When an unexpected betrayal sends a wingless fairy into a lonely world of darkness and self-loathing, Rey must learn how to love herself again - with the help of a Raven
Events loosely inspired by the movie Maleficent
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Rey woke the next morning to the sun rising at its brightest over the canopy greens, a fair bit of song in the air from birds sitting at high roosts in trees.
Seemingly refreshed she realized she'd made it through the night without the hindrance of night terrors corrupting her dreams. The sensational tingle on her lips reminded her of the kiss the night before. The remembrance of it made her smile.
Yes, a real authentic smile.
She regretted doubting him after he had proven his loyalty time and time again. She figured he only stayed because he felt obligated. That he owed it to her for the sake of returning the same kindness she'd shown him.
Gods, she had never been so wrong about anything in her life as she was then. And at the warmth of his tender touch that cold shell of astringency surrounding her heart softened to a pulp.
What was left in place of her emotional barriers was something so powerful it was rumored to be capable of moving mountains. Something that had effortlessly driven away the darkness she'd wittingly shrouded herself in. Something that could never be severed from her by the edge of a blade.
For once in her life, Rey understood what it was like to love someone and to have that same love returned.
She felt like an abandoned treasure buried below the sands of a pirate's cove and had just been discovered. Though the thought of losing yet another important piece of her life left her initially terrified. First her parents and her wings and now, she had Ben. The fear only heightened her need of wanting to keep him closer if it were at all possible.
Every day spent with him their relationship grew stronger, noticing trivial things that she loved about him. Like how much he talked with his hands and how he rambled faster on topics he enjoyed. And how he always seemed to be so fascinated by the smallest things she had to say. No matter the insignificance of her words he always made her feel as if they had actually mattered.
Their kisses also lasted longer, and every time he left her craving more. It was because of his constant affection that gradually made it easier for her to accept the absence of her wings. However, every now and then, memories of that day occasionally reared from the abyss, and she was once again reminded of the pain.
She wondered what might have happened if Ben hadn't found her. How easy it had been for a predator to have ended her misery.
Would she have felt it? Or would she have been numb to it? So many what ifs had circulated her mind ever since, and out of all the things that bothered her, the unknown troubled her the worst.
"Rey."
Fluttering her eyes at the sound of Ben's gruff voice, her head turned to see him staring intently, concern prominently written on his face. "What?"
"Are you okay?"
Her brows furrowed. "Yeah, why?"
He indicated toward the fruit in her lap with a curt nod. "You've been digging at that apple for quite some time now."
