushed with everything I had left. The pressure was unbearable. Then, suddenly, a release.
A loud, strong cry filled the room.
“It’s
