Rio Vidal One-shots

Eternal Shadows, Bounds by Light

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧💜💚✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

The cottage was small but cozy, hidden deep within the forest, where prying eyes could not follow. Inside, warmth radiated from a fire that flickered with the subtle purples of Agatha's magic, casting an ethereal glow over the room. Nicholas sat on the floor, surrounded by books, giggling as pages turned with an unseen touch-a small trick Agatha had taught him. She watched from a chair nearby, her eyes soft with love as she watched her son marvel at the world with wide eyes.

Rio leaned against the doorway, watching them both with a quiet smile. She looked nothing like the tales of dread spoken about Lady Death; in this light, she was simply Rio-a mother, a partner, and someone who cherished moments like these.

"Mommy!" Nicholas called, waving a book with a wide grin. "Look what Mama taught me!"

Rio crossed the room, sitting beside Nicholas as she wrapped an arm around his small shoulders. "That's right, my clever little one. But remember," she said softly, with a hint of caution, "some things are meant to be kept between us."

Agatha's eyes met Rio's with a shared understanding. This life they had carved out was a fragile thing, a gift guarded fiercely against the forces that sought to tear them apart. For Rio and Agatha to be together, to raise a child, was a defiance of cosmic rules. But they had learned to treasure each moment, to live fully in the small blessings they could find.

As Rio read to her son, her voice took on a warmth she reserved only for him. The story was one of courage, loyalty, and resilience-a tale of a family defying the odds. Nicholas was absorbed, eyes wide with fascination, his tiny hand resting on Rio's arm as he hung on her every word.

When the story ended, Agatha joined them, pulling the boy into her lap. "Did you like the story, sweetheart?" she asked, brushing a hand through his unruly hair.

He nodded enthusiastically. "I want to be brave, just like them."

Rio's expression softened, a mixture of pride and sorrow. "You are already brave, mi corazón," she murmured, placing a kiss on his forehead. Her eyes flickered to Agatha, and in them was a silent promise that, together, they would protect Nicholas with everything they had.

As the night grew later, Nicholas eventually drifted to sleep, cradled in Agatha's arms. Rio placed a hand over her son's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. To hear it was to feel the ache of a love that defied all reason, all law.

Agatha looked at her, eyes shining. "Do you ever regret it?" she whispered, though she already knew the answer.

Rio shook her head, brushing her thumb across Nicholas's cheek as he slept. "I would endure every curse, every damnation, for this." She looked at Agatha, and her gaze softened with a rare, raw vulnerability. "For you. For him."

They held each other's gaze, understanding passing between them in silence. They knew that one day, the world might come knocking. But for now, they had this haven, this stolen piece of eternity where love held sway over death itself.

In this hidden cottage, under the watchful eyes of the stars, they were a family bound by something deeper than blood-a love fierce enough to reshape fate itself.

╚═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧💚💜✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝