Bound by Shadows

3

My brother finally learned about the details of my condition, while I spent time with Caelus, engaging in memory games as the days unfolded. He even brought fresh daffodils, placing them delicately in a vase. However, Zavian had to return to New York, unable to stay for long.

"Did I have any friends?" I inquired, flipping a card to reveal an apple. The next one proved correct.

"You did," he replied, observing my moves. "The last time I heard from her was on our wedding day. You had a fight," he shared, leaning back in his chair.

"About what?" I questioned, flipping another card with an orange but struggling to remember its match.

Caelus assisted, pointing it out, and I smiled as I flipped the matching card.

Turning to him when he fell silent, I noticed his softened gaze. "You're exquisite," he complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush but then my head started getting flashes of what seemed like memories.

"You're exquisite," Caelus's smile shone brightest as I observed him cooking in the kitchen.

"I know I am," I shrugged, playfully wiggling my eyebrows while popping a strawberry into my mouth. "I'm just waiting for you to propose. It's been years."

He brushed off my comment, but his smile lingered as he went to the fridge, grabbing fresh orange juice.

"Do you not want to marry me?" I questioned as he paused, pouring the orange juice into his glass.

"If I were to marry you and go to hell, I would. So that I could brag to the devils that I saw heaven without even entering it."

My body went over the counter, kissing him on the lips, "I love you."

I felt a dampness on my cheek and instinctively wiped it away. Concern marked Caelus's expression as he stood, claiming space on my bed while searching my face for an explanation.

"Why are you crying?" he asked.

"If I were to marry you and go to hell, I would. So that I could brag to the devils that I saw heaven without even entering it."

Stunned, he breathed, "You remembered," his voice carried a hoarse undertone. Our eyes lingered on each other, and in that silent understanding, we shared a tender kiss.

This feels right, but at the same time, so wrong.

After a few weeks, I returned home. Exiting the shower, I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, noticing the healed bruise and the absence of my cast. Securing my hair in a bun, I made my way to the door, opening it to find Caelus leaning on the frame, patiently waiting.

"Come, let me show you your room," he invited, then effortlessly scooped me up from the floor, placing me on his shoulder as I hung over him. My playful protests rang out, urging him to let me down, but he persisted until we reached a room at the end of the hallway.

He gently set me down and gestured for me to open the door. As it swung open, my jaw dropped at the sight—the room adorned with sophisticated decor, soft hues, plush furnishings, and opulent chandeliers, creating an ambiance of refined luxury and style.

"I've kept it the same," he wrapped his hand around my waist from behind, "Ring any bells?"

I looked up at him, shaking my head.

"Don't push it. Your memories will come back," he forced a smile. "Get dressed for bed. If you need me, my room is right beside yours," he released the embrace, and I grabbed his wrist.

"Aren't we married? Why are you sleeping in a different room?"

He pursed his lips together, "Trust me, you wouldn't want to be in the same room as me."

I laughed, "Is it because you snore?"

The humor didn't reach him; instead, I saw how conflicted he was as I released my grip.

I frowned, "What are you hiding from me?"

He shook his head, "It's nothing, get some rest," turning his back, ready to leave.

"How am I supposed to remember if you keep doing this?!" I shouted at him, making him halt his steps. "I'm tired of asking for things you should tell me, Caelus."

He was silent, "Zanya—"

"W-was our relationship that bad? Was it my fault? Did I cheat or do anything to make you angry with me?"

Caelus finally turned, "I am never angry at you, darling. Never. You never did anything to hurt me," he said sternly. "It's just that it would only be right for you to remember what happened yourself because..."

"Because?"

His eyes briefly glanced toward my lips, and he swallowed, taking a step back as if physically restraining himself from coming closer. "If I were to get on my knees just to have you right now, it would be an injustice on your part. I want you to have me when you remember everything," he said, leaving and closing the door behind him.