radicalducati Hold On Or Let Go
Hold On Or Let Go
Athena
A suffocating silence engulfed the room, heavy with the weight of Tristan's words. Our last flicker of hope had been extinguished, replaced by the bitter reality we were now forced to confront. The truth hung in the air, undeniable and painful.
"Are you saying that our baby's a monster?" I managed to utter, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and anguish that he didn't fail to notice.
"No," He responded, his tone firm and unwavering., "But your baby's aware that this world can be."
"Is there no way to ensure the safety of both the mother and child?" Sebastian asked; The hope in his voice broke my heart because I could already see the truth written on Tristan's face.
Tristan's expression softened, tinged with sorrow. "We can certainly try, but that's all it is—a chance, a risk. It's a choice you both must make. If you decide to proceed, there's no guarantee. Once the baby's instincts take over, and the claws emerge, it will be a matter of seconds before it takes its mother's life."
The gravity of the situation settled upon us, the stark reality of the choices ahead.
Sebastian's rage ignited, slamming the table as he rose to his feet. The lines of anger etched on his face cast a dark shadow, and his eyes began to darken, betraying the stirring of his inner wolf, "What kind of doctor are you if you can't ensure the safety of your patient?"
"I am just giving you the truth, and--"
"Or is this case not prestigious enough for your portfolio? Do you only choose cases that will make headlines?" His voice was laced with accusation.
Tristan's voice remained calm, a stark contrast to Sebastian's growing frenzy, "Sebastian, I suggest you regain your composure and consider the seriousness of the situation. It is my responsibility to provide you with the truth, no matter how difficult it may be. Would you prefer false hope and empty promises that could lead to the loss of your mate's life? I am here to guide you through this, but I cannot guarantee her safety and keep any of you under false hopes. The risks are substantial, and it is my duty to be transparent."
Sebastian's hands balled up into fists, he was barely keeping it together.
"Will you be able to help us if I am willing to take the risk?" I finally let out.
"Athena, what the fuck are you saying? I won't risk either of you," Sebastian exclaimed, his face contorted with a mix of frustration and desperation.
"If this is the only way, we have to do it. We can't let our baby die." I insisted, my voice trembling but resolute.
Sebastian's restlessness grew more, as he kneeled before me, taking my hand in his. "Nothing is going to happen to our baby, okay? I promise you, I'll find the best doctor, explore every possible option, and fix this. You don't have to worry. I won't let anything harm you."
"Sebastian, how can you make everything right when we were both involved in the circumstances that led to this? Our child's condition is the result of both our actions," I said, guilt beginning to create a strong pressure in the middle of my chest, "We need to do everything we can to save our little one."
"Yes but not by sacrificing you! Why don't you just try to understand?"
I moved my gaze away from him, knowing that he was not going to change his mind soon.
"Tristan, be honest with me, what are the chances that I'll survive this?"
Tristan's expression grew even more serious, his face betraying a knowledge that he hesitated to reveal. There was a flicker in his eyes, something I couldn't quite grasp, but he maintained a stoic composure.
"Damn it, Athena," Sebastian burst out, his anger barely contained as he released a tight breath and rose on his feet.
"One in a hundred," Tristan spoke up.
"Are you fucking kidding me? One in a hundred? I shouldn't have come here in the first place," Sebastian's voice cracked with frustration and disbelief, he reached his breaking point and certainly was not in his right mind, "We'll visit another doctor who'll help us. Athena, come with me." He grabbed my wrist and tried to take me with him but I didn't budge.
If this was the only way, I was going to do it.
"I want to go for that one chance."
"You don't understand how your case is. The best way to make this pregnancy successful is to wait until it's the right time and you go into labour," He stated, calm and collected, "But I suggest we should not go any further and..."
He left the words hanging in the air, leaving it to me to finish it.
"You're suggesting that I should get rid of my baby?" I let out a bitter chuckle, "Thanks for your suggestion, but I'd prefer assistance to help my baby make it through, rather than useless advice. I refuse to entertain the notion of giving up our child."
"You don't need his assistance, Athena. I'll get you the best doctor possible. Let's just go, damn it!"
"Get a hold of yourself, Sebastian. You know there's none but him who can help us," I said, trying to keep my voice down but it came out loud anyways, "You said you are willing to do whatever takes, so for now, just calm down and think it through. We are gonna lose track of time if we keep hopping from one doctor to another, and you know the consequences that could bring."
"Just come with me. We'll speak about this at home," This time he succeeded in making me stand up, "Let's go now."
"Sebastian, listen to me. It's—"
I didn't get the chance to finish my sentence as he dragged me out with him, his grip on my hand was gentle yet firm, preventing any chance of escape. I tried to reason with him, insisting that we needed to speak to Tristan, to at least have a conversation about our options. But Sebastian's mind was set on ensuring our safety at any cost.
"Sebastian, let go of my hand. We need to talk to him," I said, this time a bit firmer, "At Least discuss the matter."
"There's nothing left to discuss. I am not going to lose either of you," He said as he opened the car door for me, "Get in."
"No. We need to talk to—"
"Get in, Athena!" He nearly shouted, causing me to flinch. I involuntarily took a few steps back, feeling endangered for some reason. Maybe because, the memories of who he used to be flashed before me, making me hesitate even more.
As he noticed my troubled expression and trembling of my breathing, the realisation drew upon him. His anger subsided, replaced by a deep sense of guilt and remorse.
The weight of his actions and the impact they had on me became apparent in his eyes. He reached out to me, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to offer comfort.
"God," He breathed out and walked closer to me, cupping my face in his hands and surprisingly I didn't feel the urge to pull away or step back, "I am so sorry, love. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I am...I am fine," I stammered, not knowing what I was supposed to do. Head back into the chamber or go back with him to the mansion.
"I am so fucking sorry," He pulled me in a hug, "I did not mean to frighten you. I just...I am sorry."
The guilt in his voice made me feel bad. I understood that his shout came from a place of protectiveness and a desperate urge to keep me and our baby out of danger.
"It's okay," I hugged him back, breathing in his scent, "Maybe we can just talk after we go back. Let's go."
"I love you," he murmured against my hair, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."