Mate of Fate

Solace

Alice's POV

Solace

The water was warm, soothing my tense muscles as I sank deeper into the clawfoot tub. The events of the day replayed in my mind, a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. I needed this time alone to process everything, to find some semblance of peace amidst the chaos that had turned my world upside down.

The bathwater enveloped me, and I rested my head against the cool porcelain edge, closing my eyes. The steam rose around me, a comforting cocoon that allowed me to momentarily forget about the two celestial beings who had entered my life so abruptly.

Gabriel and Zadkiel. Brothers, rivals, both inexplicably connected to me. The weight of their revelations pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. How was I supposed to choose between them? Each offered something different, something equally compelling. My heart was torn, and my mind spun with questions I had no answers for.

I let out a sigh, letting the water wash away some of my tension. I needed to think clearly, to understand what this bond truly meant for all of us. My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the bathroom door.

"Alice?" Gabriel’s voice was gentle, hesitant. "May I come in?"

I hesitated for a moment, then called out, "Yes, you can come in."

The door creaked open, and Gabriel stepped inside, carrying a tray with food and a drink. His presence was reassuring, a balm to my frayed nerves. He set the tray down on a small table beside the tub and looked at me with concern.

"I thought you might be hungry," he said softly. "You haven’t eaten much today."

I smiled weakly, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Gabriel."

He nodded, his eyes lingering on me longer than usual. I could see the struggle in his expression, the way he tried to be a gentleman while his emotions betrayed him. He looked away, focusing on arranging the food on the tray, but I could feel the intensity of his longing.

"You don’t have to stay," I said quietly, wanting to give him an out. "I just needed some time alone to think."

He shook his head, finally meeting my gaze. "I know, but I couldn’t leave you completely alone. Not after everything that’s happened. Besides," he added, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "I find it hard to stay away from you."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mixture of comfort and desire. I shifted in the tub, suddenly feeling exposed despite the water that covered me. Gabriel noticed my discomfort and quickly turned his back, giving me some privacy.

"I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable," he said, his voice strained. "I just... I care about you, Alice. More than I can put into words."

I reached for the towel and wrapped it around myself before standing up. "Gabriel," I said softly, stepping out of the tub. "You don’t have to explain. I understand."

He turned to face me, his eyes full of unspoken emotions. "Do you?" he asked, taking a step closer. "Do you really understand what you mean to me? To us?"

I swallowed hard, feeling the tension between us. "I’m trying to," I admitted. "But it’s all so overwhelming."

He reached out, his hand gently cupping my cheek. "We never wanted to burden you with this, but we can’t help what we feel. You’ve awakened something in us, something we didn’t even know we were capable of."

His touch was tender, sending warmth through my skin. I leaned into his hand, closing my eyes for a moment. "I don’t know what to do," I whispered.

Gabriel’s other hand came to rest on my shoulder, his thumb stroking my collarbone. "You don’t have to decide right now," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Just know that whatever you choose, we will respect it. I will respect it."

I opened my eyes, meeting his intense green gaze. "But you and Zadkiel... how can you ever get along? How can this ever work?"

He sighed, his forehead resting against mine. "We have to try. For you. Because losing you is not an option, Alice. If the only way I can be with you is by also being with him, then so be it."

I felt the weight of his words, the depth of his feelings. And at that moment, I realized how much I cared for him too. My heart ached with the impossibility of the situation, but I knew one thing for certain: I needed both of them in my life, in some way or another.

"Thank you, Gabriel," I said softly, pulling back slightly. "For everything."

Out of sight, out of mind

I decided to eat some of the food he brought me, get dressed and sneak out for a long walk in the forest. It seemed to me that it was still intact even though Gabriel and Zadkiel had laid everything around bare. I needed the fresh air and calm the lush green forest could provide. It had always been a safe haven for me. Whenever Melinda had been too much to bear I always sought out the small creek and listened to the waters, soothing flow and my own heartbeat.