In the Shadows of a Legacy // A Sebastian Sallow story

Chapter 22-Embers

I woke up before Sebastian, the dimly lit cave provided a tranquil ambiance. The crackling embers of the dwindled fire emitted a faint glow, casting gentle shadows on the rugged walls. The storm outside still raged, the sound of rain against the rocky surface Gazing upon Sebastian's slumbering form, a sense of awe washed over me. He looked so peaceful, his features softened by sleep. His lips, slightly parted, released a soft snore, bringing a smile to my face. I couldn't resist the urge to reach out and brush away a stray curl that had fallen across his forehead. A subtle furrow formed between his brows as he shifted, lost in the depths of his dreams.

I opened his white shirt and glanced over the wounds that marred his body. My handiwork was quite pathetic and would surely scar, but they were healing and better than the night before. A few more healing sessions and hopefully he wouldn't feel a thing.

My fingertips trailed delicately across his skin, tracing the path of the scars that crisscrossed his body. Each mark held a story, a testament to his resilience and strength. I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of those scars, the battles he had fought, and the pain he had endured. But as the images threatened to overwhelm me, I pushed them away, not wanting to dwell on the past that still haunted him.

Leaning forward, I pressed a tender kiss against his forehead, my lips lingering there for a moment. The love that had blossomed between us remained, unyielding to the trials and tribulations we had faced. Despite our past struggles and attempts to distance ourselves, my heart had never stopped beating for Sebastian.

I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him behind once again. The mere idea of being without him sent a surge of anguish through my veins. He was my anchor, my source of strength, and the one who held the key to unlocking the deepest parts of my soul.

I pulled away, preparing myself to go out into the rain in search of some food, when his hand caught my waist and pulled me on top of him. Sebastian let out a groan as I landed. I scrambled to get my weight off of his injuries. I faced him as he blinked back sleep from his eyes. His honey brown eyes gazed over me in shock, his lips slightly parted. "You came back." He whispered.

"Of course I came back," I murmured, his hand reached up to stroke my cheek. I leaned into his palm, closing my eyes and savoring the moment.

"Why?" he questioned.

"You needed me." I shrugged.

"But you could've gone home."

I thought for a moment. "Yes I could've." I bit my lip unsure of what to say. "but you needed me Sebastian and I promised I would always be there for you."

His eyes widened in shock, and a shadow passed over his eyes, "You should have left me." He said bitterly, looking away from me.

"What?" I breathed.

"I said you should've fucking left me Ophelia."

"W-why would you even say that?" I stuttered.

"Because I'm a monster," He choked. " I've kidnapped you away from your life, I've hurt you again and again.." His voice trailed off. "You're better off without me."

I shook my head, "You're not a monster Sebastian."

"I am." He argued, "I destroyed our love, the one good thing I had left in my shit hole of a life."

"You didn't," I whispered.

"I did," He cried, "I've only ever brought you pain and darkness. I took something pure and tainted it. I forced you to use the dark arts, forced you into all the fights and forced you away from your life."