Luminous memories [Cielxreader] [Aloisxreader]

Luminous memories: Vial 13

You lay awake, surrounded by the darkness that filled up the guest room of the Trancy manor. After the events of the day, you couldn't just stay in bed and do nothing,  but then again,  what could you do?

Trying to decide on how to deal with the situation,  you recalled the scene that caused you to feel so agitated.

*

*

*

"That's all you need to know about the manor for now, I'll show you around more tomorrow morning."

The blonde haired boy concluded his brief tour of the manor- he'd insisted on showing you the parts of the manor you'd be staying in after dinner.

"Is there anything else you're worried about?" Alois asked you kindly. You'd only met him today,  but you'd come to appreciate his cheerful,  outgoing personality and you couldn't help but answer him with a smile.

"You arranged everything for me perfectly of course," the words were true. Everything was organised-something that you suspected was Claude's doing. "but arrangements have been made for Mary-Anne as well, right...?"

You ended on a doubtful tone after seeing an expression of surprise flicker on the boy's face for a moment.

"Of course!" he gave you his signature smile; whatever expression he had on his face before had been wiped clean off. "Hannah will take care of her."

"Thank you."

"No problem," Alois spoke normally,  convincing you that the surprised expression you saw was nothing but a trick of the eye. "Well, if that's all then I wish you a good night."

"Good night." you smiled at the Earl before going to your room.

You'd changed into your nightgown and were about to go to bed when you heard a sound of yelling coming from afar. Everything you'd been taught up until now told you that this sound was none of your business and that you should to ignore it if you had any sense, but you were never that good at following the rules of common sense and after very brief consideration,  you went out to investigate.

"Can't you do something right for once in your life?!" You had to bite your lip to stop yourself letting out an exclaimation when you saw the owner of the voice.

Alois was glaring at a purple haired woman in a maid uniform.

"Just make sure you do your job properly this time."

"Yes your Highness."  the woman you assumed was Hannah spoke quietly in the tone of someone who was aware that they had been defeated.

She started walking towards where you were, allowing you to catch a glimse of the bruises on her arms. Realising that she was getting dangerously near,  you rushed back into your room before she could notice you listening in.

*

*

*

Alois was really kind towards you,  but you began to doubt how much of his personality was just an act.

You were speculating about what kind of person your fiancé really was when a horrible realization struck you- if he treated Hannah like that,  how would he treat Mary-Anne?

The prospect of her being treated badly was enough to make you throw the blanket off yourself and get out of bed. You opened up your newly repaired suitcase,  grabbing the vial with the brightest glow and heading out to find your maid.

--------------+--------------

You started to have second thoughts about decision as you walked around the dark manor with nothing but the light of a memory. After wandering around for a while, you came to the conclusion that there was a large flaw in your thinking process- you didn't know where Mary-Anne was staying.

It would be much better if you waited until morning to talk to her. With that thought in mind,  you were about to head back to the guest room when you noticed the candle lights that were now directly behind you.

"Well,  well,  what do we have here?"
Shivers went down your spine at the sound and you forced yourself to turn around to face the owner of the voice.

His blue eyes had a malicious glint you'd never seen before and a devilish smirk was playing on his lips.

"What were you doing walking around at this time of night?"

"I..." you trailed off- telling Alois you were searching for Mary-Anne because you were suspicious of how he was treating her would only get you into even more trouble. You wracked your brain for an excuse and blurted the first one that came to mind.  "I'm afraid of sleeping alone in the dark."

"Afraid of sleeping alone the dark...?"

"Yes." you muttered and looked down at the ground- he probably lost all the patience he ever had for you now.

You bit your lip as he took your hand and led you along the hallways,  scared but ready to accept whatever punishment there would be.

You reasoned that he was probably going to tell you to pack your stuff and leave so you were surprised when he led you into an unfamiliar room.

"Don't worry," your heart skipped a beat when you finally looked up from the ground- the candlelight was dim,  however,  it was impossible not to notice his expression. The glint in his eyes was no longer malicious but warm and consoling and unlike the ones other he'd given you before- you could tell that this smile was sincere.
"This way,  you won't have to sleep alone- I'll keep you company."

"You really don't have to go this far." It was one thing to lie and get punished,  but getting treated so nicely after lying made you feel extremely guilty.

"I want to." He spoke firmly and guided you towards his bed.

You let him tuck you in and after reassuring him once again that everything was fine, he blew out the candles and got into bed with you.

You lay on the bed awkwardly,  not quite sure how to make sense of the situation. There were any number of thoughts rushing around your head and you couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.

What kind of person is Alois?

Why did Katherine wait until now to get in contact with you?

Was Mary-Anne okay?

W-

"Good night [Y/n]"

The soft,  quiet words might've been considered insignificant to any other person,  but they managed to comfort you greatly. You finally let go of the worries you'd been holding onto up until then and let yourself relax for the first time since you met Katherine.

"Good night Alois."