Legacy of Healing

Chapter 17: The aftermath

Elijah stayed close, his forehead resting gently against Anastasia's, their breathing now synced in the quiet aftermath. He could still feel her body trembling slightly, but the worst of the panic had passed. He didn't say anything more, not wanting to push her, knowing words couldn't easily undo the hurt he had caused.

Anastasia, still feeling fragile, slowly opened her eyes. She didn't move away, but she wasn't sure what to say either. Her mind was clearing, the fog of panic lifting, but the weight of what had happened still sat heavy between them. She could feel his warmth, his presence grounding her, but it didn't erase the fear that had overwhelmed her moments ago.

Elijah pulled back just enough to look at her. His eyes were filled with remorse, the tension in his body showing just how much he regretted everything. "I didn't mean for it to get like that," he whispered, voice hoarse. "I was angry, but I never wanted to hurt you. I never want to scare you."

Anastasia swallowed, her throat still tight. She knew Elijah hadn't intended to cause her panic, but the outburst had triggered something deep inside her. She wanted to speak, to tell him how she felt, but her words felt trapped. So, instead, she nodded, hoping he could understand the storm of emotions still swirling inside her.

"I... I'll never let it happen again," Elijah continued, his voice shaky, but determined. "I swear, I'll figure this out. I don't ever want you to feel like that again."

Anastasia looked down, her fingers nervously fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. She appreciated his words, the promise he was making, but she knew it wasn't something that could be fixed with just an apology. The fear, the panic—it had been real, and it left a mark.

"Elijah," she finally said, her voice soft but steady. "I need you to understand... it wasn't just what happened tonight. When you get angry like that, it... it scares me. Not just because of what you do, but because of how it makes me feel."

He listened, his eyes locked on hers, taking in every word. "I didn't realize... I'm sorry, Anastasia. I never wanted you to feel unsafe."

She nodded, appreciating the sincerity in his voice, but she knew this conversation couldn't end here. "I know you're sorry, but we need to find a way to make sure this doesn't happen again. I can't keep feeling like this—on edge, worried that something might set off another outburst."

Elijah swallowed hard, his gaze dropping for a moment before returning to her. "You're right. I know. I need to work on myself... I need to figure out how to deal with my anger, because I can't keep putting you through this." His voice cracked slightly. "You don't deserve that."

The room fell silent again, but this time, it wasn't the tense quiet that followed his outburst. It was a quieter, more reflective silence. Anastasia felt the weight of the conversation settle over them, but there was also a sense of relief that they were finally confronting the deeper issue.

"I just want things to be better between us," Anastasia whispered, her voice filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. "But we need to work on this. Together."

Elijah nodded, his hand gently resting over hers, not to fix everything in that moment but as a gesture of understanding and commitment. "I want that too. I promise I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we're okay."

There was a long pause after they both fell silent, the tension in the room softening but still present, like a weight they both carried. He could see how exhausted she was—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Her shoulders sagged slightly, her body still trembling in the aftermath of the panic attack.

Without a word, Elijah gently cupped her face, his thumb tracing a soft line over her cheek. "Come here," he murmured softly.

Before Anastasia could say anything, Elijah moved closer and, with a surprising gentleness, slipped his arms around her. One arm looped under her knees while the other wrapped securely around her back, lifting her from the floor. He held her with a tenderness that made her feel small and safe in his arms, like he was carrying something fragile and precious.

Anastasia blinked in surprise, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as he stood, cradling her to his chest. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat through his shirt, a contrast to the chaos that had consumed her just moments ago.

"Elijah, I..." she began to protest weakly, unsure of what to say.

"Shh," he whispered, his voice calm now. "I've got you."

He carried her through the apartment, each step slow and careful as he made his way to their bedroom. The tension from earlier seemed to melt away with every movement. Anastasia's body relaxed a little more against him, her head resting on his shoulder as he walked. She was still processing everything, but in that moment, she let herself sink into the comfort of his arms, the closeness soothing the remnants of panic still lingering in her mind.

When they reached the bedroom, Elijah gently nudged the door open with his foot. The room was dim, bathed in soft evening light. He carried her over to the bed, setting her down with the same care as if she were made of glass. Her back pressed into the soft mattress, and he hovered for a moment, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

Anastasia looked up at him, her heart still tender but steady now. "I think... I will be," she said softly.

Elijah sat beside her, his fingers lightly tracing over the back of her hand. There was no rush, no pressure—just a shared understanding that they were both trying to navigate this fragile moment. His presence, once a source of tension, had shifted to something gentler, more supportive. He kissed her knuckles, a silent promise that he would take care of her.

"You should rest," he murmured, pulling the blankets up over her, tucking her in gently. His gaze softened as he watched her settle into the bed.

As Anastasia lay in the bed, cocooned in the warmth of the blankets and the soft glow of the evening light, she felt a sense of quiet calm begin to take hold. But despite the peace that was settling over her, something still felt incomplete. She turned her head slightly, her eyes finding Elijah as he sat beside her, his expression filled with concern and tenderness.

"I want you to sleep with me," she whispered, her voice soft but clear. "Near me. Please."

Elijah blinked, surprised at first, but then his expression softened even more. He could see the vulnerability in her eyes, the need for comfort and closeness after everything that had happened. Without a word, he slid into bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her gently, pulling her into him. His embrace was strong but tender, as if he was trying to hold her and protect her from the lingering weight of the night.

Anastasia let out a small, relieved breath as she pressed herself closer to him, resting her head on his chest. The steady beat of his heart beneath her ear was calming, a rhythmic reminder that she wasn't alone, that he was here with her. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers, the security of his arms wrapped tightly around her.

Elijah kissed the top of her head, his chin resting against her hair as he held her close. "I'm here," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "I'm not going anywhere."

She closed her eyes, her hands lightly gripping the fabric of his shirt as she nestled into his chest, feeling safe in his embrace. His presence, so steady now, eased the last remnants of fear that had clung to her. With her head on his chest and his arms around her, she felt grounded, anchored.

The silence between them was comforting, the weight of their earlier conversation hovering but not intruding. There was no need for more words, not tonight. Elijah tightened his hold on her, making sure she knew that she was safe with him, that he was there, and she wasn't facing the storm alone anymore.

Anastasia's breathing began to slow, her body finally relaxing completely as exhaustion took over. As she drifted toward sleep, the sound of Elijah's heartbeat lulled her, each beat a promise that they would face whatever came next together.

In that quiet, peaceful moment, wrapped in each other's warmth, the world outside seemed far away.