Danielle lay on a bed covered in straw, her face contorted in pain as she pushed with all her might. Cyrus sat beside her, holding her hand and offering words of encouragement. The room was dimly lit by candles, casting eerie shadows on the rough stone walls. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and blood. “Just a bit more, Danielle. Just a bit more.” Cyrus was continuously encouraging her while she was pushing.

A midwife and a few other women crowded around Danielle, attending to her ...