The Devil is the Villainess (COMPLETED)

Chapter XLIII: Heaven and Twilight (Part 3)

Medea nuzzled her head deeper into the pillow, taking a deep breath as she felt the soreness in her muscles. Slowly, she opened her eyes and became aware of an arm draped possessively around her waist, the warmth of a sleeping figure pressed against her back. When she attempted to shift and turn around, the figure stirred, nuzzling his head closer to her shoulder. Medea sighed softly, pushing herself to sit up, and managed to slip out of the embrace.

Her robe slipped down her shoulder, along with the strap of her nightgown, exposing more of her pale skin, luscious collarbone, and neck adorned with faint reddish marks. She touched them lightly, blinking in surprise, before glancing back at the man beside her. Caelus looked peaceful and serene in sleep, his face softened by slumber. He was now clad in a white button-up shirt, adding to the tranquil picture he presented.

Taking a moment to steady herself, Medea carefully removed his arm from around her waist and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the cold marble floor beneath her feet. When she attempted to stand, her legs wobbled, lacking the strength to support her for long. She sank back down onto the edge of the bed, frustration bubbling up inside her.

A sudden knock at the door startled her, and she looked up in alarm. Panic flashed across her face as she shook her head internally. Caelus was here, and she couldn't afford to let anyone see them together. Without a word, she used her magic to close the door forcefully, ensuring they would not be disturbed.

The room fell silent again, save for the steady breathing of Caelus. Medea took a moment to gather herself, her thoughts racing. She glanced back at Caelus, still lost in his peaceful slumber, and felt a rush of conflicting emotions. He looked so at ease, so vulnerable, and a part of her didn't want to disturb that tranquility.

Yet, she couldn't ignore the reality of their situation. They had to be cautious and protect the delicate balance of their intertwined lives. Medea sighed, running a hand through her disheveled hair, and decided to stay by his side for a little while longer. 

She glanced back at Caelus, who stirred slightly but did not wake. His presence, though comforting, added a layer of complexity to her morning. Medea wrapped her robe tighter around herself, trying to collect her thoughts. The events of the previous night played back in her mind, each moment vivid and intense.

With another deep sigh, she stood up again, this time more slowly, allowing her legs to adjust. She moved quietly, not wanting to wake him. She made her way to the small table near the window and poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher. The cool liquid soothed her dry throat, and she placed the glass back on the table with a soft clink.

Her eyes wandered back to the bed, where Caelus slept peacefully. The sight of him brought a faint smile to her lips, despite the chaos in her mind. She couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest at the sight of him, nor the comfort she felt in his presence. 

But the reality of their situation loomed over her, and she knew she had to face it.

She approached the bed once more, gently sitting down on the edge and allowing herself a moment to simply watch him sleep.

The knock on the door came again, this time more insistent. Medea sighed in frustration, knowing she couldn't ignore it forever. She leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss on Caelus's forehead, whispering, "Keep sleeping."

She rose from the bed, adjusting her robe and nightgown to cover the marks on her neck. With a wave of her hand, she opened the door just a crack, enough to address whoever was on the other side without revealing the room's interior. "Yes?" she called softly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

The servant on the other side bowed respectfully. "Good morning, my lady. Breakfast is ready in the dining hall. Shall I have it brought to your chambers?"