Page 64 of A Bolt of Magic

“Please,” I beg.

“If anything happens to Maya or that baby,” Thesha says in a measured tone. “I will kill you myself.”

I believe her. A shiver runs down my spine.

Kian moves between us, his jaw tight with anger. “Don’t threaten McColl, she—”

“Stop!” Orion cuts him off, his voice raw. “Stop arguing while my wife is lying in there…while she… We’re wasting time.”

“I accept the terms,” I tell Thesha, who nods. She doesn’t sheath the sword.

“Go!” she barks at me.

“I’m coming with you,” Kian says from behind me.

“No men inside the birthing room,” Thesha all but growls.

“I’m going in there. So help me, if you try to stop me…” Orion practically snarls as he walks into the room to his wife.

“After you,” Thesha tells me, gesturing toward the bedroom with her sword.

“I’ll be okay,” I tell Kian.

“I need to stay close,” he says. “I think I discovered something…about our magic. I’ll tell you about it later.”

I nod.

As we reach the entrance that leads to Maya’s bedroom, Kian stops me with a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“You can do this,” he says quietly, his voice meant for my ears alone. “I know you’re doubting yourself because I can see it written all over your face. But you’re stronger than you know. More capable than you believe. I am here for you.” He reaches out and takes my hand, his warm fingers wrapping around mine. “Don’t listen to any negativity. Trust yourself.”

His words settle something in my chest, some knot of fear and self-doubt that I hadn’t even realized was there.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

Before I can step away, he leans down and presses a soft kiss on my cheek. The gesture is so gentle, so unexpected, that it nearly undoes me.

“Save them,” he murmurs against my ear. “I know you can.”

I nod, not trusting my voice, and rush into the bedroom, leaving the door slightly ajar.

The scene inside makes my heart clench. Maya lies on the bed, her face ashen and slick with sweat, her breathing shallow and labored. Her beautiful blonde hair is plastered to her skull, and the sheets beneath her are soaked. Orion immediately takes his place at her side, gripping her hand as she writhes in pain.

“McColl is going to help you, sweetheart. It’s all going to be okay,” Orion tells Maya, who nods, gritting through the pain.

“Save my baby,” she gasps. “Please.”

Thesha and Kyrie position themselves where they can help. In Thesha’s case, I know that it is also to watch my every move. I try to ignore the weight of her scrutiny or the glint of the sword in her hand and focus on Maya.

I kneel beside the bed and place my hands on the curve of her belly, closing my eyes and reaching for my magic. To my relief, it responds immediately, flowing through me with surprising strength and clarity. I let it extend through my palms, gently probing.

The baby’s heartbeat is far too rapid. It’s a frantic, desperate rhythm that speaks of severe distress. As I probe deeper with my magic, the problem becomes horrifyingly clear.

“What is it?” Maya screams, her throat raw.

“He has a strong heartbeat,” I tell her, focusing on the positives.

Maya falls back. “Praise Kakara,” she pants out.

---