For Centuries - Season 4 [Completed]

8 AM - 9 AM

"Perfect Dark", Flyte

Amaury came back with blood and I knocked at the storage room's door. Stanislas did not answer but I entered anyway. He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes closed. It seemed like every muscle in his neck and shoulders was tensed to the extreme.

"I brought you some animal blood. It should weaken the edge."

"I think I'm past that stage, princess."

"Watch your language, Stanislas. I deserve at least your respect."

He flinched. "I respect you."

"Uh-hu. You have a strange way to show it." My voice softened. "I know you are distraught."

Stanislas winced at the word. "I cannot think clearly. I want to hit the walls. This place makes me feel claustrophobic."

"I know. Drink some blood. It is not going to solve everything but it is already something."

He sighed and took the bottle. He drank reluctantly. "I used to have some standards. It tastes awful," he said. "Apparently I'll get used to it. Someday. Soon, hopefully."

I left him space to settle and when I saw he was calmer, I spoke again. "We have something else."

He looked at me, questioning.

"Chains," I said.

His expression tightened for a moment. Then it looked like he surrendered.

"It is definitely smart of you to be on the cautious side."

"We will not hurt you."

He laughed. "I know, sweetheart. You had plenty of opportunities before. I still don't quite get why you didn't seize them, but here we are. Is it love? Or maybe uncontrollable desire for me. Chains, you said?"

I ignored his remarks. And the endearment. "It is only to protect Lucas."

Stanislas swallowed. "Do it," he whispered.

He was doing everything he could to keep up the façade but it had been a while since his game had been convincing. The walls were crumbling.

I went back a few minutes later with the magic chains. I led him to a booth in the main room. He would be more comfortable there and we would be able to check on him.

He did not resist and let me fastened the chains to his ankles. He could not move his legs any longer because of the spell.

"If you need anything, call me," I told him.

Stanislas folded his arms on the table. He closed his eyes again and took deep breaths as if he was trying to meditate. I glanced at him one last time and went back to Amaury.

"You think it's going to be enough if he loses it?" My best friend asked.

"He is weakened. So the chains should be strong enough to incapacitate him. But we cannot be certain. It is better than nothing anyway."

Amaury nodded reluctantly and sat back with James.

I slid my arms around Aidan's waist and rested my head against his back. I listened to his hearbeat, strong and quick. We breathed deeply together and his pulse slowed down. We breathed more and more quietly.

"Would you sing something for me, my love?" He whispered.