Ahicia stirred awake, her head throbbing as though struck repeatedly. Her crimson eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light in the room. She felt disoriented, her body weak and heavy. Each breath she took was shallow, and a strange tightness gripped her chest.
Fragments of her memory flashed in her mind—her fury boiling over as she held Anara by the neck, her claws extended and shaking with rage. Then darkness. Everything after was a blur.
She pushed herself up slowly, her tail curling protectively around her waist as she scanned the room. The sight of the empty bed beside her sent a wave of unease coursing through her.
"Damian?" she whispered, her voice hoarse and trembling.
The silence in the room was deafening. Her breathing hitched as she clutched the sheets, her heart pounding harder with each passing second. He's not here. Why isn't he here?
Her thoughts spiraled, the remnants of her nightmare clawing at her. The image of Damian turning his back on her, walking away without a second glance, burned vividly in her mind. She clenched her fists, tears pricking at her eyes as panic settled in her chest.
Just as her breaths grew shallow and erratic, the door creaked open.
"Ah, the queen finally stirs," Damian's familiar voice filled the room, warm and teasing.
Ahicia's head whipped toward the door, her crimson eyes wide and glistening. Relief washed over her as she took in the sight of him, standing there with a tray of food in one hand and a bottle of pills in the other.
"You've had quite the beauty sleep," he said as he entered, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Ahicia stared at him, her expression unreadable. She felt a surge of emotions she couldn't put into words—relief, confusion, anger—all tangled together in her chest.
Damian approached her, setting the tray on the bedside table. His smirk faltered as he took in her pale face and trembling hands. His golden eyes softened, a flicker of concern crossing his features.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
Ahicia didn't respond. Her crimson eyes remained locked on him, her lips pressed together tightly. She couldn't bring herself to voice the storm of thoughts swirling in her mind, especially not the one that loomed largest: What about Anara?
Damian sighed softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. He reached out, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. His touch was gentle, but she flinched slightly, her unease still palpable.
"You're not going to talk to me?" he asked, tilting his head.
Ahicia's tail twitched, but she kept silent.
"Alright," Damian said after a pause, his voice taking on a lighter tone. "Then let's start with this—eat for me, Ahicia. You need your strength." He leaned closer, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Your queenly duties can't wait forever, you know."
Ahicia hesitated, her crimson eyes darting to the tray of food before flicking back to him. She wanted to question him, to demand explanations, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she picked up the fork and took a small bite.
Damian watched her closely, his golden eyes unwavering. When she reached for the glass of water to take the pill, her hand trembled slightly. Damian steadied it, his touch firm yet gentle.
"Good girl," he said softly, a faint smile curving his lips.
Ahicia's tail flicked slightly at his words, but her unease didn't waver. As she finished the meal, Damian leaned back slightly, his golden eyes studying her carefully.
"I know what you're thinking," he said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence.
Ahicia froze, her crimson eyes widening slightly as she looked at him.
"You're wondering about Anara," Damian continued, his tone steady but quieter. "You think there's something between us."
Ahicia's lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
Damian sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "There's nothing between us, Ahicia," he said firmly. "Anara has always been… bold. But her actions don't mean anything to me."
Her crimson eyes shimmered with uncertainty, and her tail curled tighter around her waist.
"I only care about you," Damian said, his voice soft but resolute. He reached out, taking her hand in his. "You're the only one I want by my side."
Ahicia looked down at their hands, her emotions swirling like a storm. The tension in her chest eased slightly, but the storm hadn't fully settled. Still, she nodded faintly, her fingers tightening around his.
Damian leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Rest now," he murmured. "We'll face everything together."