Page 28 of Damian

With gloves on, Frank props open Lena’s mouth to examine her teeth. After finding the one causing the problems, he places a stick on the opposite side to hold her mouth open, and to keep from getting bitten.

“There’s going to be blood, but don’t worry, it will stop,” Frank explains for my son’s benefit.

“I’m not afraid of blood,” he says, holding his head high. Serafim must be the bravest child ever.

Frank takes a set of pliers and pulls the infected tooth from the root. Frank works methodically. The tension is palpable, though. Every time Lena’s body jerks or twitches, my heart skips a beat. I whisper soothing words while Serafim clings to her hand. His gaze is wide with fear but filled with determination.

After setting the tooth in a bowl, Frank pours peroxide into the wound and packs it with gauze.

Suddenly, Lena convulses—her body shaking violently. Frank springs into action, trying to stabilize her.

Serafim cries out in terror, but my calm words reassure him. “It’s okay, little one. She’s fighting, and so are we.”

When the convulsions stop, and Lena lies still again, I’m overcome with relief and dread. I turn to Serafim, who valiantly holds back tears. “You’re so brave, Serafim. Your momma is lucky to have you.”

Frank is still hard at work. “I’ve got to put a needle in her arm to get the medicine into her body quickly. The needle has to stay in her arm. It’s just a small prick.”

I appreciate Frank’s care with Serafim.

My son watches closely.

Once it’s done and Frank hangs the IV bags full of antibiotics and nutrients, he looks down at Serafim. “I need you to watch these if I’m not around. When the liquid is all gone, I need to know so I can put another bag on there. Can you do that for me?”

He nods vigorously.

Thank you, I mouth to Frank.

Georgia had stepped out for the procedure and returns to the tent afterward. Her vision scans the scene. “How is she?”

“We’re doing all we can,” Frank replies with a strained but determined voice.

I look at Georgia, then back at Serafim. “We won’t give up. Not on her, and not on anyone here. I promise you; we will fight with everything we have.”

Outside the tent, the camp seems to hold its breath. I know that their battle has only just begun. But as I look at Serafim’s trusting gaze and feel the strength of my mate’s spirit, I know they all have a chance. A slight chance. But sometimes that’s all we need.

And so, with renewed resolve, I prepare for the night ahead, ready to face whatever challenges come while we watch Lena and wait.

For in this fight, every life saved is a victory against the darkness. I’ll not rest until she wakes.

Chapter 18

Damian

“In the wake of our mutual suffering, we will rise, bound by the strength of our mates’ resilience.” ~ Damian

Early the next morning, I exited the labyrinth to update the men. The morning sunlight casts a gentle glow on the rugged landscape.

Two more heifers and their young children followed me outside to accept their mates.

The other waiting men gather around me. I shake their hands and exchange words, learning their names and a little about them. Yanis has piercing eyes and a proud stance. Takis’ gentle demeanor masks a fierce determination. Markos is a concerned mate from across the border in Mexico. And Michail’s intense protective aura sends a shiver down my spine.

When it’s clear their patience with me has run out, I take a deep breath, preparing myself to say what I’ve dreaded telling them. “The most recent brutality we’ve learned that these women have suffered explains the young boys. They were trafficked to humans with the plans that they would finally bring sons into their sick, twisted world.”

Murmurs of anger ripple through the group. I wait for them to calm down before I continue. “Half of the women tremble in fear when one of us men gets within fifty feet.”

Yanis’ pupils widen, and he clenches his fists. “We’ll gain their trust,” he vows.

“Of that, I have no doubt.”

---