Endless Enchantment: Secret Of Shadowvale

CHAPTER -9- SWEET DREAMS

LUCIUS'S POV~

Viana is sitting on the couch, cradling a glass of warm milk in her hand. She hasn't stopped talking about her dream, her eyes reflecting the fear and growing anxiety within her. I sit across from her, listening to every word. Her hair is a tangled mess, and she reeks of alcohol. Every movement she makes is steeped in anticipation and palpable dread.

I understand these dreams. I know how frustrating and terrifying they can be. This isn't the first time I've heard about them. It's happened before, and it's happening again. My thoughts swirl, reminding me of what happened last time, dragging me back into the same nightmare.

"Ouch~" Viana softly hisses in pain, her eyebrows furrowing as she closes her eyes.

"You alright?" I ask, concern lacing my voice.

"Yeah..It's just," she attempts to get up, but her expression betrays her lies. She clutches her waist, hissing again in pain.

"You can't even lie," I roll my eyes, then gently take her hand. "Can I see?" This time, her eyes don't widen in protest. She doesn't stop me. Her cold, slender arms have given up. I slowly lift her shirt a bit as she turns her face away.

I cannot believe my eyes. Scratches cover her waist, deep and agonizing. A surge of anger rises within me. Viana is suffering so miserably, but why hasn't she said anything? Why am I not the one helping her? My voice catches in my throat, but my eyes blaze with fury.

"Why didn't you say anything?" I ask, struggling to hold myself back, clenching my fists.

"I didn't want to worry you," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I thought it would pass."

"It won't pass if you keep it to yourself," I respond, my voice softening despite the anger boiling inside me. "You don't have to go through this alone."

She looks at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and relief. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. "We'll figure this out together," I assure her, my hand gently resting on her back. "You're not alone, Viana. Not anymore."

Her shoulders relax slightly, and she leans into my touch. "Thank you," she murmurs, her voice barely audible.

I don't say anything. Just hold her tight in my arms. Her head resting comfortably on my chest. She needs comfort and I will give her that.I don't know why but her pain affects me. I don't want her to suffer just like Elara. I don't want her to feel like a threat towars the people she cares. I don't want her to be unhinged and lose her mind and I don't want to kill her, not this time.

 I wrap my arms around her trying to pick her up. She doesn't resist me, just says "Don't do anything with me. I will knock your balls off"  

I laugh at her drunk threat as I scoop her up into my arms, carrying her to my bedroom. Her weight feels light and familiar. As I gently place her on the bed and tuck her in, she coils up from the cold. Her rambling continues—random, nonsensical things—but the sound of her voice is oddly comforting.

Her hands clutch my jacket tightly, a stubborn hold even in her intoxicated state. She blabbers on until her voice finally trails off, her grip loosening as she drifts into sleep. I brush a stray lock of hair from her face, lingering for a moment to take in the peaceful expression that replaces her earlier anxiety.

With a sigh, I walk over to the couch and lie down. It's kinda small, but I can't leave her alone in the room. I need to be close, just in case she needs me. The couch is uncomfortable, but the thought of her being safe and within arm's reach brings me a sense of calm.

As I close my eyes, I can still hear the faint echo of her voice, like a lullaby in the quiet room. I smile to myself, the warmth of her presence wrapping around me. Even in her drunken state, there's something incredibly endearing about her. I think about how she looked at me, her eyes softening, her fingers curled around my jacket. The closeness we shared, even in these unexpected moments, makes my heart beat a little faster.

Before sleep takes over, I whisper into the darkness, "Sweet dreams, Viana"