Non posso vivere senza di te.

Chapter 5.

      Piercing blue eyes intensely stare at the piece of decrepit sheet music in front of them. Raegan's slender fingers glide gracefully over the organ's keys. This is her mental sanctuary from the outside world, from all the chaos causing stress related to recent events. The impressive woman breaths in slowly, allowing the patchouli scented air to fill her lungs to the brim; the tight, heavy sensation feeling so right. Finally, a long overdue exhale escapes her painted lips. Jet black hair falls forward from behind her ear, framing her concentrating features. Her form begins to slowly sway to the music from a bygone age, feeling completely in tune with the piece she is playing; her soul intertwining with the ominous rumble from the medieval organ she so lovingly plays. Raegan's engrossed mind neglects to detect her pope entering the large room.

      What Papa's eyes come across is a sight of pure wonder. A magnificently huge stained glass window lights the entire scene with explosive displays in varying colors, scattering everything in the room with shadows whispering infernal stories of old. Raegan's soft hums mix intoxicatingly with the intricacy of the ancient song her fingers so delicately plays into the organ's console. Papa's heart rate quickens at the overwhelming atmosphere the combination of these things radiate, attacking all of his senses, and in return causing his passion for the beautiful woman amidst the source of it all to grow even larger every second. Gloved fingertips trail along the intricate carvings on the wall as Papa silently progresses deeper into the room, closer to the source of his attention. In this moment nothing else but Raegan, the organ, and himself exists in his world. He quickly takes a seat in the old-fashioned tufted chair placed behind Raegan.

       Tears threaten to invade Raegan's sight as her heart dances with the old tune she continues to play; not of sadness but of pure enjoyment. Her fingers duties finally come to a end and the song they both so desperately clung to has ended. "You are truly amazing Amore, I mean that in the most honest sincerity. You are in every sense of the words staggering, alluring, and bewitching." Papa breathes quietly unsure of how her response will be. Raegan, slightly surprised, turns in the direction of her beloved and sighs "I'm so sorry I had no idea you were in here". Her wide eyes meet his mixed matched ones as he makes his way to sit beside her on the bench.

"Raegan I feel special to have gotten to hear your talents for I haven't heard them in some time.. But whatever is the matter?" Papa remarks and questions, removing his gloves.

"I just needed the escape Papa, I hope I didn't frighten you I left a message for you with Alpha" she says, the hint of distraction lacing her tone as she shuffles to a different piece of sheet music.

"It's quite alright Amore, I honestly believe you are the only person that visits this room outside of rituals anyways." Papa chuckles

"Speaking of church matters, how did your meeting go?"

"Agh" Papa's face twists in a serious expression "Father Dietrich and his party are coming here next week to visit during the prenuptial celebrations for our wedding"

Raegan's face drops and she sighs as she begins to push keys on the organ; never making eye contact. "If we're keeping an eye on him are we even going to get to enjoy ourselves?"

   Papa grabs her hands to cause her to shift her attention back to him. "we will enjoy ourselves, cara mia. I will have ghouls watching his every move, we will not let those bastards ruin our good times." His encouraging words seem to do the trick and Raegan leans in, giving the sinful gentleman a soft, loving kiss. "You have my word" Papa mumbles, staring into her striking eyes. "Now, how about we get out of here, ehh??"

A smile graces Raegan's features "You read my mind". With a quick peck on the lips her suited silhouette stands and gracefully makes its way to the door. Papa's eyes take in every inch of his bride, closely following behind. The powerful couple hold hands lovingly and engage in conversation down the strikingly old hallway adorned in fabulously intricate windows. "This just may be a hunch, Amore, but it sounds to me like you need a change of scenery for a couple hours, how about dinner?" Papa's loving tone makes her blush and exposes his strong desire for her happiness. "That sounds like a wonderful idea" Raegan excitingly responds, wrapping her arms around her beloveds neck in a thankful hug.

A few hours later the two have been laughing and chatting for the better part of an hour, content with their stomachs full of nice food and expensive wine. "Hey Papa?" She asks, the tone of humor trailing out of her voice. "Yes, My Love?" Papa returns, slight concern showing on his handsome features. "Why were you so worried about your own Cardinals the other day?" Her face again laced with innocence, a look that only Papa gets the pleasure of seeing. He signs and waives for the waiter to bring then more wine. It takes him a good few minutes to gather his words.
His mixed matched eyes look over her smooth face as he sighs once more. "Honestly? Part of it is jealously" Papas accented voice is stricken with a very rare feeling of self consciousness. "You are the only person I've even been afraid of loosing, Raegan" her blue eyes widen slightly at his honesty. "Papa.." he grabs her hand lovingly. "I know what your going to say, dearest. I know I'm over thinking it but after what's been happening and the very damning evidence my ghouls have been digging up about Dietrich.. I'm on edge. Your the only thing that could destroy me and I'm afraid they'll try to take you from me" Papa sighs a sigh of unease from the vulnerability he just confessed.

     A slender hand with long black painted nails snakes under the table and places itself upon the knee of Papa's suit.  "No matter what happens, no matter what the future holds, I am still going to walk down that isle and marry you, I am still going to give you my undying love, and I am still going to be right here by your side. Trust me Papa, even if someone were to try to cause me harm you know I'm stronger than I look" the strong reassurance in her elegant voice calms his fast beating heart, and he places his gloved hand upon hers. The two are completely and entirely in this together any worry either of them may had has now been erased from this moment forward.