I stopped talking and focused solely on directing a relentless stream of witch power towards the child.
I knew, even without Ivyâs caution, that I was sacrificing my own life to save hers.
The world around me became a blur, my senses dimming as my consciousness started to fray at the edges.
Just as I teetered on the edge of unconsciousness, the childâs breathing steadied and normalized.
âWaah! Waah!â
The childâs clear cries rang through the forest like the sweetest melody, pulling my scattered consciousness back together.
It felt as if I was waking from a deep slumber.
âIt worked!â I exclaimed, overwhelmed with joy, holding the child tightly against me.
Ivy, too, was in awe.
âYouâre incredible!â
I embraced the child, tears streaming down my face.
After a moment, she suggested, âHoney, letâs stop crying for now.
We need to find a place to spend the night.
The child canât stay out here in the wilderness with us.
Sheâs too young and it might make her sick.
â
âOkay.
â
There was no room for argument.
I wrapped the child in my coat and steeled myself, preparing to search for shelter.
But just as I made to stand, a rustling noise stirred in the nearby woods.
Debraâs POV:
A familiar voice echoed in the air.
My brows furrowed, and I snapped into a state of heightened vigilance.
With caution, I clutched the child tightly to my chest, one hand assuming the form of a wolf claw, my gaze fixed on the origin of the sound, wary of any potential danger.
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through, causing the leaves to rustle softly.
This was no ordinary breezeâ¦
My eyes widened in horror.
In the bright moonlight, a tall figure emerged from the forest.
His appearance was almost feminine, with skin as cold as ice in the moonâs glow.
His deep, blood-red eyes held an intense chill.
My heart clenched, and I immediately discerned the truth.
A vampire!
Instantly, fear gripped me, my heart pounding erratically in my chest.
Vampires were known for their insatiable thirst for blood and their cruelty.
His arrival here was likely prompted by the scent of my blood, drawn to prey on me.
The intense hemorrhage during childbirth left a potent aroma that attracted him.
Usually, I wasnât easily frightened.
However, moments ago, I nearly depleted all my witch power while saving the baby.