The ride back to the estate was quiet. Ahicia had barely spoken a word since leaving the dinner, her head resting against the cool window as the car hummed along the dark roads. Damian glanced at her occasionally, his golden eyes filled with concern, but he said nothing, giving her the space she seemed to need.
By the time they arrived, Ahicia had drifted into a light sleep. Damian stepped out of the car, walked around to her side, and opened the door carefully. He paused, gazing at her peaceful yet weary expression, before leaning down to lift her into his arms. She stirred slightly, her head falling against his shoulder, but didn't wake.
Carrying her inside, Damian moved with quiet precision, his steps muffled against the grand estate's polished floors. The maids watched silently, exchanging curious glances as he ascended the stairs. Reaching Ahicia's room, he laid her gently on the bed, tucking the covers around her with surprising tenderness.
Turning to one of the maids who had followed, Damian spoke softly. "Stay with her. Make sure she's comfortable."
The maid nodded. "Yes, sir."
Satisfied, Damian left the room, his thoughts lingering on Ahicia even as he made his way to his own quarters.
The clock struck midnight, its chime echoing softly through the halls. Ahicia woke with a start, her chest heaving as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her breathing was uneven, her mind racing with fragments of a dream that lingered painfully in her mind.
In the dream, she had been back with her family. They stood around her, cold and distant, their eyes filled with judgment. They reminded her of the experiments, the pain, and the abandonment. And then Kelvin had appeared, smiling at first, only to betray her in the cruelest way, turning his back on her when she needed him most.
The dream had shifted to Damian. Despite the injuries and dominance he had once imposed, there was a stark contrast. In her darkest moments, Damian had shown her a care and compassion that her family never had. He had seen her as more than a failed experiment, as someone worth protecting. That realization brought a fresh wave of tears to her eyes.
She reached out instinctively, her hand brushing the empty space beside her. Damian wasn't there. The realization deepened the ache in her chest. Sniffling, she pushed back the covers and slid out of bed, her bare feet padding across the cool floor.
The halls were dimly lit, the soft glow of sconces guiding her as she made her way to Damian's room. Her soft sniffles echoed in the stillness, each one a testament to the lingering pain and vulnerability she couldn't quite shake. Her shoulders trembled slightly with each step, her tail drooping further with every sniff. Her tail drooped behind her, and her ears, usually alert, were low with sorrow.
Reaching his door, she hesitated for a moment before opening it quietly. Damian, seated at his desk and engrossed in a book, looked up in surprise.
"Ahicia?" he said, rising to his feet. His expression shifted immediately to concern as he noticed her tear-streaked face. "What's wrong?"
Instead of answering, Ahicia crossed the room quickly and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Damian froze for a moment, caught off guard, but then his arms encircled her, holding her close.
"Hey," he murmured, his voice soothing. "It's okay. I'm here. What happened?"
"Don't go," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Please, don't go."
Damian's golden eyes softened, his concern deepening. "I'm not going anywhere," he assured her, stroking her hair gently. His touch was steady and reassuring, grounding her in the moment.
She didn't reply, only clinging to him tighter. Her tail curled around her legs, and her ears pressed flat against her head, her body language radiating despair. Damian's hand moved to stroke her hair gently, his touch steady and reassuring.
Finally, she pulled back just enough to look up at him, her crimson eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Before he could say anything else, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. It was brief but filled with emotion, a silent plea for comfort and understanding.
Damian's golden eyes widened, but he didn't pull away. When she rested her head against his chest again, he sighed softly, his hand continuing its gentle motion through her hair.
"You're safe," he said quietly. "Whatever's bothering you, we'll face it together. You don't have to go through it alone."
Ahicia nodded against him, her breathing slowly evening out as his presence calmed her. For the first time that night, the weight on her chest began to lift, replaced by the steady rhythm of Damian's heartbeat beneath her ear.