Shifted Fate by Alicia S.Rivers

I opened the door to…chaos. Wendy was hovering at the side, while my mother was between Alannah’s legs. Alannah, the sweet girl, was screaming her head off. “Fuck this, it hurts.” She sobbed at the ceiling while my mother patted the outside of her thigh.

“You are doing great, Momma. Just breathe.” My mother soothed, and I felt her push her soothing aura out, but Alannah wasn’t settling. She reared up, a contraction hitting her, and she screamed as she clutched the blankets at her sides.

“Fuck you. Fuck you Temen. How could he leave me tonight?” She screamed to the ceiling, to the sky. If she could, she would be screaming it to him. “Fuck you too, Moon Goddess…how could you do this to me and my babies.”

“Hush love. The Goddess is kind, but there are lines.” My mother rubbed her knee trying to calm her down before she crossed it, but Alannah still cried.

“No!” She shook her head in anger. “This isn’t fair.” She sobbed as the contraction broke and she dropped back down onto the bed, panting through her tears. “It’s not fair. My mate should be here.” She turned her head towards me. “He should be here with me.” Her pain was raw, and still so fresh. She had just lost him, and now their babies were coming early. I felt my heart break for her. I crouched down at the side.

I felt a tear hit my cheek. “Lan, I’m so sorry.” I gripped her hand as she closed her eyes and cried harder.

I watched as a figure took shape behind her. “I am Anwyl.” His eyes only on her face. “I hate that I can’t hold your hand. But I am here.” His voice was soft at first, and at first Alannah was crying too loudly to notice. But by the end, he had settled into the bed with her, and her eyes popped open, like she felt her other half was there. She turned, and her eyes found him.

came.” She reached for him but hesitated. “But you’re

“I’m not.” He raised a hand to hover over hers. The pain on his face was heart- wrenching. He shook his head as

you can’t hold them.” She struggled to breathe. “I can’t do this.” She shook her head as she pushed herself up in the bed. She pulled her legs back, and my

Ternen tried to grab for her,

want, but I refuse to do this alone. You can go back to the Moon Goddess. No one is being born today.” She leaned against

She turned to me and Ternen. “Talk

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herself up. “Or else we will lose four souls today instead of the

do we do?” Wendy looked

to deliver two babies. Whether or not she wants it, these babies are coming.” They closed the

shuddered as the contraction settled. She cut me a withering look before she held up her hand.” There isn’t anything you can say to convince

grabbed her hand and felt her resist, but I held tight. She finally relented, and I intertwined my fingers with hers. “I understand.” She tried to pull away again. “I understand because I have been