Aftermath | Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 4

Sebastian POV

I wake up, strangely enough, the best rested I have been in months. Last night was a whirlwind of events, but all I could think was that I have her back. I finally have her back. Even though she scared the bloody hell out of me. I had no clue she was harboring all that magic, all those feelings, this whole time. After I realized just what she was keeping locked away, everything made sense.

I truly thought she hated me after what I did. Turns out she was the one that felt bad, felt as though she had to hide everything, never let anyone see what she was going through. For fear of hurting others. For fear of judgement. She feels bad. I can't believe it. But I know now the main source of her intense emotions is the power she has shoved down inside her. I have to help her somehow. We have to find a way for her to be able to release it and control it. I don't want to see her like this, so scared and unhappy. I will help her.

One thing at a time for now though. I get out of bed and look at myself in the mirror. I have dark blue circles around my eyes. Well I thought I had rested well. After dressing and throwing on my robe, I make my way out of our dorm into the common room. It's already filled with students meandering about. I scan the room for the only thing I care to see right now.

That beautiful face. Her vibrant green eyes, contrast to her midnight black hair. I decide to sit down and wait for her to come out for the morning. I have some time before breakfast and our first morning class. I'm even more excited for class today now that she's finally speaking to me again.

I wait 15, 30, 45 minutes. She hasn't come out. I've now missed breakfast and I'm going to be late for class when I start to worry. She was limp with exhaustion after exerting all of that magic last night. What if she's injured, or sick? What if she's in pain? I know absolutely nothing about the power she has, and I'm mentally kicking myself for not paying more attention to it last year and caring more to learn about it with her. So selfish I was.

I'm growing too worried and impatient, so I stand up and make my way to her dorm. I knock on the door several times before I open it just a crack to peak in. I don't want to risk seeing her indisposed or invading her privacy. Although a part of me wouldn't actually mind.

When I see that her bed is perfectly made, I throw the door open. She isn't anywhere to be found. My heart is racing and I stand there panicking until I hear a voice behind me.

"Hi." she says softly. Y/n is standing there in the doorway clad only in a bathrobe with dripping wet hair. Gods she looks amazing, even with the tired look on her face and matching dark eyes to mine. "What are you doing in here?" She says, slightly cocking her head to the side. I realize how bad this must look, me alone in her room after class has already started. She must think I'm sneaking around. I have to remedy this.

"I, uh- I was worried. You didn't come out for breakfast, and it's time for class." Nothing better than the truth.

"Oh, thank you. For considering me." She says, looking down. Considering her? This girl doesn't even know half of what I would do just for her.

"Are you alright? After last night.. with your magic." And your confession to me, I wanted to say.

"I think I'm okay.. I've had an idea. To speak with Professor Sharp. I'm hoping his knowledge could prove useful. And perhaps he has some idea on how to.. to control it." She says.

"That is a brilliant idea." There is a moment of silence between us. "Y/n.." I begin to walk closer to her, wanting to close this space between us once and for all. I'm inches away from her now, and she's looking up at me with those stunning green eyes. How did I not notice those eyes last year? Maybe I did and I was too wrapped up in my own madness to give it more thought.

"Yes?" she answers quietly.

"I don't want you going anywhere, hiding anywhere again. I don't want you keeping all of those feelings to yourself. I'm here, I'll always be here. I know I lost myself last year. But you'll never lose me again. Please do not shut me out any more. Let me be here with you." I'm surprised at my own words, how much I'm throwing myself out there. I know that me asking to be with her means something more to me than what I'm expressing in this moment.

"Okay. I won't shut you out any longer. But can I please at least shut you out the door so I can get dressed?" My eyes widen, remembering she's only in a bath robe and completely naked underneath.

"Yes, yeah uh- I mean.. I'll see you in class." I stammer awkwardly making my way past her to the door. I hear a soft giggle from her as the door shuts behind me. Oh how good it is to hear that again.