Chapter 9: No Apology, No Surrender

Ella’s POV

The labour room was a blur of noise and pain. Bottles clinked and herbs were ground; the air was thick with the scent of crushed leaves and chemicals.

I stayed close to Noah. His presence felt like a small light in the dark. He was kind—his easy smile and quiet jokes pulled me out of my misery, even if only for a moment.

Every time he spoke, I found myself smiling; my heart felt lighter than it had any right to be. It was strange. His warmth ...