LUCIUS'S POV~
The world is a tapestry of lies and suffering, a place each of us yearns to escape but remains trapped within. I find myself standing amidst the woods of dreams, waiting for her to appear as she does every night. The moon casts a silvery glow over the enchanted grove, and my eyes search desperately for a glimpse of someone I can call mine."Lucius," a soft voice whispers through the forest. I know exactly who it is. My impatience is palpable as I push through the bushes, following that voice. Running, chasing. My heart races, silently pleading that this time, just this once, she won't vanish.
"Lucius," the voice calls again, echoing with familiarity. The dialect, the utterance, the tone—everything reminds me of her. It's physically painful to hear her yet not see her. Just once, I need to see her.
"Wait!" I scream as I spot a woman in shadowy form by the cliff. I rush towards her, knowing what will happen next. It's always the same, the outcome never changes, yet I hope tonight will be different.
"I didn't deserve it, and you know it," she says, her voice filled with sorrow as she steps off the cliff, disappearing into the abyss.
"ELARA!!!!" I cry out, my voice breaking as I lunge forward, but it's too late. The scene shatters, leaving me screaming in pain as I wake up, drenched in sweat and despair.
The echoes of her voice linger in the air, a haunting reminder of my failure. Each night, the dream is the same, and each night, I am left with the ghost of a love I cannot reclaim.
I sit awake, staring at Viana blankly. How can she look the same? How can they have the same physical features? If she is Elara, will she end up like her again?
All such thoughts flood my mind. I am not able to think straight. I am burning, and she will burn with me too. No! That cannot happen again. No! Never!
I kneel beside Viana's bed, where she sleeps like a baby. A smile appears on my face as I see how pretty and innocent she actually is. Stroking her head gently, she purrs like a cat. "I'll help you, Viana. I'll," I whisper under my breath.
"I know," she says, startling me as I try to move back, but she grabs my hand. "I trust you."
This time, she smiles for real as I take a seat next to her on the bed. She lays her head on my lap, and I went back to stroking her head, whereupon she started fiddling with my shirt, tracing small, idle patterns.
The room seems warmer, more intimate. Her touch sends a shiver running down my back, and my heartbeat increases. I bend lower still, so that I am close enough to feel her breath upon my skin, and I reach out, brushing that errant lock of hair back from her face. Our eyes meet, hers full of such deep trust that it's almost painful.
"You won't die," I murmur, barely loud enough to hear.
"You won't let me," she whispers again, her voice barely above a whisper, soft, full of warmth. Her fingers stop upon my chest for a moment, feeling the quickened beat of my heart. She gazes up at me, and her eyes are just full of unsaid words. It was then that I knew I would do everything in my power to protect her.
I shift a bit, my body taut with emotion, and lie down next to her slowly enough to rustle through the sheets. She turns around, starts snuggling up to me, and warmth just creeps right into my bones. My arm moves around her waist and pulls her even closer; her head settles on my chest as her fingers play on my shirt gently, and I feel the steady rhythm of her breathing.
The room is silent except for our breathing, and time seems to stand still for a moment. She looks in my eyes, needy and hungry gaze. I want to grab her suddenly and kiss her. I cannot stop thinking about it and neither can she. I can feel her hands climbing up my chest and finally touching my cheeks. We are still diving deep into each other's eyes denying to look away. Her hands are cold but soothing on my skin. We are so close that I can sense the tension writhing between us. I can feel her wanting it. Her fingers trace my lips slowly "you are just..."
"arrogant? asshole? broken?" we both giggle softly with her dimples looking prominent than ever.
"Can't deny to any of those...but" she moves even closer. Her heart pounding against mine. "you are just generous and lovable. Not broken just hurt. You want people around you but you cannot trust any. Am I wrong?" her words hit some spot in me. I cannot deny to the speculations she made. I should though but I just am unable to say a word.
An awkward silence envelops us when suddenly an unwanted phone call brings us back to our senses.
Phone rings~
"I will get it" Viana jumps down the bed as if she needed something to escape this situation. It's almost 5 in the morning and too early for someone to call.
"Hello. Who is this?" she speaks putting a strand of her hair behind her ears. OH~ i wish i could just... Lucius!!! get a hold of your stupid ass urges.
"What? I...I will be there. Muchas gracias" Viana puts her phone down and turns towards me. I know that look on her face. Something is wrong.
"They found... a...they.." her words seem to jumble up. I get off the bed and rush towards her. "All okay?"
She sniffles "they... found a... a .... dead body near shallowvale valley and they want me to identify it"
I wish I could just tell you Viana that the body is not Kai's. How do I know that is a big mystery but for now, you need to be kept in the dark. You are heartbroken and I know that but I cannot tell you a word because I know where he is. Only I.
YOU ARE READING
Endless Enchantment: Secret Of Shadowvale
RomanceAfter awakening from a month-long coma following a car accident near Shadowvale Valley, Viana is drawn to the captivating Lucius Thornhart, as her husband remains mysteriously missing. As they delve deeper into the enigmatic circumstances, they unco...