definitely this time (e.p. fanfic)

Chapter 15

The mid-morning sunlight shone down on the Dawn Treader. It didn't seem like just minutes ago, a shadow demon and his minions invaded it, and were on the cusp of disaster. Raina heaved softly from exhaustion, as she dropped to her knees. Her head pounded as her heart raced. She felt 3 pairs of arms wrap around her to steady her, as she got to her feet and straightened herself. Her head felt woozy, as her vision slid in and out of focus. Caspian steadied her, as she came back to herself.

'You okay there? That was a whole lot of light if I'm being honest.' He joked as Raina looked up and glared at him.

'I'll deal with you later. I need to lie down for a sec, or a day.' Raina said, softly.

Just as Caspian and Lucy tried to escort her to her quarters, Edmund stepped in, wrapping his arm around her waist, giving his friend and his sister a look, telling them to back off. They pursed their lips, amused as they watched Edmund and Raina leave. Eustace was gagging.

'So uncivilised..' He muttered under his breath, as he scuttled away.

Raina's vision blurred for a moment as she stumbled forward, Edmund's arms catching her before she met the ground. Her pounding head distracted her from the hurt and anger pouring out of Edmund's eyes. As they reached her room, she reached for her hammock, as she turned back to Edmund, taken aback by the look in his eyes. They had darkened, but the creases in his brow spoke of pain, pain so deep and cutthroat, she felt panic arise in her chest.

'Ed-'

'Later.' Edmund said, shortly, as he helped her onto the hammock, and left the room, carefully shutting the door. As Raina collapsed on the hammock, too tired to run after him, her racing mind calmed and the calming breeze lulled her into a sleep, so deep, she didn't have nightmares.

As she sunk into her much needed rest, Edmund hung back outside her door, his head a flurry of thoughts, anxieties and bubbling anger. He needed the truth, whether she stayed or not.

He deserved at least that.

**********

A feeling of control washed over her limbs as she stirred. Warmth rushed through her bones as she felt the afternoon sun pore through the open window, as the smell of the ocean permeated her senses. It seemed peaceful, normal, okay.

Before she realised her last thought before drifting away.

Before she could even think about it, a knock came at Raina's door, startling her from her thoughts. She shook it off and slowly got to her feet, as she walked to the door and opened it. It swung open to reveal Caspian and Lucy, concerned frowns etched on their faces.

'Hey, are you feeling better?' Lucy asked, touching Raina's arm carefully.

'Yeah, you gave us quite a scare there.' Caspian admitted. Raina turned to him and gave him a tight-lipped smile.

'I'm mildly sleepy, but that's in-line with how I usually am, so otherwise I'm fine, don't worry.'

Caspian cocked an eyebrow at that as Lucy shook her head.

'Yeah, I wouldn't call spitting a boatload of light out of you at a shadow demon and passing out, fine, but whatever you say.' Caspian rambled as Raina yawned and rubbed her temples.

'Agree to disagree, Caspian.' She mumbled as she gestured for them to come inside. As they sat down, Raina faced the two of them.

'Guys, listen...' She began, her voice low and alarming.

'What happened with the Umbra Regem?' She asked, simply. Caspian and Lucy completely froze up, faces paling at the question. Raina noticed as she felt her heart break for the two, knowing exactly what kind of horrors they witnessed.