Small Cuts (Supernatural Dark!fic)

s i x t e e n

"But so it goes, let it be
In the gallows, I balanced on my toes
So I can breathe"
Chalk Outlines - Ren & CHINCHILLA 

Amara's legs still felt weak as she walked slowly toward the main area of the bunker, Dean's hand gently guiding her. The weight of the vision hung over her like a dark cloud, her mind racing with the echoes of Paimon's voice. She could still feel the pressure of his presence, the way his power had wrapped around her, suffocating and cold.

Dean helped her settle onto one of the worn leather sofas, his expression softer than usual as he crouched in front of her. "You good here?" He asked, his voice low.

Amara nodded, though her chest still felt tight. "Yeah. I just... need a minute."

Dean gave her a small nod, standing up and heading toward the kitchen. "I'll get you something to drink."

Sam lingered nearby, his gaze sharp with concern. He didn't say anything, but Amara could feel the intensity of his presence, the way he was watching her, waiting for any sign that she might collapse again. She appreciated his protectiveness, but it made her feel even more on edge, like she couldn't escape the weight of everything that had just happened.

The room was quiet, the soft hum of the bunker's lights the only sound until a familiar presence washed over the space.

Amara stiffened, her resentment rising immediately as she sensed Castiel's arrival. She didn't need to turn around to know it was him—the strange shift in the air, the faint crackle of energy, was unmistakable.

Castiel stepped into view, his trench coat hanging loosely around his tall frame, his blue eyes fixed on her with that unflinching gaze he always wore. He looked as calm and composed as ever, seemingly unfazed by her discomfort.

"Amara," Castiel greeted her, his voice even, though his gaze flicked over her with a hint of concern. "I heard about your vision."

Amara tensed, her resentment flaring again. She crossed her arms over her chest, her body language defensive. "Yeah, I figured you'd know," she muttered, her voice edged with bitterness.

Castiel didn't react to her sharp tone, his expression unchanged. "Paimon's influence is still strong," he said calmly, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance. "His connection to you is deeper than I realised."

Amara let out a bitter laugh, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Oh, now you realise that? Seems a little late, don't you think?"

Castiel remained unfazed, his gaze steady as he regarded her. "Paimon has been planning this for a long time. He's patient, and his reach extends further than most demons. But he hasn't won yet."

Amara's jaw clenched, the weight of his words settling over her. "You don't know that," she muttered, her voice trembling slightly. "He said I belong to him. He's waiting for me."

Castiel took a step closer, his expression softening just a fraction. "You are not his to claim," he said quietly, his voice filled with the kind of calm certainty that always grated on Amara's nerves. "Paimon's power is great, but he is not invincible."

Amara's hands tightened into fists, her frustration mounting. "You're saying that like you have all the answers, but where were you when he first got to me? You've been watching, right? So why didn't you do anything?"

There was a sharp edge to her voice now, her resentment toward Castiel bubbling over. She had never trusted him, not fully, and every time he appeared with his cryptic words and calm demeanour, it only fuelled her anger. He had watched her life unfold from Heaven, but where had he been when she needed help the most?