36.

Aeryn blinked as her surroundings came back into focus. The soft glow of the room felt too bright at first, and she squinted, trying to piece together where she was. She lifted a shaky hand to her forehead, feeling the faint sting of the wound on her arm, still fresh from her encounter with Jack. Her body ached, and her mind was a whirl of confusion, fear, and exhaustion.

She looked around, trying to steady her breathing. The room was quiet, and despite the soft luxurious furnishings, she felt a deep unease in her chest. The last thing she remembered was the black foam surrounding her, Jack’s maniacal laughter echoing in her ears, and the sharp blade slicing her arm. It made her shudder involuntarily.

One of the attendants standing near the door noticed her stirring and immediately rushed forward. “Your Majesty, you're awake,” she said gently, though Aeryn barely registered her words. “Shall I get Lord Alex for you?”

Aeryn closed her eyes briefly. Alex. The thought of him brought a strange mixture of relief and confusion. She nodded weakly, too tired to speak. The attendant hurried out of the room to pass along the message.

Meanwhile, in the grand hall, Alex stood before his cousin Arin, discussing matters of the kingdom. Arin had returned from her conquests, and they were engaged in a deep discussion about the external threats to the empire. Alex, though focused on the conversation, couldn’t shake the lingering worry about Aeryn. Since her kidnapping and rescue, she had been unconscious, and her silence weighed heavily on him. He had left strict orders for his attendants to inform him the moment she regained consciousness.

In the midst of Arin's explanation of the upcoming strategies, the doors to the hall opened, and one of Alex’s personal guards stepped forward, bowing slightly before speaking. “Your Majesty, the queen has awakened and is asking for you.”

Alex’s heart leapt in his chest. Without a second thought, he stepped away from Arin, cutting their conversation short. “I must go to her,” he said hurriedly. Arin, ever understanding, gave him a knowing nod.

“Of course. Go, my king. Your queen needs you.” Her voice held an undercurrent of affection, and she gestured for him to leave without further explanation.

Alex turned and strode out of the hall, his long cloak flowing behind him as he quickened his pace. His thoughts raced as he made his way through the palace corridors, filled with a mixture of anticipation and concern. Aeryn’s recovery had been slower than expected, and he could only imagine the trauma she had endured during her captivity. He clenched his fists, silently cursing Jack for ever laying a hand on her.

When he finally reached the chamber where Aeryn lay, he took a moment to compose himself. His chest tightened as he pushed open the door, stepping quietly inside. The room was dimly lit, with soft shades of purple and blue that gave it a serene atmosphere, but Alex’s eyes immediately found Aeryn lying in the large bed, her frame small and vulnerable against the plush blankets.

She was awake, staring at the ceiling with a distant look in her eyes, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the bandage on her arm. The sight of her like that made Alex’s heart ache.

“Aeryn,” he said softly, walking toward her.

Her eyes flickered toward him, but she said nothing. The silence between them felt heavy, charged with everything unsaid.

Alex pulled up a chair beside her bed and gently reached out to take her hand in his. Her skin was cold, and the touch of her slender fingers felt fragile in his strong grip. He brushed his thumb over the back of her hand, as if willing his warmth to pass through her.

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly, his voice filled with concern. “I’ve been worried about you.”

Aeryn didn’t respond immediately. Her lips parted as if she wanted to speak, but no words came. Instead, she stared at their joined hands, her mind far away. Alex waited patiently, knowing that after everything she had been through, she might not have the strength to express herself just yet.

“I... I don’t know,” she finally whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alex’s heart clenched at the uncertainty in her voice. He leaned closer, his other hand moving to gently cup her cheek. “You’re safe now,” he assured her. “You’re here, with me. Jack can’t hurt you anymore.”

Her eyes flickered with something—fear, perhaps, or maybe confusion—but it quickly disappeared behind the wall she had erected around herself. Aeryn turned her face slightly, avoiding his gaze. She didn’t pull away from his touch, but there was a distance between them that hadn’t been there before. It was as if something had changed inside her, something she couldn’t yet put into words.

Alex sighed softly, his fingers lingering on her cheek before dropping back to his lap. He hated seeing her like this—so quiet, so closed off. He had seen Aeryn fight before, stand tall in the face of danger, but this was different. This was deeper.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Alex said after a moment, his voice gentle. “I’m just glad you’re awake. I’ll stay with you as long as you need. Whatever it is you’re feeling, whatever you’re going through, we’ll face it together.”

Still, Aeryn remained quiet. Her fingers tightened slightly around his, but her eyes stayed distant. The weight of everything she had endured seemed to press down on her, and Alex could feel the invisible barrier between them. It hurt him, but he didn’t push her. He knew she needed time, and he would give her that—no matter how long it took.

He moved closer, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “I love you, Aeryn. You’re stronger than you know,” he murmured against her skin. “And whatever happens, I’ll be here. Always.”

Aeryn’s eyes fluttered closed at his words, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. She wasn’t sure what to say. The overwhelming emotions that churned inside her—fear, anger, sadness, confusion—left her feeling raw and exposed. But Alex’s presence, his steady hand holding hers, was the only thing anchoring her to the present.

After a few moments, Alex shifted, resting his head on the edge of the bed as he continued to hold her hand. The silence between them stretched, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was a silence filled with understanding—a space where words weren’t needed, only the quiet reassurance of touch.

As the minutes passed, Aeryn slowly began to relax. Though the pain of her ordeal lingered, Alex’s presence soothed her frayed nerves. She wasn’t ready to talk yet—not about what had happened, or the storm of emotions swirling inside her—but for now, she was content just to have him near. For now, his warmth was enough to keep the shadows at bay.

And Alex, ever patient, would wait as long as she needed, holding her hand through the darkness.