Shadows of the Past

Shattered Silence

The harsh light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting eerie shadows across the dimly lit common room. As consciousness slowly crept back into my weary mind, I was abruptly ripped from the clutches of sleep by the haunting echoes of my own screams. They reverberated off the stone walls, filling the room with a palpable sense of dread.

Beside me, Sebastian stirred, his movements slow and groggy as he emerged from the depths of slumber. His brows furrowed in confusion as he struggled to make sense of the chaos that had invaded his restful dreams.

"Ophelia?" His voice was thick with sleep, but tinged with concern as he surveyed the scene before him. "What's wrong?"

I sat upright on the couch, my chest heaving with ragged breaths as I tried to wrestle back control from the nightmare that still gripped me in its icy claws. "Nightmare," I managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper amidst the lingering fear.

Without hesitation, Sebastian rose from his seat and crossed the room to kneel beside me. His touch was gentle as he brushed a stray strand of hair from my tear-streaked face, his eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and understanding.

"Do you want to talk about it?" His voice was soft, a soothing melody amidst the cacophony of my racing thoughts.

I shook my head, the memories of the nightmare too raw to put into words. "No," I whispered hoarsely, my voice barely audible in the stillness of the room. "I just... I need to forget."

With trembling hands, I reached for the bottle of firewhisky on the table beside me, seeking solace in the familiar burn that offered temporary respite from the turmoil raging within. As the fiery liquid seared its way down my throat, I closed my eyes and waited for the darkness to once again consume me.

Morning dawned with a gentle glow, casting a serene veil over the common room as sleep reluctantly released its hold on me. The events of the previous night lingered like a heavy fog, tracing delicate outlines of vulnerability on my face.

As consciousness fully returned, I found myself surrounded by the comforting presence of Anne, Ominis, and Sebastian. The weight of their concern was palpable, etched into the furrows of their brows and the softness in their eyes. They were talking quietly amongst themselves when they noticed I awoke. 

As I awoke, a wave of soreness swept over my body, each ache and pain a cruel reminder of the assault that had torn through my world like a hurricane. Every movement was agony, as if my very skin were on fire, each bruise a vivid testament to the violence I had endured. With trembling hands, I gingerly explored the tender patches of skin, flinching at the touch of each bruise. The memories of Gareth's attack flooded back with startling clarity, sending shivers down my spine as I recoiled from the pain. 

Sebastian noticed my wince and immediately crouched down beside me, his expression a mix of concern and apprehension. His hand hovered uncertainly over my shoulder, as if unsure whether to offer comfort or retreat.

Ominis, his demeanour a blend of compassion and determination, leaned in closer, his voice a gentle breeze breaking the morning stillness. "Ophelia, do you remember what happened?" he asked, his tone hushed with genuine care. The question teetered on the edge of my consciousness, a precipice I dreaded to approach.

A tremor coursed through my body, a testament to the memories that haunted my shattered spirit. I wished, with every fibre of my being, that those vivid recollections could be erased, cast into the abyss of forgotten sorrows. Words eluded me, silence becoming my refuge as I battled the overwhelming weight of what I longed to forget.

Sebastian gripped his hand on my shoulder, his eyes reflecting a tumult of emotions—anger, hurt, and a flicker of concern. "Ophelia, you need to go to the hospital wing," he urged, his voice tinged with urgency. "You could be hurt."