The Dark Rose 🌹 {18+}

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'Love reduces the complexity of living.' - Anais Nin

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A week later...

Weeks have passed since that terrifying day when I killed Richard.

For those first few initial days afterwards, I hadn't left my bed.

The words he said, the way he touched me— I still felt the pain of the sun searing my skin. The sight of Richard pointing a gun at my head and in those seconds, I really thought I was going to die. And I was accepting of that. I hadn't admitted it to myself at the time, but at that moment, I was prepared to die knowing It wouldn't have been for nothing.

But I hadn't died. And it was the thought of all my loved ones— Aldéric being my main source of strength, that gave me the power to kill Richard.

I had cried into Aldéric's lap and told him that when we got back home. I explained to him how he helped me overcome my worst nightmare by just knowing that he was out there and that he loved me with everything. He wasn't surprised when I told him about my new power. In fact, he kissed me even more fiercely and thanked that power for keeping his beloved alive— for not losing me for a second time.

That night we held each other even more closely, tighter. I refused to release him for hours and he was more than happy to stay there with me.

My power had not made another appearance afterwards but I still felt peace, knowing it was buried deep. And I knew it would be there when I needed it most.

Sleep had been my best friend. I had slept through the days and then even the nights, only to be woken up when Aldéric insisted that I feed. His blood still tasted so divine, so sweet and it sent my body comfort. Just having him close to me, feeling his heartbeat pulse beneath my touch. He was my safety. My comfort. He was home. My home.

That's why I took it hard when he left three days ago.

He didn't want to leave me— tried to get out of it even. But he was a soldier and with some of Richard's army that was left behind, some scattering, a few switching sides— but the ones who still held ill will, those who wanted to continue Richard's fight, were the ones Aldéric had to track and kill.

Emmi was still cleaning up the bodies after that explosion I created, one being the pilot. I silently mourned the life I was forced to take— the lesser of two evils if you will. I never voiced my guilt, never spoke it into existence because even though it still existed, it was easier to bury and ignore. But I would never forget.

I fought for Aldéric to stay with me even when we were standing at the threshold of Aureline's estate. Felix and Ivan were going with him, to help Aldéric tackle the rebellion. Luther offered his assistance as well and he had a lot to offer. Evelina. A witch. The others didn't know but Luther trusted me with the information. Tried to make me feel more at ease with Aldéric leaving me by ensuring me that Evelina would secretly protect them and even use magic to track down some of the rebellion.

Still, I fought for him to stay, fisted Alderic's shirt so tightly that I nearly ripped a hole in the fabric. I wasn't ready to be left alone and was even willing to go with him but he refused.

Just for me to hear, he spoke to me through our bond— his mind caressing mine with love and the promise of his return in a few days. Have faith, my Rose. I have to do this for us. To ensure rebellion doesn't spread through the city like poison.