Illuminated By The Darkness

chapter 20 (part-a)

Tiara:

My teeth clattered as the icy cold water cascaded around me numbing my senses, trying to forget the piece of memory I just relived. Ramsey and Sullivan always said it was wrong to torture myself to feel better. But what was I supposed to do back then, I had no one to comfort me so I had to seek peace in discomfort. And I did not regret it one bit.

I stepped out of the shower and was startled to see Arton in my room. Instantly, I was embarrassed that he had to see me having a breakdown.

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright" he said . I nodded not knowing what to say.

"What was that?" he asked and I shook my head.

It was not something I wanted to talk about. With slow steps I went and sat down on the bed, facing away from him. The bed dipped and I knew he sat down beside me.

"Tia I-" he started

"Arton please I need some time alone" I spoke over him.

I was drained and wanted some time to myself.

"I don't know what happened to you, but what I know  is that how powerful you are" he said.

I think I stopped breathing at his words. Never in a hundred lives would I have imagined anybody telling me that.

I looked at him with confusion.

"Eugene, Hugh, Liam and I and all the other men here are involved in crimes. We only know how to take life. We wear death on our sleeves and when it finally strikes there is nothing we can do. But you? You gave a man his life back. Something we can never do. And that makes you powerful" he said. "Today was a close call for Eugene. He almost died tonight if it weren't for you. Death bowed in front of you and spared Eugene's life. For that we will be indebted to you forever. Thank you"

Saying that he left me alone with my thoughts. Did he really believe that? Did I believe that?

Hell no!

I was not powerful. It was sheer luck that Eugene made it out somehow. Death did not bow down in front of me, it mocked me and it always laughed at my misery. It did not save my sister, her baby, my parents and shoved the lives of the people I loved down its throat and for some cruel reason it speared my life.

.

Around three in the morning I walked down the stairs to where Eugene was. I could not ignore the need in me to see him. I opened the door to his office and stepped in. Arton was inside guarding the door that led to Eugene.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm better now. Can I go inside?" I asked.

"Yes you can" he said. Mumbling a quick 'thank you' I rushed inside.

There he was.

Slowly I walked towards him. Nathan had hooked him up on IV and blood tubes. Eugene's clothing and the bedding had been changed and a white blanket was pulled up till his neck. The room did not smell like blood anymore.

I sat down on the chair beside his sleeping form. I felt so calm at the moment. Relieved from the terror he gave me. Eugene looked so young right now. When he was awake he always wore a grumpy look. Either way he was undeniably handsome.

A slight beard was there on his face and my hands itched to touch it. Gently I touched the side of his face feeling his spiky and unkempt beard. I splayed my fingers cupping his cheek, feeling his warmth. I prayed to the almighty above for keeping him safe.

Eugene leaned into my touch and let out a long deep sigh like he was in peace. I smiled at his reaction.

"I like it when you do that" I jumped at his voice and retrieved my hand. His eyes were still closed. I was happy and scared. Happy that he was awake and afraid of what he might say.