King of Blood

Chapter 5 - Lyanna

Lyanna,

I hate writing this letter to you, but you asked for correspondence. Things are getting worse with Aleksander. I've seen him on edge before, but this is different—darker. His temper's been inconsolable ever since Ariana's death, but now it's like there's no limit to what he'll do. He's becoming more violent every day, and I mean truly dangerous.

It happened a few nights ago. Annette walked into his chambers and found him sitting by the window, staring out into the night with a goblet of wine in hand, his shirt completely stained in blood. The room reeked of it, too. The bed was... there was a woman on it. A prostitute from the town, I think. Her body was mangled beyond belief. Her throat was torn out, and there were deep gashes everywhere like an animal had ripped her apart. The sheets were soaked in blood. Annette said he was just sitting there like nothing had happened like it was the most normal thing in the world. He didn't even try to hide it. He just looked at her with that blank expression he gets, the one that makes you feel like you're staring at a void.

He just ordered her to clean her up and kept drinking. Annette was shaking when she told me—she's seen a lot in her years, but nothing like this. It wasn't the first time, Lyanna. I'm certain of that. He's spiralling out of control, and now I'm afraid of what he might do next, especially since he seems completely indifferent to the mess he's creating. I think he's relishing in the chaos, the violence without you here to steer him. It's like he's feeding off it, becoming something worse than he already was.

I hate to burden you with this, but you need to know. It scares me to think what he'll do when you come back. His obsession with you—his need to control you—it's only going to get worse, especially now. You know how he is.

You have to be careful. I know you already are, but please, keep your guard up. And as much as I hate saying it, take advantage of the time you have away. Stay strong, and don't let him drag you in with his madness. If you ever need to leave that place, just say the word. I'll come for you, Alek be damned.

Be safe, Lyanna. I'm worried for you, but I also trust that you know how to handle this.

Take care of yourself,

Naida

Lyanna sank deeper into the warm water, begging its soothing embrace wash away the weight of Naida's letter. The flickering candlelight danced across the bathroom walls, creating shadows that flickered like memories—some comforting, others haunting. She took a moment to breathe, inhaling the fragrant lavender-scented bubbles that filled the tub, but the peace was short-lived.

Naida's words echoed in her mind like the tolling of a distant bell. Aleksander's increasing violence, the cold details of the murder, and the chilling indifference he had shown; all churned her stomach. She had hoped that escaping to this realm, however temporary, would grant her solace, yet the spectre of her past loomed large. How could she enjoy any semblance of freedom when the world she had left behind was unravelling? The contrast between her serene surroundings and the turmoil back home felt unbearable.

Just as she began to sink into the bath's warmth again, her phone buzzed on the counter, pulling her from her thoughts. The sound was jarring against the backdrop of the quiet bathroom. She reached for it, seeing Jonathan's name flash across the screen.

For a moment, she hesitated, her heart racing as a mix of curiosity and caution coursed through her. Should she answer? Was it wise to engage with him, knowing the precarious balance she had to maintain between her real life and this false one? But the warmth of the water was calming, and despite her concerns, she couldn't shake the thought that perhaps this was exactly what she needed.