Gangster Hybrid

"Of course I would, honey," Elliana said warmly, a smile still on her face as she reached out to brush Draven's cheek. "If anything was bothering Mommy, you'd be the first one she told. You're so important to me, and I love you so mu—"

Her words caught in her throat.

A sudden, sharp pain surged through her belly. Her body tensed, her eyes widened, and the book she'd been holding slipped from her hands, thudding softly against the floor.

"Mom?! Are you okay?!" Draven rushed to her side, panic already rising in his chest.

Then he saw it—a slow trickle of fluid running down her leg.

Elliana clutched her abdomen, her breath coming in short gasps. "Honey... they're coming."

Draven froze. "They're coming?" he repeated, stunned. "Right now? No—I mean, finally—but… now?!"

His thoughts went into free fall.

Take her to the hospital? No, there wasn't one.

Call a doctor? Crap—there wasn't one of those either.

"Damn it! What am I supposed to do?!" he shouted, hands tugging at his hair as he started to spiral.

Despite the pain, Elliana raised a trembling hand and smacked him across the head.

"OW—what the hell, Mom?!" Draven clutched his scalp, glaring.

"Calm. Down. Honey," she said through gritted teeth, sweat beading on her brow. "Just go get the maids!"

"Right! Right—got it!"

He spun toward the door. "Lyriana!"

The door swung open almost instantly. The ever-composed Lyriana stepped inside with a graceful bow. "You called for me, young master?"

"Come here—quick!"

She hurried to Elliana's side, her sharp eyes assessing the situation.

Her Highness is going into labor, she realized, and calmly nodded.

"I'll watch over her. You go," Lyriana said.

Draven was already halfway to the door when—

His father appeared.

"Dad?!" Draven gasped, relief flashing across his face.

Kaelen moved without hesitation, striding over to Elliana and gently lifting her into his arms.

"Son," he said, his voice steady and commanding, "I'm taking your mother to our bedchamber. Bring the maids there."

And just like that—he vanished.

"Right!" Draven shouted and sprinted down the hall.

---

Some time later...

Draven stood outside the bedchamber, shifting nervously from foot to foot. Lyriana and Aldric were beside him, calm as ever. But Draven? He couldn't stop tapping his foot.

Three hours. It had been three long, agonizing hours.

Why is it taking so long? he thought, pacing restlessly. Is everything okay? Is something wrong? Dammit—I hope she's okay.

His stomach twisted. He paused, staring at the door like it might open if he just willed it hard enough.

And then—it did.

The door creaked open, and Kaelen stepped out. His eyes were tired, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Before Draven could say a word, Kaelen sighed and muttered,

"Brat, will you stop tapping your damn foot?"