When Angels Sin

14. A Welcome Distraction

Alina

The ravens' cries were so loud and clear. They sounded so close that she thought they were actually inside the room. Perhaps they were indeed. The early morning light filled the place as well. Obviously, someone had left the terrace open, and the ravens must have flown inside. It was unusually cold too. She tried to reach for the covers, but her hands fell on the cold dampness of grass beneath her. Her eyes flew open, and she rose up in alarm.

She was not in her room. It was not Bernard who lay sleeping next to her. She took a quick look around her where the faint morning light revealed her surroundings. There was not a soul around. Except for the ravens hopping on the grass nearby, and Julian who still lay sleeping on the ground by her side.

She could not recall when they had fallen asleep the previous night. All she could remember was that they had left Julian's room and went to sit outside behind the stables, as Alina did not want to go back to her room where Bernard was, and Julian did not wish to leave her alone when she was still not feeling well. She started to faintly remember lying down next to Julian where they watched the stars that filled the moonless skies together, or perhaps that was a dream, because she had fallen asleep instantly, worn out by a long day of pain and suffering.

Alina looked down at Julian who was still fast asleep, his messy brown hair covering half of his peaceful face. She reached out to brush away the disheveled curls, and she realized how much the darkness had concealed the night before. He was handsome, not quite as Mikal or Vilfred though, yet there was something very compelling about him.

She sat there watching him while his eyes remained closed, his thick black lashes resting peacefully atop his high cheekbones, and his soft lips slightly parted. He looked so innocent as he slept, almost childish, void of all the anger and defiance he always had on display. Alina realized that she was toying with a lock of his brown hair and she quickly drew her hand away. What am I doing?

"Julian," she whispered, hesitantly touching his shoulder. "Wake up. It's morning." His eyes flew open and he sat upright with a start, staring at her with a horrified expression.

"Don't worry. No one found us." She tried to smile, but for some reason she was very nervous and she could feel her lips quivering. Well, it was only natural to feel that way. It was quite awkward to wake up and find herself sleeping next to the stable boy. Her heart thumped as she thought of it that way, and she could feel her cheeks blushing deeply. It was very awkward indeed.

"I..." she hesitated. "I have to go back. I..." She didn't know what to say next. Goodbye? Thank you? I want to see you again? Her heart thumped once more. Why did she want to see him again? She only looked at him for a long awkward moment before she turned and headed back to the keep without saying anymore.

***

It was already late in the morning and Bernard had long left the room. Alina sat alone in bed, staring vacantly towards the high ceiling. Julian... Why was his face not leaving her mind this morning? Well, she had to admit he was quite attractive. There was something intriguing about his dark brown eyes. Behind all the daring stares and defiant scowls, she could tell they were hiding a great deal of kindness that betrayed him no matter how hard he tried to appear heartless.

He was not heartless. Definitely not. Especially after helping her and covering up for her last night, despite all the suffering she had caused him before. Alina smiled faintly. She did not understand why she found herself so drawn to him, and surprisingly, she felt a strong need to meet him again. She needed to talk more to him and hear more of his sweet voice. Why am I thinking of Julian this way?

She closed her eyes and tried to shun his image, but he was not going anywhere, and he continued to haunt her all morning. Perhaps that was her mind's way of avoiding any memories of her dreadful humiliation the previous day. But just as she thought of it she could already feel her chest tightening and her whole body tensing. And it all came back to her. The sound of her tearing dress, her vulnerable body on display, the hungry leering stares, the savage beatings, the unbearable pain... No!