Captivated Desires

43

Levi's eyes were wide with worry, but he was trying to be brave like his older brother. "Is Mama going to go home soon?" he asked, his voice small. 

Reign smiled faintly at the question. "That's up to the doctors," he replied. "But we'll all go home as soon as we can, alright? And then you can take good care of your mom, help her get better."

The boys nodded, comforted by the thought of being able to help me. Willow still had tears rolling down her cheeks, her little hand clutching onto my blanket. Reign reached out, gently wiping away Willow's tears with his thumb. "Hey now," he said quietly, his voice filled with tenderness. "No more crying, okay? Your mom needs you guys to be strong for her right now. Can you do that for her?"

The children's faces were a mixture of worry and determination. They all nodded, their spirits buoyed by the thought of being able to help me get better. "Good," Reign said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's my brave little ones. Now, why don't you give your mom a big hug? I'm sure she could use a good snuggle."

The children needed no further coaxing. They all leaned in, careful not to press too hard against my injured body, and hugged me as tightly as their little arms would allow. I could feel their warmth, their love and worry, as they clung to me. Despite the pain, I felt a surge of gratitude for their presence, their small bodies a welcome comfort in the otherwise cold and sterile room.

Reign watched the scene with a mix of worry and tenderness. Seeing his children hug me, so vulnerable and scared yet still so utterly sweet, tugged at his heartstrings. He reached out, gently stroking Lionel's hair.

A moment later, there was a soft knock on the door, and Olympia peeked her head into the room. "Everything alright in here?" she asked, her eyes flickering across the scene. 

Reign turned his gaze towards her, his expression weary but grateful. "Yeah," he said softly. "Just the kids visiting their mom. They're being careful, don't worry."

Olympia stepped into the room properly, a warm smile on her face as she looked at the children. "You all are being very gentle, that's good." The children all gazed at her with wide eyes. Lionel and Levi kept themselves close to me, their small hands still holding onto me. Willow hid her face against my side.

Olympia chuckled softly at their shyness, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, don't be scared of me, lovelies," she said gently. "I'm a friend, I promise."

"It's Auntie Pia, my loves," I said gently "She brought you here remember,".

The mention of Olympia's nickname seemed to do the trick. The children visibly relaxed, their small faces lighting up in recognition. "Auntie Pia!" Lionel's little voice echoed enthusiastically. "The one who makes pancakes!" Levi chimed in a wide grin on his face.

"Sorry Pia, I think they're just overwhelmed with everything," I replied gently. Olympia shook her head, her smile softening. "No need to apologize, honey. It's completely understandable. This is a lot for them to take in."

She stepped closer, her eyes studying your children. Seeing the way they huddled close to me, their little hands still clutching onto me, she let out a soft sigh. "They clearly adore their mama very much," she said, her voice filled with fondness.

"You've done a wonderful job with them," she added, her gaze shifting to me. Her voice lowered a bit as she leaned in. "And you're going to continue doing a wonderful job, you hear me? You're their world, Reina. They need you."

The children, still clinging to me, listened to the conversation quietly. Their small faces were serious, eyes darting between me, Olympia, and Reign as if trying to understand the weight of the words being said.

Reign watched the exchange, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He knew Olympia was right. I was the heart of this family, the glue that held them together. And they needed me back in my rightful place as soon as possible.

Reign immediately noticed the change in my breathing, my chest rising and falling in an uneven rhythm. He knew the emotional strain of the visit was taking a toll on me. "Darlin'," he said gently, his eyes searching my face. "You're breathing too fast. You need to slow down."

Reign's eyes widened as he saw my hand grip the bed, my breathing becoming more rapid. He quickly assessed the situation, noticing my distress at being surrounded by so many people in the small hospital room. "Everyone out," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Give us a minute, please."

The room quickly cleared, leaving me and Reign alone in the quiet space. The only sound was my shaky inhales and exhales. Reign moved closer, taking a seat on the edge of the bed next to me.  "Alright, darlin'," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing. "I need you to listen to me, okay? I want you to focus on my voice, and try to slow down your breathing. Slowly, in, out. In, out."

Reign could see my fingers clenching the bed, and could almost feel the memories flooding my mind. Seeing me so frightened, so vulnerable, made his heartache. "Hey," he said gently, reaching out to take my hand in his. "Look at me, darlin'. Focus on my voice. You're safe. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere. You're not in the basement. You're here with me, in the hospital."

"No no- he is coming back. Back for me-" I said hysterically. Reign's eyes widened in alarm as he heard my words. He cursed under his breath, his heart clenching at the sight of me so consumed by fear.

"No, darlin'," he said firmly, his hand squeezing mine tighter. "He's not coming back. I won't let that happen. You're safe, I promise you. Nobody's gonna hurt you again, I won't let them. Breathe, darlin'. Focus on my voice."