Heavy rain drenched the earth like a curtain of water with no intention of ceasing—arriving as always, without warning, without a breeze to herald it, though it had already greeted the world with gray clouds.
The sound of raindrops falling was like a lullaby wrapping itself around the room. The air turned cold, but not biting, more like an unwanted touch against the skin, prompting one to seek shelter beneath thick fabric.
Thalia's soft laughter blended into the melody. Ink strokes spilled into sentences that captured emotion. No hesitation lingered in her, this it seemed was what Thalia wanted.
[Last night, I dreamed of you.]
"It's not entirely honest, though."
[Longing.]
The last trace of ink curled softly, like a whisper nearly lost, yet spilled in silence. As though wearing many faces, Thalia wrote that word despite the bond she had with Alaric and Elric. The ethics within her seemed to dissolve when the heart overruled logic.
"Disgusting."
The word escaped as Alaric forcefully witnessed Thalia's behavior from his room. Luke stood beside Alaric in silence, though him, seated and facing the closed door, still dominated the space. Luke turned his gaze to the same door, eyes filled with the urge to destroy the face that wore Thalia's features.
"There's no need."
Luke bowed his head, placing one hand on his chest in solemn respect. "I understand, Master."
The scent of rain and ink became the companions of a buried echo, like a wheel reluctant to stop. The dark sky slowly broke open, but it brought no warmth, only the cold that lingered between the faded veils of mist.
The air lost its chill, leaving behind only warmth that clung with the arrival of dawn, uninvited. The leaves rustled gently, still murmuring words from a morning yet to be understood.
The sun eventually blazed high in the sky, replacing the gray with its golden stretch. Tiny footsteps traced the silence, echoing like the rhythm of a wooden toy marching alone, soft yet certain like shadows of childhood memories that refused to leave.
"Mama."
Elric's cheerful voice rang as his small hands flung open his parents' bedroom door. A soft hum slipped from Elric's throat, seems light, barely audible, as though escaping involuntarily when his eyes didn't find Thalia. Elric squinted then said, "I want to go to Papa."
A painful moan became an addictive melody as Thalia endured every throb from the bite and the draw, not just the sting on her neck but also the one at her wrist, now resting over a viva grande glass.
Thalia sat limply on Alaric's lap, her breath heavy as she leaned against his chest. Alaric gently stroked her hair, calming her from the pulse's ache his actions had caused.
Alaric's fingers at her chin lifted Thalia's eyes to meet his, as though engraving a fate she could not escape. Their eyes locked until the closeness between them sang a voiceless song.
"Only one?"
Alaric's tone was calm, almost like a breeze passing through. Thalia turned her gaze away as an unfamiliar sensation coursed through her. Alaric's lips, still stained red with Thalia's blood, met hers with an odd intensity. It wasn't a kiss full of passion, but a magnetic touch that made her close her eyes and follow the rhythm.
Saliva lingered in the air as Alaric pulled away, his index finger softly wiping the corner of Thalia's mouth, "How far do you think you'll go with him?"
Thalia furrowed her brow in distaste, "Don't touch him."
"I even let you go, didn't I?"
Thalia clenched her fists tightly, then rose to her feet and walked out, "I won't give you or Elric my blood if you do that."
Alaric rested his chin on the back of his hand, eyes following Thalia's retreating figure, "Elric too? But he's your son, my wife."
Thalia said nothing, refusing to respond as the door opened wide and Elric entered Alaric's study. Alaric looked up at Thalia and gently took her hand. Their eyes met, and the touch between mother and child didn't make Thalia feel guilty, even as she wondered if Elric had overheard the conversation. Thalia didn't pull her hand away. Thalia let Elric hold it, though her thoughts drifted far, retracing her exchange with Alaric.
"Mama, I want lunch."
Thalia exhaled softly, "I've placed your share in the glass on your father's desk."
"But I want it straight from Mama."
Elric leaned in to bite Thalia's wrist, but the sound of teeth clacking filled the room when she pulled her hand away.
"Drink from the glass, Elric."
Thalia's footsteps echoed as she left, the door creaking shut. Alaric lifted the viva grande, now filled with Thalia's blood, and showed it to Elric.
"Don't want it?"
Elric puffed out his cheeks, eyes wide in protest. His face twisted in a silent tantrum, not with tears, but with his small feet gently stomping the floor, full of childish defiance. Then he walked toward Alaric. Without a word, Elric climbed onto Alaric's lap. His movements were swift but meaningful, holding a quiet rebellion. His feet pressed against Alaric's knees as he sat up straight, claiming the space he believed was his.
No hugs, no smiles and only puffed cheeks, a slight furrow of the brow, and a quick hand snatching the glass of Thalia's blood from Alaric before taking a sip.
"Mama's mean."
Alaric said nothing, continuing his work as Elric remained seated on his lap. Not a nod, not a word passed his lips. Elric looked up at him just as Luke entered with a letter from Ashen.
It wasn't for Alaric, it was for Thalia. But Alaric would read it first, before handing it over. Elric peeked curiously from between Alaric's fingers, trying to decipher any word within reach of his gaze.
"Papa, I want Mama."
Alaric and Elric stared at each other, dark red eyes shimmering like embers in ash, glowing with a language no one else could understand, spoken only by those bound by blood and promise.
Alaric calmly folded the letter again which his movements slow, almost lazy, yet each edge of the envelope was touched like he was reassembling a meticulous plan. Then, the sound of Thalia's footsteps returned.
"Thank you," Thalia said as she snatched the letter from Alaric's desk, turning away and leaving the room for the second time under the noonday sun. Alaric watched her in silence. His eyes did not chase her, but his thoughts had already reached a distant corner.
"How amusing."