The Disaster Born's

Chapter Thirty Seven - Alysia

The comfort I felt was like no other, snuggling in a warm duvet, nestling into my pillow. I sink deeper into it, eyes still closed, a smile making its way onto my face. Yet, something felt off, some form of discomfort as I nestle deeper into my pillow. I open my eyes cautiously and there it was— an arm. An arm that wasn't mine and draped across my me.

My heart starts to race as I turn, my eyes meet Ash, his features relaxed in his deep sleep. "Shit," I mutter as the wave of realisation crashes over me. I bite my lip in panic. Slowly, I calmly remove myself from his protective, muscly, cradling arms. How could I forget that I was in Ash's bed? My mind starts to race, dread sinking in— I have no clothes here. This was an utter nightmare.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, some form of relief washing over me as I realise, I still have my underwear and bra on. It wasn't totally the walk of shame... right? I creep towards the wardrobe. My eyes scan his clothes until they land on one of Ash's hoodies hanging up. With a sense of urgency, I pull it from its resting place, slipping it over my head. At least it was oversized, covering me in its fabric and it smelt of him which I hate to admit but I liked it.

I pick up my heels from the floor and slowly make my way towards the door, each step creaking as I hold my breath. I wrap my fingers around the handle and push it down with one deep breath. "If you keep taking all my hoodies, I'm gonna have to start charging you." He says his voice cutting through the air with a deep and teasing tone.

I glance back, caught off guard by his comment. I smile at him in response, "I will give it back," I say softly my heart fluttering with a mix of affection and the embarrassment of being caught. He tilts his head, "I promise." I state to him. Suddenly, he springs up from his bed, his movements fluid as he strides towards me. I turn to open the door to leave but he wraps his arms around my waist, he tucks my hair behind my ear and embeds kisses along my neck, sending tingles all over my body.

"You don't have to go," he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin. Each word he says follows up with a kiss. "You can stay as long as you like." He says.

I smile, trying my hardest not to give in. "You know I have to," I insist, although I hated how I sounded even my voice gave it away. He turns me to face him, his deep blue eyes searching mine, demanding answers that I refused to articulate. I press my lips together, but a laugh escapes. "Goodbye, Ash," I whisper, turning away as I open the door and step out into the hall.

I walk down the corridor but as I do another door swings open, and my eyes collide with Leon and Ember's. My heart races as I register their expression—a mix of concern and amusement. "Long night, Lys?" Leon asks as his laughter deeps through his words. Ember elbows him, a silent request for him to be more discreet. "Morning stroll," I say nonchalantly but I notice his eyes are staring at my hoodie. If me walking in the right wing early in the morning didn't make it obvious then the blazing fire emblem on my hoodie made it definitive.

I hurry away, leaving them both behind wanting the ground to swallow me whole. Propelled by the urgency that no could see me like this, especially not Ezra. I reach the left wing and push the door open, I shut it behind me. I lean the back of my head against the door, taking a moment to gather my thoughts and slow my heart rate. My gaze falls to the photo frame of Elodie on my desk. Odd how it has moved from one side of the table to the other.

Flashbacks of the previous night drown my mind. I approach the frame, clutching it to my heart. "You would know what to do, you always did." I murmur, the weight of the unknown heavy in the air and in my heart. The Over Lord's men had clearly used this 'party' as a distraction to search the Disaster Born's rooms.

I catch my reflection staring back at me in the mirror, my eyes makeup smudged, my chaotic hair matted. Yet a smile tugs at my lips; even in this mess, Ash still wanted me to stay. Suddenly, a firm knock forces me out of my thoughts. I take a deep breath placing the photo frame down on the table and walk towards the door. I open it a fraction, peering through the small crack.