Echoes of Valor: A Love Remembered

CHAPTER 11

The sun had just begun its descent, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills as Terry led his horse through the familiar gates of Edinborough Castle. Reya sat in front of him, her body leaning against his chest, exhausted and hurt. He felt her shallow breaths a stark contrast to the lively spirit she once embodied.

"We're here, Rey," he whispered, his voice gentle. "You're safe now." She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, revealing a determined glint despite her weary state. "Terry?" she murmured, her voice raspy from disuse. "Yes, it's me." He dismounted, cradling her in his arms, surprised by how slight she felt.

"Let's get you inside. Mother will tend to your wounds." As they approached the grand entrance, the heavy wooden doors swung open, and Lady Alodra emerged, her eyes sharp with concern. Her normally composed face softened at the sight of her son, but her gaze quickly shifted to the fragile figure in his arms. "Oh, my dear child," Lady Alodra breathed, rushing forward.

Terry carefully placed Reya on her feet, but she swayed, clinging to his arm for support.

" "Easy now," he urged, steadying her with his hand at her waist.

Lady Alodra knelt beside them, her fingers brushing against Reya's pallid cheek. "What happened?You look utterly spent."

Alesandrea managed a weak smile. "I'll be alright, my lady. Just need some rest."

Terry hovered behind her, his brow furrowed. "Mother, she needs medical attention. The torture she endured—"

"Hush, now." Lady Alodra waved a dismissive hand. "Let her breathe. Alesandrea, come. Sit by the fire."

Alesandrea sank into the plush chair, the warmth of the flames soothing her aching muscles. Lady Alodra settled beside her, her eyes searching Alesandrea's face.

Terry paced before the hearth, his fists clenched. "She needs time, Mother. Time to heal, both body and mind."

Lady Alodra shot him a stern look. "Do not presume to tell me what she needs, Terrence. I know this girl better than you think."

A heavy silence fell, broken only by the crackle of the fire. Alesandrea stared into the dancing flames, her thoughts drifting to the horrors she'd endured at Dante's hands. The flames spun shadows on the walls, reminiscent of the agony she had escaped, and she squeezed her eyes shut to block out the memory.

Terry dropped to one knee before her, his expression pained. "Reya, what that monster did to you—" "—wasn't your fault," he finished, his voice a low growl, anger simmering beneath the surface.

Alesandrea glimpsed the tension in his clenched jaw, and felt her heart ache for the man who had once made her feel invincible.

"Don't." She held up a hand, her eyes squeezing shut. "I can't... not yet."

Lady Alodra laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You need not speak of it now, child. Rest. Regain your strength." Alesandrea let out a slow breath, allowing the warmth of Lady Alodra's touch to envelop her. The worry in Terry's eyes softened her resolve, but she resisted the urge to reach.

Terry rose, his jaw set. "I should have killed him when I had the chance." for him. Instead, she focused on the flickering flames, trying to summon the strength she had lost.

"And what would that have accomplished?" Lady Alodra fixed him with a stern gaze. "More bloodshed? More violence begetting violence? Is that truly the path you wish to walk, my son?"

He opened his mouth, then closed it, his shoulders slumping. Alesandrea watched the exchange, a pang of guilt twisting in her gut. "I shouldn't have dragged you into this," Alesandrea murmured, drawing the attention of both Terry and Lady Alodra.