THE LAST HYBRID( Cursed From Birth)

The storm came before the baby did. Rain fell heavily on the roof of the stone cottage, each drop striking as a warning from the heavens and flashes of lightning tore across the night sky again and again. Hidden in the forest were men carrying silver-gleaming swords, with their black cloaks dripping as they made their way towards the small cottage. They already knew why they were there. Inside the small stone cottage, another battle was going on. The smell of herbs, blood, and smoke from the fireplace filled the room. Candles flickered wildly as the wind blew through the windows. In the centre of it all, Mira screamed. Her fingers dug into the rough blanket she was lying on as another wave of agony tore through her body. “One more push!” the elderly midwife urged her, wiping sweat from her brow despite the cold night. “Come on, Mira! You’re so close.” “I… I can’t…” Mira cried, shaking her head weakly. “Yes, you can, You have to. Your baby needs you.” Mira closed and squeezed her eyes, for one terrifying moment, she thought her strength had left her completely. Then she thought of the tiny life she had carried for months. She gritted her teeth and summoned all the last strength she had left and pushed. Just then the midwife let out a trembling laugh as tears filled her tired eyes. “A girl.” The tiny newborn cried loudly, her voice very strong for someone so small. The midwife wrapped the baby carefully in a soft blanket before placing her gently into Mira’s trembling arms. The baby's tiny fingers curled around Mira’s thumb with surprising strength. “So small…” she laughed brokenly. “So beautiful…” Tears rolled freely down her cheeks. She kissed the baby’s forehead. “Nyxara,” she whispered, her voice trembling between laughter and tears. “My little miracle.” A deafening crash exploded through the cottage, then the front door burst inward. Seren stumbled through the doorway, soaked from head to toe, breathing heavily. “Mira!” His frantic eyes landed on the baby, every trace of colour drained from his face.“They found us.” The happiness vanished from Mira’s expression. “How long?” “Minutes.” His voice was barely beyond a whisper. “They’ve surrounded the valley and they’re getting closer .” He glanced toward the shattered window. The midwife stepped backwards, horror filling her face. “No… They were supposed to believe she died before birth.” Mira whispered as her arms tightened around Nyxara. “They know she didn’t.” Another violent crash echoed outside, this time it wasn't thunder. It was wood splintering and the sound of boots. “They’re here,” Seren whispered. The room became deathly still, and without warning, Mira placed the baby into Seren’s arms. “No, Mira,” he breathed. “You have to come with me.” “Run,” she said as tears streamed down her face. “Run into Blackwood Forest and don't stop.” “I’m not leaving you.” Seren cried. “You don’t have a choice.” She gently stroked Nyxara’s tiny cheek. “If anyone asks who she is, tell them she’s just another orphan.” Seren’s jaw tightened. “And if she ever asks about me?” For the first time since the labour began, Mira smiled.“Tell her that her mother loved her with her dying breath.” Seren swallowed the lump in his throat. “I swear it.” He held Nyxara close, then disappeared into the raging storm. Seconds later, the cottage door exploded inward and men dressed in black coats entered, silver blades gleaming. The man leading them slowly lowered his hood, his pale eyes moved across the scattered room before settling on Mira. “Where is the child?” he asked calmly. “The child? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mira said, acting surprised. The man smiled. “You’ve always been a terrible liar.” His eyes moved toward the bloodstained blankets. “The child was born.” Then his smile faded.“Where is she!” “Beyond your reach.” Mira slowly lifted her chin. For the first time, the man’s expression hardened, His silver blade flashed, in one swift movement…It sliced through the air. Mira barely had time to inhale when the sword cut through her throat, her eyes widened for a second before the strength left her body. She collapsed on the bloodstained floor, her sight fading as the last image she clung to was the tiny face of the daughter she had sent away. Deep inside the forest, Seren ran through with all his strength. Branches lashed against his face, thorns tore at his clothes. The newborn cried against his chest as rain soaked both of them. “I’m sorry,” he whispered brokenly. “I’m so sorry.” A chilling howl echoed across the mountains the Nyxara’s cries suddenly stopped. Seren looked down, and the baby had opened her eyes. One glowed a deep crimson and the other shimmered molten gold. The wind itself seemed to fall silent. Far behind them, the lead hunter stopped running, he slowly turned toward the forest. A smile spread across his lips. “We found her.”