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

Chapter 33- inner turmoil

I nuzzled my head closer against Eowyn. My hands tracing down her neck, singing softly to myself.

Sebastian sat nearby, fully immersed in his book. I gave Eowyn a peck on the nose and walked over to Sebastian, my eyes peeking out over the top of his book as I leaned down in front of him.

His eyes met mine, and instantly a cheeky grin spread across his face, "yes?" He questioned, pulling me onto his lap, making me smile into his neck.

"Nothing I just missed you," I smiled happily, nuzzling myself further into his neck.

He sighed contentedly, his fingers lacing through mine as he held me close. "Missed me? You've been attached to my hip for weeks now!"he chucked softly making me blush.

"We'll you were too far away from me."

"I was just across the room?" He laughed.

I groaned, "yes you were too far away from me."

He let out a loud laugh, "You're right, my darling."

I looked up to him eyes wide, "I am?"

"Yes," he smiled, the same toothy grin that makes me turn into a puddle on the floor. "I absolutely adore you, I will blindly agree with anything you say."

I smiled deeply, my fingers trailing along the freckles on his cheek and leaned up to kiss him. He followed by pressing a soft kiss to my temple and began reading aloud from his book. I wrapped my hands around his neck and listened as his deep voice echoed throughout the room, telling enchanting tales of far off places.

After awhile Sebastian abruptly closed the book, making me jump slightly. His hands trailed over my body. I wore nothing but his white button up. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?"

"Hmm don't think so," I teased pretending to think it over for minute.

He feigned shock his mouth parting wide, "oh darling that is just unacceptable, allow me to worship you like the goddess you are." He laughed peppering my neck with kisses making me squeal with glee.

His mouth caught mine as we lost ourselves in a passionate kiss. The world around us faded into insignificance as our bodies pressed against each other, our connection growing stronger with each breath. The intensity of his touch ignited a fire within me, a burning desire that only he could quench.

As our lips reluctantly parted, he held me close, his forehead resting against mine. "You are truly the most beautiful person I have ever known, inside and out," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

I looked away, guilt's cold grip around my heart. Flashes of images of what I had been through, what I had done flew through my mind. "Hey what is it?" He asked catching my chin with his fingers and holding it.

"Nothing." I forced myself to smile, blinking away the images of death and gore. I pulled Sebastian back into my mouth, my lips connecting with his in fervant passion. "Ophelia," He moaned against my lips, his hands circling my back and laying me on the ground, his body over mine.

I tried to focus on our kiss, getting lost in his touch as my hands threaded through his hair. I could feel my breath rapidly going faster and faster, my heart beating through my chest. Images of Leander over me, his dirty hands across my body, the nausea that came over being drugged. I could feel tears threatening to spill out of my eyes, I tried to focus on Sebastian, not Leanders cold hands, but Sebastian's hands that were warm and comforting.

"What's wrong?" Sebastian suddenly pulled away, his eyes searching mine and widening when he noticed the tears that threatened to escape, "Oh Ophelia, I'm so sorry. What did I do?" He asked paniced.

I began bawling, the tears running down my face rapidly as I shruggeled to breath. "I'm sorry it's not you it's-"

Sebastian scooped up my body and onto his lap. His arms firmly holding me against his chest, "Oh my darling." He murmured over and over again as I cried into his chest.

"I'm sorry," I whispered through my sobs.

Sebastian's hand lifted to my cheek and lifted it so I was facing him. "You never have to apologize to me."

I nuzzled my head against his neck, listening to the beating of his heart. I didn't know how to tell him what happened to me. I was scared of what he would think or what he would do. Would he think of me as damaged goods or go on a rampage outta anger?

"What happened to you, Ophelia," He whispered his hands running through my hair.

"I'm scared to tell you," I admitted.

"You don't have to, but I'm here for you." He pressed his lips against my temple.

We sat cuddling together for a few more moments as my breath began to calm down. I collected my thoughts and the words I wanted to say, "Sometime after you were taken away, "I took a deep breath and Sebastian squeezed me in solidation, "Leander was persistant in persuing me..." i could feel Sebastian tense up as he held me tighter against him. I began telling Sebastian everything that had happened that horrible day.

"When I awoke that next morning, Ominis and Poppy told me what happened." I leaned onto his chest, "I shut myself away for awhile, unable to cope, but then I got angry. So bloody fucking angry it consumed me. I had heard rumours that Leander had turned you in and-"

"I'll kill him, I'll bloody fucking tear him apart with my bare hands for what he did to you," He seethed.

"Sebastian," I interjected.

"How fucking dare he,"He growled.

"Sebastian stop," I yelled, trying to calm him.

Sebastian's eyes blazed towards mine, softening as he realized I was crying again. "Oh darling, Im so sorry." He whispered, kissing me on my cheek.

"I killed him," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I tortured him and ripped him apart with my ancient magic." My voice hung tense in the air.

"I'm a monster," I choked.

"You're not," He breathed deeply, "That bloody fuck deserved every second of it."

"I'm here now my darling," He murmured, "I will protect you."

I rested my hand back against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm. Silent tears streamed down my face as he held me tightly, offering comfort and solace in his embrace. The weight of my emotions felt overwhelming, but his presence provided a safe haven where I could let it all out.

His fingers gently brushed away the tears that stained my cheeks, his touch a soothing balm to my wounded soul. He didn't need words to understand my pain; he simply held me, allowing me to release the sorrow that had been building up inside.