Love me in the Shadows of Our Memories (🇬🇧)

Chapter 32 - The Power of Hope

In the dawn lies the power of hope.

Yesterday may have passed, but today begins a new chapter.

In every difficulty hides a path to light.

Hope is the key that opens every door.

Magnus

Magnus entered Alec's living quarters. The events of the past few hours had left a deep terror in his bones, one that even the comforting cuddles with his children over the past hour couldn't dispel. A stifling feeling accompanied him as he entered the room.

His gaze fell on Alec. His alpha sat on the sofa, his face buried in his hands. He was silent, making no sound and not looking up as Magnus closed the door behind him with a soft but audible click.

Magnus crossed the room, sitting next to Alec on the sofa and placing a hand on his shoulder. He felt the muscles twitching beneath his fingers. It was like an echo, a silent expression of the tremors still coursing through his own body.

"For a moment, I thought I was too late," Alec whispered without lifting his head.

"You saved him, darling. Jarin is unharmed, thanks to you," Magnus replied in a soft voice. His words were an attempt not only to comfort Alec but also to dispel the shadows of his own fears still darkening his heart. Alec looked up. Exhaustion and the terror of the attack reflected in the eyes of his alpha.

"It was so close."

"Alexander, our son is fine. You killed the forsaken."

Alec lowered his head and stared at the ground. His hands clenched into fists. An intense scent of burnt wood mingled with Alec's familiar alpha scent, weighing heavily in the air for a moment. "I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had failed again."

Magnus paused at Alec's words. Then it dawned on him—Max. Magnus grimaced, fighting against the sudden guilt and tears welling up.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

Alec looked up, a puzzled expression reflected on his face. "What for?"

Their gazes met, and Magnus felt a tear escape and run down his face. "For what happened with Max," he croaked. "If I hadn't..."

"Stop, Magnus. Stop," Alec interrupted him immediately, shaking his head. "It's not your fault."

He said it with such conviction that Magnus believed him. Alec raised a hand and wiped the tear from Magnus' cheek. A sad expression filled his eyes. "If anything, it's mine," Alec continued. "I should never have let him join the search for you. He wasn't ready yet. I only realized it too late."

The guilt in his words cast dark shadows on Alec's face, and Magnus wished he could take them away. "I'm sure you did everything to protect him."

"I don't know. I..."

Magnus pulled Alec into his arms. "I'm sure," he repeated with more emphasis.

Alec returned the embrace with an intensity reflecting his despair. He buried his face against Magnus' neck, seeking comfort. Magnus felt a moist warmth against his skin and realized his alpha was crying. He held him as tightly as possible, pressing his lips against Alec's shoulder as if to dispel the pain of loss and the fear of the past few hours. At the same time, he emitted his pheromones.

A deep sigh escaped Alec. It sounded like pain but also relief. Gradually, the scent of charred wood faded, leaving only Alec's wonderful scent of summer rain and forest. Eventually, his tears stopped, but their embrace remained. A silent closeness that comforted and healed them both.