Beyond The Sacrifice

Chapter tweleve

Marcel's POV

The morning light filtered softly into the cave, casting a gentle glow over the room. I woke slowly, my senses sharpening as I felt the warmth of Clara still curled up next to me. Her breathing was steady, peaceful, her face soft in sleep. I smiled to myself, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before my thoughts drifted back to last night.

Her words still echoed in my mind: "I love you so much, so much I would die for you." They had hit me hard. The thought of her ever being in danger—of her sacrificing herself for me—sent a cold shiver through my chest. I couldn't bear it.

I shifted carefully, trying not to wake her as I pulled myself out of bed. Clara stirred slightly but didn't wake. She needed the rest. I'd let her sleep a little longer.

As I moved around, I saw Liam standing in the doorway of the cave. His eyes were already on me, and he nodded in greeting. "Can we talk?" he asked quietly.

I gave him a quick nod and walked out, motioning for him to follow. We stepped outside, the cool morning air brushing against our faces as we made our way to the bench in front of the cave. I sat down slowly, glancing back to make sure Clara was still asleep inside.

Liam sat next to me, his posture relaxed but his expression serious. After a moment of silence, he started speaking, his voice low but full of emotion. "You know, our father... he never treated her right. Not once. Just because she was a girl."

I frowned, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. I had sensed there was more to Clara's past than she let on, but hearing it from her brother stirred something darker in me.

"She endured so much," Liam continued, his voice thick. "I tried to protect her, but I was just a boy. He didn't care. And she... she kept quiet. She never complained. She never told anyone."

I stared out at the trees ahead of us, the peacefulness of the morning a stark contrast to the anger bubbling inside me. "So that's why," I muttered, my voice tight, "she never told me where those scars came from. I thought she wasn't ready to open up, that she needed more time. But no... she was protecting him. Her father."

The memory of seeing those scars on her body for the first time came rushing back. I had asked, gently, but she had changed the subject, and I hadn't pushed. Now I understand why. She had been covering for him.

My jaw tightened, and I felt a surge of anger rising within me. "I swear," I said, my voice low but dangerous, "if I ever see him, I'll rip his head off his body."

I caught myself too late, realising who I was talking to. Liam was his son, after all. I turned to him quickly, regret in my eyes. "I'm sorry," I muttered, my anger cooling slightly. "I shouldn't have said that. He's your father."

Liam surprised me with a chuckle, his face softening. "Don't worry about it," he said, shaking his head. "He might be my father, but he's no family to me. Not after everything he did to her." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm just glad she's got someone like you now. I can see how much you care for her."

His words calmed me, but the anger still simmered beneath the surface. I nodded, my voice quiet. "I'd protect her with my life."

Liam smiled slightly. "I know you would. That's why I'm not worried about her anymore."

We sat in silence for a moment, both of us lost in our thoughts. My mind kept drifting back to Clara, to everything she had endured before she came into my life. I wanted to protect her from every painful memory, from every lingering shadow of her past.

But I also knew she was strong. Stronger than I had ever realised.

Clara's POV

I stirred, the warmth of the bedding comforting against the cool morning air. I blinked slowly, stretching out beneath the covers as my eyes adjusted to the soft light filling the cave. The space felt empty, and when I rolled over, I realised why—Marcel wasn't beside me.

I sat up, my heart sinking for a moment until I spotted him through the cave's entrance, sitting on the bench outside with Liam. They were talking quietly, their expressions serious but calm. Marcel's face was set in thought, while Liam seemed... relieved.

Seeing the two of them together brought a small smile to my lips. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but there was something reassuring about watching them talk. My brother, who had always been there for me, and Marcel, the man who had become my everything. It felt right somehow, as if the two halves of my life were finally coming together.

I slid out of bed, changing into my dress before stepping toward the entrance. The cold breeze hit me gently as I walked out to join them, and Marcel's eyes lifted to meet mine as soon as I appeared. His expression softened instantly, that same warmth and protectiveness I'd grown used to filling his gaze.

Liam looked over his shoulder and smiled when he saw me. "Morning, Clara," he said softly.

"Morning," I replied, my voice still a little groggy. I moved to stand beside Marcel, who instinctively shifted to make space for me on the bench. I sat down between them, feeling the comforting weight of his arm resting behind me, his fingers brushing lightly against my back.

"What were you two talking about?" I asked, glancing between them, though I already had a feeling it was about me.

Liam chuckled softly, but there was a sadness in his smile. "Just catching up," he said, but the look he exchanged with Marcel told me there was more to it. "Marcel was telling me how well you've been doing here."

I turned to Marcel, my heart swelling with affection for him. "Oh, was he now?" I teased lightly, nudging his side.

Marcel gave a small smile, though there was a shadow in his eyes. He leaned closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. "You've been strong, Clara. I'm proud of you," he murmured.

His words made my chest tighten with emotion. I wanted to tell him how much he had helped me, how he had become my anchor in this new life. But I didn't have to say it; he already knew.

Liam's voice broke the quiet. "I just wanted to make sure you were really okay," he said softly. "It's been... hard not knowing where you were or how you were doing."

I nodded, my throat tightening with emotion. "I'm okay, Liam. I promise. I'm happy here. Marcel takes care of me... more than I could've ever asked for."

Liam looked relieved, but there was still a flicker of worry in his eyes. "I just wish things had been different back home," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You deserved better, Clara. So much better."

I swallowed hard, feeling the familiar ache of old wounds opening up. "It wasn't your fault," I said quietly. "You did what you could. You were the only one who ever cared."

Marcel's grip on me tightened slightly, and I could feel the tension in his body. I knew what he was thinking. He had already told me before—how he wanted to protect me from everything, even my past.

"I'm just glad you have him now," Liam said, looking at Marcel. "I can see how much he loves you."

I smiled softly, reaching over to squeeze Liam's hand. "I love him too."

The three of us sat there in silence for a few moments, the weight of everything we'd been through settling around us. But for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel that heavy sense of dread or fear. I felt... safe. With Marcel by my side and Liam finally here, it was like the pieces of my world were falling into place.

Eventually, Marcel stood, breaking the silence. "Come on inside," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll make us something to eat."

Liam smiled, standing up as well. "I'll help."

I followed them back into the cave, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. As I walked behind them, I couldn't help but feel grateful—for this life, for Marcel, and for the family I had now.

To be continued....