The Divine Lament (Swan Queen)

Night Terrors

Azael wrenched from his sleep with a shout. His wide eyes franticly searched the darkness. He clasped his hands over his ears trying to silence the wailing that only seemed to grow louder. He flinched at the movement of shadows just outside his peripheral. His muscles burned as they tightened with stress. Azael closed his eyes and prayed for release.

After ending her conversation with Emma, Regina settled into bed. She was determined to get at least a few hours of rest before having to deal with Snow. Although they had come to an amicable point in their relationship, her insistent babbling never failed to grate Regina's nerves. She could only hope with Emma being present and her own lack of patience, that the meeting would go quickly.

Regina had just closed her eyes when she heard the muffled shout. She sprung from her bed and immediately made her way to Henry's room. Upon opening his door, she was relieved to find her son sound asleep. She gently closed his door and stood by the upstairs banister. Again, she heard a strange sound of distress, but then remembered her guest downstairs. She quickly descended to the first floor hoping she could get to Azael before he woke Henry.

On opening the door, she had the sudden thought she should have knocked first, but in her haste had forgotten. She realized her mistake as she watched Azael leap from his bed landing in a crouch, his hands extended with sparks of magic at his fingertips. She instinctively lifted her own hands in defense, but refrained from letting loose her own magic. She stared at the man, his eyes glowing in the darkness, waiting for a reaction. Upon getting none, she eased herself further into the room and shut the door behind her. Regina knew she could not risk Henry coming down and spooking Azael further.

"Azael, its Regina." Regina whispered.

Azael stared at the figure moving towards him, his eyes tracking its movement. The darkness had taken his sight and all he could see were blurred images from the past merging with one another. He shook his head fiercely to try to clear his mind.

Regina remained vigilant for any sudden change. If needed, she would subdue Azael with her magic until she could get help. She only hoped she was strong enough.

"Mr. Falleré. I need you to hear my voice and wake up." Regina commanded, her tone that of the Queen.

Azael turned his head towards Regina, fixing her with burning eyes.

Despite her fear, Regina reached out her hand to touch Azael's own. The magic burst from that touch, sent them both back from one another to land roughly on the floor.

Azael lifted himself onto his arms and shook his head. He opened his eyes and found Regina lying prone on the floor. He rushed to her side, gently nudging her shoulder.

"Regina, are you alright?"

Regina rolled onto her back with a groan. She slowly opened her eyes to find a very coherent Azael looking down at her.

"Aside from the fact that I have been thrown across the room, I would say I am just peachy." Regina replied bitingly.

Azael offered his hand to help Regina stand. She gazed at the appendage apprehensively before relenting. She swayed slightly before regaining her balance.

"Please accept my apologies. I do not know what came over me." Azael wrung his hands together anxiously.

Regina recognized the signs of panic from her own experiences.

"In all fairness, I probably should have knocked before entering so abruptly. But I was concerned you would wake Henry."

"I completely understand and thank you nonetheless for your well-timed interruption. As you saw, I was completely out of sorts." Azael sat on the edge of the bed, his head held in his hands.