Tamed By The Lycan Prince

MAMÁ

CHAPTER SIX- 6

-THORIN-

I had been residing in the Lycan Empire palace with Antonio and the rest of the imperial family when Boris Gravemaw had contacted me, informing me of my mamá's sudden collapse at work. She was immediately taken to the hospital. My heart clenched as Boris detailed her condition. She had received a diagnosis of brain cancer. How long had she been dealing with this illness? Why hadn't she confided in me earlier? Did she even realize the extent of her condition, I thought. My mind was in overdrive, racing with endless thoughts.

Without Antonio and his family's support, I would have been a complete mess and it would have taken me much longer to get home. They had made arrangements for a private jet to transport me back to the territory of the Gravemaw Hounds as swiftly as possible. Antonio had even accompanied me during the flight, stating that he was my friend and he wouldn't let me face this alone.

"What are friends for, if not to lean on in times of need?" he had spoken softly, his hand reassuringly on my shoulder as I stared blankly out of the airplane's window.

"Thank you, Antonio," I had said, my voice a raspy whisper. He didn't reply, probably understanding that the gravity of my situation was weighing too heavily on me for further conversation.

The ride back home was a blur. The normally vibrant landscape seemed dull, washed out in the relentless tide of my worries. Upon arrival, Boris was waiting at the airport.

"Welcome home, Thorin," he greeted me, his face lined with worry. He hugged me tightly, the motion an unspoken promise of continued support in this difficult time. "You'll get through this."

"I appreciate your support, Boris," I managed to say, my throat tight with emotion.

Boris patted me on the back. I turned to Antonio, who had been silently observing our exchange. "Thank you for accompanying me, Antonio."

"Of course," he responded, his light eyes filled with a sincerity that had me believing he meant every word. "Take care of yourself, Thorin."

From the airport, Boris drove me straight to the hospital where mamá was admitted. As we approached, my heart pounded in my chest. A whirlwind of emotions threatened to engulf me – fear, guilt, regret, dread. Each one a tidal wave I could barely keep at bay.

The hospital, a stark white fortress against the gloomy evening sky, loomed ominously before us. As we stepped into its sterile confines, the scent of antiseptic and a slight undercurrent of human suffering permeated the air. I followed Boris through the maze of corridors, each one appearing more clinical and impersonal than the last. The hospital was swarming with people, yet a profound silence hung heavy in the atmosphere - a testament to the battles being fought behind closed doors.

We stopped outside room 408. My heart pounded louder than ever as Boris knocked gently on the door before pushing it open slowly, a silent inquiry more than anything. There, lying in the hospital bed and surrounded by a flotilla of machines, was my mamá.

Even in her frail state, she radiated a warmth that seemed to light up the room and dispel the cold sterility that surrounded us. Her eyes, once bright with youthful vitality, now reflected deep wells of pain and wisdom that only came from fighting the harshest battles. The machines beeped rhythmically in the room's stillness, a symphony of survival.

"Mamá," I whispered, our eyes meeting in a moment that seemed to stretch on forever. She looked at me with a smile that spoke volumes. A mamá's love, unconditional and unwavering, reflecting in her half-lidded eyes.

"Mi hijo," she rasped, her voice barely audible over the rhythmic hum of life-supporting machines. Her gaze lingered on me, her frail fingers beckoning. I stepped forward, taking her hand gently in mine. It was as delicate as a sparrow, yet despite everything, it still held a firm grip.

"The doctors..." she began, pausing to catch her breath. The effort of speaking was evidently taking its toll as her brows furrowed slightly, yet she carried on, determined. "The doctors say... It's not long now."

My heart nearly stopped at the words. I felt an icy flash of fear shoot through me, the gravity of her statement crashing down in waves. I looked at her, my eyes pleading for some sort of denial or retraction. But all she did was squeeze my hand, the faintest whisper of strength transmitting from her fingers into mine.

"Lo siento, hijo mio," she said with a heaviness that only those who stare death in the face could muster. "I should have told you sooner, but I didn't want to burden you."

"You are not a burden, Mamá," I said, my voice catching in my throat. "You could never be a burden."

"Mijo," she whispered, her frail grip tightening around my hand as if trying to impart something beyond words. "Promise me...promise me that you will live," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Live strong, live brave...and live happy."

The tears that had threatened to spill over finally did, coursing down my cheeks in silent testament to the pain in my heart.

"Mamá, I..." I choked out, but she silenced me.

"No more words," she whispered, her voice barely a thread of sound. Yet even at the end, even in her weakness, it was filled with a mamá's love and determination. "Just promise me."

"I...I promise, Mamá," I finally managed to whisper back, my voice choking on the tears. My promise hung in the air; a solemn vow that intertwined our souls one last time. "But you must promise me something too."

She looked at me, eyebrows slightly raised in surprise. Her lips curled into a faint smile, her gaze finding humor amidst the despair. "Qué quieres que prometa, mi niño?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

I squeezed her hand, needing all my strength not to break down before her. "Promise me," I said, my voice heavy and raw with emotion. "Promise me, mamá, that you will fight until the very end."

She looked at me, the glimmer in her eyes dimmed but unyielding. She drew in a slow, labored breath, before answering in a near-silent whisper that spoke volumes of her warrior spirit. "Lo prometo, mijo. Hasta el final."