4.2 Lucia's Instincts
509 Words
The thunder shook the very stones around us. I paused in the hallway, steadying myself until the tremors subsided. Then came the scream—high-pitched and terrified, piercing through the gale.
I rushed toward the sound. "Lucia!"
Throwing open her door, I drew my dagger by instinct. But the only peril was the storm itself. Huddled in bed, her petite frame quaked. Wide eyes reflected each lightning flash.
I exhaled, sheathing my blade. "Just this damned storm then?"
She shook her head vehemently. "It's not just the storm, Cato! I felt something...some dark presence lurking beyond the walls."
"Likely just nightmares distorted by the gloom." I sat beside her. She needed her elder brother's comfort now. Lucia flinched as thunder boomed directly overhead.
Gently stroking her hair, I began to hum a lullaby. I fervently wished I could truly protect her from all harm. But she would never know the full extent of the dangers I posed...the enemies I had sown.
"Please don't leave me alone," Lucia pleaded, voice small.
I hugged her close, kissing her head. "I'm here. No demons, real or imagined, will trouble you this night."
She nestled into me, reassured by my voice and embrace. I rocked her gently as her breaths steadied into sleep. Poor Lucia. To calm her fears, I swore oaths my darkened soul could no longer uphold. But if only false comforts can shield you from the coming storm, then so be it.
I rocked Lucia gently as her breath steadied in sleep. Relief washed over me. But then she stirred, looking up with those wide, trusting eyes.
"Cato, I know."
My blood turned to ice. Know what? My plotting against Valencia? The blood I'd spilt in the marshes? I forced a calm tone. "Know what, dear sister?"
Lucia chewed her lip. "I know your heart remains troubled. I sense the darkness that haunts you."
I exhaled. Just her intuitive nature then, not full knowledge of my deeds. "You have always read me too well," I said, ruffling her hair. "But do not fret—all will be well."
"If only it were that simple." Lucia furrowed her brow. "I cannot grasp it fully, but I know enough. Your soul stays shrouded, brother."
I smiled tightly, a perfect mask. "You let your fancies carry you away! I assure you, I am well."
She peered at me with those too-wise eyes before nodding slowly. "Then I shall believe it so. But, Cato? If your heart remains consumed, try giving it light. Even a single rose can brighten the darkest chamber."
A rose? Bitter shame rose in my throat. Roses were for those like Annaliese, the untouchable object of my twisted obsession. What did one like me deserve?
But Lucia could not see the brokenness within. I simply laughed and kissed her forehead. "Wise counsel, little moon. Now rest—the storm passes."
She nuzzled into my arms, placated for now. But her words haunted me as she drifted off. A rose's light could never reach the depths to which I'd sunk.
- Writer
