Darling

XXVII

Sebastian 

 I saw her face flush pale for a split second, her hand darting up to her nose as blood began to flow. It hit me like a gut punch, the sharp realization that something wasn't right. My first instinct was to pull her into my arms, to shield her from whatever this was, but I held back just long enough to assess the situation. She seemed more startled than anything, but I could see the panic rising in her eyes, as though she couldn't quite catch her breath.

I quickly guided her back into the chair, urging her to sit down. "It's okay, Clem," I said, my voice lower than I intended, slipping into that calm, authoritative tone I always used when I needed to regain control. "Just breathe. It's a nosebleed, nothing serious."

But I could tell from the way Amelia and Isabella were watching us, their wide eyes filled with worry, that the reassurance wasn't reaching them. Amelia's hands were trembling as she reached out to take the tissue from Isabella, and I saw her trying to hide the fear in her expression.

"Dad, is she okay?" Amelia asked, voice laced with anxiety.

I nodded, though the slight tightness in my chest betrayed my own unease. "She's fine, sweetheart. It's just a minor thing. Nothing to worry about."

Isabella stood a little apart from the scene, biting her lip. She didn't say anything immediately, but her eyes kept darting between Clem and me, her concern obvious.

As I watched them, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I knew they weren't used to seeing people they cared about in a vulnerable state. They were still kids, despite all the maturity they had shown lately. But to see them so scared over something so small made me realize how fragile this whole thing really was. How fragile Clem was.

My focus snapped back to her as she pressed the tissue harder against her nose, a small tremor in her hand as she fought the dizziness that followed. I wanted to fix it. Fix her. But all I could do was sit beside her, rubbing her back gently, offering whatever comfort I could.

"Take a breath, Clem," I whispered, my thumb stroking over her hand. "You're alright."

The twins continued to hover, not quite sure how to act, their gaze flicking between Clem and me as though they were waiting for further instructions. It was strange, this dynamic—me, trying to remain stoic and steady for all of us, when internally, I was anything but.

As the bleeding finally slowed and Clem seemed to stabilize, I felt a small sense of relief. But it wasn't enough to ease the growing knot in my chest. The tension in the room hadn't entirely dissipated, and the fear in the twins' eyes lingered like a shadow.

Once Clem seemed calmer, I helped her back into the room. "You're alright," I repeated, this time more for myself than her. I needed to believe it as much as I needed her to. The twins had followed behind us, and I could see them peeking into the room, unsure if they should stay or leave. They seemed hesitant, still worried.

"Dad, is she okay now?" Amelia asked again, her voice softer but still tinged with concern.

I gave her a nod, holding Clem close. "Yeah, she's fine. It was just a little scare. No need to worry."

Isabella was still watching, her face thoughtful. "Should we stay with her?" she asked cautiously, glancing at me.

I smiled at them, shaking my head. "No, you don't have to. Go on, you've had a long day."

Reluctantly, they left the room, though I could feel their gazes lingering on me. Once they were gone, I turned my attention back to Clem. I noticed her eyes were tired, still a little distant, but there was something in the way she clung to me that made my heart ache. Something fragile. And in that moment, I couldn't help but feel like I had to protect her. Not just from the world, but from whatever was going on inside her.