𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀, luke castellan

ɴɪɴᴇᴛᴇᴇɴ

Restless Souls.

🌊

    STANDING BEFORE HER, BATHED IN THE SOFT LIGHT OF THE HALLWAY, WAS LUKE. His features were obscured by the shadows, his form hunched and weary.

    "Sorry," he murmured apologetically, his voice barely above a whisper, the weariness laced within its soft cadence. "I didn't mean to wake you up."

    Rory's initial surprise quickly gave way to concern as she took in Luke's disheveled appearance. Dark circles hung beneath his eyes like heavy curtains, betraying the exhaustion that weighed heavily upon him. He looked as though he might collapse at any moment, his usual composure crumbling.

    "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with alarm. She knew that he wouldn't be stood before her if it wasn't important.

    "Nothing," he replied, his attempt to brush off the situation falling flat. "Just... never mind."

    But Rory refused to let him dismiss his troubles so easily. With a determined stride, she reached out and gently grasped his arm, her touch a silent reassurance that she was there for him.

    "Hey, you can talk to me," she urged, her voice soft but unwavering. She needed him to know that he didn't have to face everything alone.

    Luke hesitated, vulnerability lingering in his eyes as he shuffled his feet, his gaze fixed on the floor. The weight of whatever burden he carried seemed to hang heavily upon him, etched into the lines of worry carved into his weary face. Finally, in a hushed tone, he confessed, "I couldn't sleep... Not with—Not with him in there with me."

    Rory's heart sank at the revelation, a wave of guilt washing over her. She chastised herself for having been so selfish, too preoccupied with her own concerns to consider Luke's own struggles. As difficult as this change of environment was for her, she realized it was so much worse for him, who had been entrusted with the daunting task of safeguarding Kronos's remains.

    "You can sleep here, I don't mind," she offered without hesitation, her voice gentle yet resolute. She couldn't bear the thought of Luke suffering alone, not when she had the means to offer him some semblance of comfort.

    Luke visibly relaxed at her suggestion, a flicker of gratitude dancing in his tired eyes as he stepped into her room. She widened the door to allow him entry, closing it behind him with a soft click. His gaze swept over the room, taking in the familiar surroundings.

    "I'll just take the couch," he suggested quietly, nodding towards the seating area as if to assure her that he wouldn't be a burden. His shoulders sagged with exhaustion, but there was a hint of relief in his voice, as if the mere prospect of being near her offered some measure of comfort.

    Rory gave him a skeptical look, her eyebrows furrowing in disbelief. "Don't be ridiculous," she chided gently, her tone leaving no room for argument.

    With a determined grip, she pulled him towards the bed, which was more than spacious enough to accommodate the two of them comfortably. Ignoring any protests he might have mustered, she guided him to sit on the edge, making room for herself beside him.

    "Thank you," he whispered gratefully as she turned off the light, the room enveloped in comforting darkness. The soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the window cast a tranquil aura over the space, offering a sense of serenity amidst the turmoil that lingered within.

    The silence between them stretched, filled with unspoken words and lingering emotions. Rory could feel the weight of Luke's troubles pressing down on him, a heavy burden that threatened to consume him whole. She longed to ease his suffering, to offer him the comfort he so desperately needed.