Beyond the Veil

Chapter 34

The next morning, Sera slowly blinked her eyes open. She shifted and realized she wasn't alone in bed. Turning her head slightly, a tender smile formed on her lips as she saw Saul, sitting peacefully beside her. His normally intense expression had softened in the morning light, making him seem more vulnerable and human.

Unable to resist the urge to touch, she reached out and gently brushed a strand of his dark hair away from his face. His eyes widened slightly, and he seemed unsure of what to say.

"You stayed," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and surprise.

He met her gaze, his eyes soft and affectionate. "Of course, you asked me to stay," he replied in a low voice. " I never left your side. "

Sera felt a rush of happiness. She propped herself up on one elbow, leaning closer to him. "I'm glad you didn't."

Saul had many emotions written on his face, but they all settled into a humble smile, "I am too." He replied quietly.

Sera sat up and pulled the covers off of herself. Normally she would expect to feel embarrassed in such a situation, but she wasn't at all. She was glad he was here, and she was glad her sleep- deprived self asked him to stay.

"I'm going to go make us some breakfast." She said happily, walking down the stairs, still wearing the same clothes she was yesterday.

Sera couldn't help but wonder what this meant for them, but she chose not to think about it. Maybe he just stayed to protect her from monsters while she slept. He was a really good person, she felt lucky that he was in her life.

Saul followed her downstairs, he didn't take his eyes off of her once. He thought he was protective over her before, but spending a night with her in his arms changed him in a way he didn't think was possible. He felt particularly tense this morning, like he couldn't relax. It was likely because he had spent the night with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, he couldn't deny that he wanted her. He wanted to have her, to hold her, to watch over her, to ensure she never wanted for anything. To touch her...

He shook his head and focused on the sweet girl preparing some food to have for breakfast. It didn't seem right for her to feed him, especially considering that he didn't need food. He decided he would make her a garden in the forest, he would start when he got back.

Sera turned on the TV and let the local news play in the background while she served some eggs and bacon with the coffees they were drinking.

She placed a cup of coffee before him, and gave him a happy smile. "Do you drink your coffee with cream?" She asked kindly.

"Just black." He replied, staring at the cup sitting before him. This amount of hospitality was jarring, he had never had someone take care of him before. He felt anxious, stirring restlessly, waiting for something to go wrong. This seemed too good to be true, the calm before the storm. Nothing this good lasts. At least not for him.

Saul did not have any food, but Sera ate a big portion, making sure to fill up for the day before school. They spoke in light conversation, enjoying the peace of the morning. He made attempts to ignore the foreboding brewing within him.

"Sera..." He said, staring holes into the untouched coffee, "Thank you."

Sera was across the room, starting to open the blinds, "Of course, Saul. Thank you for wh-" As she reached for the blinds, a sudden, searing pain shot through her head, causing her to gasp and stumble back. Clutching her temples, she fell to the floor in agony, piercing pain running its course down her spine.

He was next to her instantly, he was alert and looking around for the threat. He looked through the window she had just opened. What he saw sent a shiver down his spine.