Chapter Twenty-Two

I awoke suddenly, a sharp pain radiating through my abdomen. For a moment, I was disoriented, unsure of what had pulled me from my slumber. Then I felt it—a warm, wet sensation spreading across the sheets. My water had broken. Panic and excitement surged through me in equal measure.

“Charles,” I whispered urgently, shaking his shoulder. “Charles, wake up!”

He stirred, his eyes opening slowly before widening in alarm as he took in my expression. “Mary, what’s wrong?”

“It’s time,” I said, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and joy. “The baby is coming.”

Charles was instantly alert, his vampire reflexes kicking in. He leapt out of bed and called for the midwives, his voice echoing through the halls of the palace. Within moments, the room was a flurry of activity as the midwives and healers arrived, preparing for the birth of our son.

I was helped into a more comfortable position, and Charles never left my side, his hand gripping mine tightly. The contractions came fast and strong, each one bringing us closer to meeting our son. Despite the pain, I felt a deep sense of peace and determination. This was the moment we had been waiting for.

Aurora, Orion, and Athena were quickly ushered into the room by Lisa, their eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Aurora rushed to my side, her small hand resting on my arm.

“Mother, are you alright?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“I’m fine, my darling,” I reassured her, forcing a smile through the pain. “Your brother is on his way.”

The hours seemed to stretch on endlessly, each contraction more intense than the last. Charles was my rock, his presence a constant source of strength and comfort. He whispered words of encouragement, his love for me evident in every touch and glance.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the moment arrived. With one final, excruciating push, our son entered the world. The room was filled with the sound of his first cries, a beautiful, heart-wrenching sound that brought tears to my eyes.

“He’s here,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. “Our son is here.”

The midwife placed the tiny, wriggling bundle in my arms, and I gazed down at him in awe. He was perfect, with a shock of dark hair and eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of the ages. Charles leaned in, his eyes filled with wonder as he looked at our son.

“Welcome to the world, Prince Gibson,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Aurora, Orion, and Athena crowded around, their faces alight with excitement. Aurora reached out a tentative hand, gently touching her brother’s tiny fingers.

“He’s so small,” she whispered, her eyes wide with amazement.

“Yes, but he will grow strong, just like you,” I said, smiling at her.

The room was filled with a sense of joy and celebration as our family welcomed the newest member. Randall and Lisa joined us, their faces beaming with pride and happiness. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss, a reminder of the love and unity that bound us all together.

As the excitement began to settle, the midwives and healers busied themselves with cleaning up and ensuring that both Gibson and I were healthy and comfortable. Charles stayed by my side, his hand never leaving mine. The bond between us had only grown stronger with the birth of our son, a testament to the love and commitment we shared.

Later that evening, as the palace quieted down and the children were tucked into bed, Charles and I found ourselves alone with our newborn son. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of candlelight casting gentle shadows on the walls. I cradled Gibson in my arms, marveling at the tiny miracle we had created.

Charles sat beside me, his arm wrapped around my shoulders. “He’s perfect, Mary,” he said softly, his eyes filled with love.

“Yes, he is,” I agreed, my heart swelling with pride and joy. “Our little prince.”

We sat in comfortable silence, simply enjoying the presence of our son and the peace of the moment. The future stretched out before us, filled with both challenges and triumphs, but I knew that as long as we faced it together, we could overcome anything.

As I looked down at Gibson, I felt a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment. Our family was complete, and our love would guide us through whatever lay ahead. The birth of our son marked a new chapter in our lives, one filled with hope, joy, and endless possibilities.

And as I drifted off to sleep, cradled in Charles’ arms with our son nestled between us, I knew that we were ready to face the future together, as a family.