blossoms of underworld

chapter 10

Nightmares and Vulnerability

Night had fallen over the mansion, casting long shadows across the grounds as Anaya prepared for bed. She had spent the evening in the library, lost in a book, while Joy attended to business in his study. When she finally retired to her room, she found sleep elusive, her mind still racing with thoughts of the day’s events.

As the hours ticked by, Anaya tossed and turned, the silence of the mansion pressing in on her. She was just beginning to drift into a restless slumber when a sudden sound jolted her awake—a strangled cry, echoing through the hallway outside her room.

Heart racing, Anaya sat up in bed, listening intently. Another cry followed, filled with pain and anguish. Without thinking, she threw back the covers and hurried into the hallway, following the sound to Joy’s room.

The door was slightly ajar, the room bathed in moonlight. Anaya hesitated for a moment before pushing it open, her heart breaking at the sight before her.

Joy was thrashing in his sleep, caught in the grip of a nightmare. His face was contorted with pain, his hands clenched into fists. He muttered incomprehensible words, his voice raw with emotion.

“No! Please…”

Anaya’s breath caught in her throat as she approached cautiously, unsure of how to help. She had never seen Joy like this—vulnerable, his usual facade of strength shattered by the memories haunting him.

“Joy,” she whispered softly, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

He jolted awake with a gasp, his eyes wide and haunted as he looked up at her. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of the nightmare lingering between them.

“I’m sorry,” Joy said finally, his voice hoarse. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Anaya shook her head, her concern overriding any discomfort. “It’s okay, Joy. Are you alright?”

Joy closed his eyes briefly, a shudder passing through him. “It was just a nightmare. About my father…”

Anaya’s heart clenched at the mention of his father, knowing how deeply his loss had affected Joy. She sat down beside him, offering silent support.

“He…he died when I was young,” Joy continued, his voice thick with emotion. “I saw…things that night. Things a child shouldn’t see.”

Anaya placed a comforting hand on his arm, her touch gentle. “I’m so sorry, Joy.”

He looked at her, his eyes filled with pain and gratitude. “I never talk about it. Not even with Vikram.”

Anaya nodded, understanding the weight of his confession. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. But I’m here, if you need someone to listen.”

Joy’s gaze softened, a flicker of something vulnerable passing through his eyes. “Thank you, Anaya.”

Anaya hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around him, pulling him into a gentle embrace. Joy tensed at first, his surprise evident, but then he relaxed, allowing himself to lean into her touch.

They sat like that for a long time, the silence broken only by the sound of Joy’s uneven breaths. Anaya held him close, offering comfort without words, knowing that sometimes, that was all they needed.

Eventually, Joy pulled away slightly, his expression still raw with emotion. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

Anaya shook her head, her voice steady. “You don’t need to apologize, Joy. We all have our demons.”

He met her gaze, a mixture of gratitude and something more vulnerable shining in his eyes. “Thank you for being here, Anaya. For understanding.”

Anaya smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection for the man beside her. “Always, Joy.”

As they sat together in the quiet of his room, Anaya realized just how deeply she cared for him. Their bond had grown from necessity into something more—a connection forged in moments of vulnerability and trust.

In that moment, surrounded by shadows and the echoes of Joy’s nightmares, Anaya knew that their journey was far from over. But with Joy by her side, she felt a flicker of hope, a beacon of light in the darkness that threatened to engulf them both.

Together, they would face their fears and their pasts, drawing strength from each other and the love that had blossomed unexpectedly between them. And in their shared vulnerability, Anaya found a love that transcended the trials they would inevitably face.