Blood Moon Rising

He anxiously paced outside the doorway, hands pulling at his hair. A red glow cascaded down through the window into the hallway. Tonight was a blood moon, the first one in over 10 years. 'Aaarrghhhh' There it was again, another scream through gritted teeth followed by panting and a gasp. 'I can see the head, keep pushing' 'Owwwwww' He couldn't stand it any longer and barged through the door just in time to witness the miracle of life. 'It's a boy' one of the midwives beamed. He sighed with relief, finally, an heir. She passed the bouncing baby boy to him and placed a hand on the new mothers knee. 'Not much time to rest I'm afraid dear, number 2 is coming now' He jerked his head up in shock Twins? 'I can't, I can't do it' the mother moaned 'Yes you can, now push' the other midwife encouraged. The bedsheets started to redden. The midwives looked at each other, wide eyed. 'Stay with me' one panicked and tried to rouse her unsuccessfully. 'She's not going to make it' the elder midwife said, alarmed. 'Do something' his male voice commanded. 'Do what you need to do to save them' he instructed. The midwives glanced at each other cautiously. 'I know you can help her' he stated, knowingly. The midwives nodded, understanding the inference in his request. The elder one hurriedly placed both hands over her swollen belly, closed her eyes and started a low murmured chant, while the other one held her limp hand and stroked the back of it. A mystical feeling filled the room like ice cold air and time seemed to stand still, until there was an audible intake of breath and she was conscious again. Within minutes, baby number 2 was born. 'It's a girl' the elder midwife sighed with relief. 'One of each'. She wrapped up baby girl and handed her to the other midwife with a weary smile. He walked to the bedside and bent down beside the exhausted midwife. 'Thank you' he whispered. 'You're welcome, Alpha' she mustered, with her energy now depleted, her lifeless body slumped to the floor. * * *