CARME, The Runaway

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞

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The cavern was a realm of shadow and soft, eerie glow. The bioluminescent algae that clung to the walls of the cavern bathed the space in a gentle, ethereal light, casting shimmering reflections on the slick surfaces of stalactites and stalagmites. The cool, damp air of the cavern clung to her skin, mingling with the salty scent of the ocean. The soft hum of distant waves provided a rhythmic backdrop, a stark contrast to the chaos within her. Each breath she took was tinged with the earthy aroma of the cavern, grounding her in the midst of her turmoil.

Carme stood near the edge of the lagoon, her eyes fixed on the dark, tranquil waters that served as the only connection to the outside world. She considered the cavern as her home and yet, now it felt like a pressure cooker, its enclosed space amplifying her anxiety. The absence of a horizon made the cavern feel even more oppressive, as if the world beyond was an unreachable dream.

Her thoughts raced with the revelation of the Volturi's impending arrival. There was no time to waste. Carme's mind was a whirlwind of fear and determination, the urgency of the situation pressing heavily on her. The cave's bioluminescence seemed to pulse in sync with her racing heart, a visual representation of the stress that gripped her.

Dorothea approached quietly, her usual grace marred by the strain of their predicament. She sat beside Carme, the silence between them filled with an unspoken understanding. The bioluminescent light played softly on Dorothea's features, revealing the concern etched into her face.

"Carme," Dorothea began, her voice gentle, "What are you thinking about?" She asked, sitting herself beside the little girl.

Carme turned to face her, her eyes rippling with anxiety and fear. It was times like these that Dorothea remembered just how young Carme was. This little girl acted so strong and mature but she is literally only three months old. She's a baby.

"I don't know if I'm ready for this. The Volturi... they're coming. I need to do more, but it feels like I'm falling short." Carme spoke up, her voice soft as if saying it out loud was wrong.

Dorothea placed a reassuring hand on Carme's shoulder, her touch a small anchor in the storm of their situation. "You've come so far already. You're stronger than you realize. It's okay to be scared. We all are. But you don't have to face this alone."

The words seemed to wrap around Carme like a comforting embrace. Carme's eyes softened as she looked at Dorothea, finding solace in her presence.

"But what if it's not enough?" Carme's voice was barely above a whisper, her vulnerability laid bare. "What if I can't protect them?"

Dorothea's gaze was steady, her empathy a beacon in the darkness. Her heart ached for this girl whom she already viewed as a little sister. "Carme, you need to remember that you're still a child, a small thing in this vast ocean of the world. You aren't supposed to be protecting anyone. You're a baby." Dorothea giggles as her pale hand swept a copper-red strand behind Carme's ear. "You have us, May. You're part of this coven now whether you like it or not and we will protect them for you."

Carme took a deep breath, the calming words slowly grounding her. The bioluminescent light seemed to shine a little brighter, casting a warm glow over their shared moment of vulnerability. Dorothea's presence was a reminder of the support she had, even when the path ahead seemed daunting.

A cough resounded from behind Carme and she turned to see Delfin who decided to stay while Imani hunted. His warm smile and kind eyes was a comfort to her. She scolded herself that she thought bad of him last time simply because of her feeling. This coven had become her family after she lost her last one, she should be more grateful.