Blood and Desire

turbulents hearts

Seraphina stood in the kitchen of the cabin, watching the early morning sunlight filter through the windows. It was quiet now, the peaceful calm after days of chaos. She absentmindedly traced the edge of the counter, her mind drifting to the conversation she'd had with Valeria the night before.

The idea of proposing had taken root in her heart, but as strong as her feelings were, there was a part of her that couldn't shake the need for validation—from someone she deeply cared for. Lena.

She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Lena walking into the kitchen, her expression tired but calm. She smiled softly when she saw Seraphina.

"Morning," Lena greeted, leaning against the counter. "You're up early."

"I couldn't sleep," Seraphina replied with a faint smile. "I've got a lot on my mind."

Lena tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing with curiosity. "What's going on? Something bothering you?"

Seraphina exhaled, turning to face Lena fully. She took a deep breath, unsure of how to start this conversation. "Lena, there's something I need to talk to you about."

Lena's expression shifted, concern creeping into her eyes. "What is it?"

Seraphina hesitated, her heart racing. She wasn't used to feeling nervous, but this conversation was important—too important to rush. "It's about Valeria," she finally said.

Lena stiffened slightly, her posture becoming more guarded. She hadn't exactly been close with Valeria, and their past interactions had been... complicated, to say the least. "What about her?"

Seraphina stepped closer, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "I've decided... I want to propose to her."

Lena's eyes widened in surprise. She blinked, processing what Seraphina had just said. "Propose? Like... marriage?"

Seraphina nodded, her heart thudding in her chest. "Yes. I've been thinking about it for a while now. Last night, Valeria brought it up, and I realized how much I want this. But before I move forward, I need to know how you feel about it."

Lena crossed her arms, looking down at the floor for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. When she looked back up at Seraphina, her expression was conflicted.

"I don't know," Lena admitted honestly. "Valeria and I... we've never really gotten along. I still find it hard to trust her, after everything with the Valtors. But..." She trailed off, biting her lip. "But I see the way she looks at you, and I know she cares about you—deeply."

Seraphina nodded, understanding Lena's hesitation. "I know Valeria has a dark past, and there's still so much we don't fully understand about the Valtors' plans. But what I do know is that she's been loyal to me—she's risked everything to stay by my side."

Lena remained silent for a moment, studying Seraphina's face. "You really love her, don't you?" she asked quietly.

Seraphina's expression softened, her eyes betraying the depth of her feelings. "Yes," she admitted. "I love her. More than I ever expected to love anyone after Isabelle. Valeria... she's different. She understands me in a way no one else does."

Lena bit her lip, considering her words carefully. She trusted Seraphina, and the last thing she wanted was to stand in the way of her happiness. "If she makes you happy, then I can't argue with that," Lena finally said, her tone sincere. "But... are you sure about this? Marriage is a big step, especially given everything we're up against."

Seraphina nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want to build a future with Valeria, no matter how uncertain things are."