The air in the bedroom was thick with tension as Brigitte, her light pink hair sticking to her sweaty forehead, gripped the edge of the bed with white-knuckled intensity. She pushed with all her might, her muscles straining as she brought new life into the world.
Apollo, her husband, stood by her side, his face pale and drawn. He looked like he was about to pass out, and Brigitte couldn't help but tease him, even in the midst of labor. "Apollo, you look like you're about to pass out," she said, panting between pushes. "Don't worry, I've got this."
Apollo took a deep breath and tried to steady himself, but the sight of the baby's head emerging was almost too much for him. He swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Brigitte's face. "You're doing great, Brigitte," he encouraged, trying to hide his fear.
Brigitte grunted and pushed again, and finally, the baby was born. She collapsed back onto the bed, exhausted but elated. "He's beautiful," Apollo whispered, cutting the umbilical cord and handing the baby to Brigitte.
Brigitte cradled the baby in her arms, gazing down at him with love. "Meet Solace," she said, smiling.
One week later, the family gathered in Brigitte and Apollo's home to meet Solace. Momus, the son of Nyx, approached Brigitte, his sharp tongue already at the ready. "May I hold the baby?" he asked, a mocking smile on his face.
Brigitte hesitated, but handed Solace over to Momus. "Be gentle," she warned.
Momus held Solace awkwardly, tossing him up in the air and catching him clumsily. "Momus, stop!" Brigitte yelled, as Solace started to cry.
But Momus ignored her, tossing Solace higher and higher. Brigitte's anger grew with each toss, her hands clenching into fists. "Momus, stop!" she yelled again, but he just laughed.
Finally, Solace slipped out of Momus's grasp and fell to the floor. Brigitte rushed over to him, cradling him in her arms. "Get out," she snarled at Momus, her voice full of anger. "You're not welcome here."
Momus, looking chastised, slinked out of the room. Brigitte turned her attention back to Solace, soothing him with gentle words and soft strokes. "Don't worry, my love," she whispered. "Mommy's here."
The room was quiet again, the only sound the soft cooing of the baby in Brigitte's arms. She looked around at her family, her strong, controlling nature on full display. She was a mother now, and she would do anything to protect her child.
"Who's ready for some cake?" she asked, a smile on her face. "Solace's first birthday party isn't over yet."
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