EPISODE 2
The study room was cloaked in shadows, the curtains drawn, only the faint glow of a dying lamp illuminating scattered papers across the desk.
？？？
*sitting motionless, pen in hand but unable to write*
It had been like this for months—the darkness pressing in, suffocating, mirroring the emptiness he felt since Althea slipped further into her illness.
Across from him, his assistant, Elias, stood quietly, waiting for his master’s words.
？？？
*low voice broke the silence* “Elias… what did the doctor said? Is there… is there a cure for Althea’s condition?
Elias (ML assistant)
*Lowered his head, his expression grim* Sir… I’m afraid not. He said depression such as hers cannot be lifted with medicine alone. She is… very unwell. He fear it may grow worse.
The answer felt like a blade twisting in his chest
Draven Kaelthorn/K (ML)
*hand tightened into a fist against the desk*
For so long, he had faced wars, betrayals, enemies that wanted him dead—but nothing, nothing was as terrifying as watching the light of his life wither away before his eyes
He rose without another word. His footsteps were heavy as he made his way down the hall, the silence of the house broken only by the faint creak of the floorboards. When he reached her room, he paused at the door, his heart caught between dread and yearning.
Inside, the room was dim, only the faint silver of the moon spilling through the curtains.
A tiny figure lay on the bed, her breathing soft, her face pale but peaceful in sleep.
For a moment, he just stood there, watching her, feeling the ache of helplessness.
Draven Kaelthorn/K (ML)
*sits on the edge of the bed, lowering his head into his hand, his other hand reaching out to gently pull her against him*
The warmth of her body against his chest nearly undid him. He closed his eyes, breathing her in as though she were the only air left in the world.
Then—her eyelashes fluttered.
Althea Lune/Kaelthorn (FL)
*half-asleep*
In that fragile state, she reached for him, arms circling his body, clinging as if he might vanish if she loosened her grip. Her breath was unsteady, but her voice came, soft and tired
Althea Lune/Kaelthorn (FL)
...Draven...
Althea Lune/Kaelthorn (FL)
(is that you?)
The sound of his name from her lips in sleep sent a shiver through him. It had been so long since she had called for him like that. A surge of relief and something dangerously close to hope filled him
Draven Kaelthorn/K (ML)
*holds her tighter, his throat burning*
She murmured again, his name slipping past her lips like a prayer, before sleep pulled her back down
Draven Kaelthorn/K (ML)
*stayed still, listening to the fragile rhythm of her breath*
For the first time in months, the corners of his mouth softened, the heaviness in his chest easing. Slowly, he leaned back beside her, unable to bring himself to leave. With her warmth against him, her voice still echoing in his head, he closed his eyes and let sleep take him—holding onto her as if he’d found a sliver of light in the endless dark.
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