Music recommendation: Don't Go by Christopher Dennis Coleman on Spotify.
'Trust me…'
Lyra felt the world crumble before her until solid arms embraced her in comfort, and warmth enveloped her like a beacon, chasing the darkness away. The sense of security and assurance was all her soul felt from this presence. The hint of mint wafted through her nose bringing back clarity. Only one person held that scent—Leo.
Strong arms wrapped around her, cocooning her in a sense of security . Her head pressed firmly against his chest, listening to the beating of his erratic heart. The urgency of each beat and breath of his lungs brought her back. She couldn't see the concern in his eyes, but the hold he had on her was enough to relieve her.
The inky wisps receded to the shadows, slithering back to the cracks and vanishing without a trace. The ominous aura emanating from the host lay dormant. All that remained was a shivering woman, clinging to his shirt like a lifeline.
Leo didn't need to look further to see that the damage was done. Collapsed buildings and plumes of smoke rose into the sky as the people scrambled to safety. The city, on the brink of ruin, managed to survive.
In the alleyway, he noticed the remnants of demons' flesh and parts of armor along with a corpse of a human woman. Her head twisted at an odd angle, and her wrists had abrasions that didn't heal properly over time. He knew already what this was. Bait. And Lyra fell for it.
He gave a questioning look to Viktor, only for the latter to reply with a 'Don't even ask' look. Viktor gritted his teeth as he tried to lift himself up, only to slump over. The wound he received will take time to heal, but he'll live. That wolf was stubborn.
Lyra's shoulders trembled uncontrollably. Sensing her distress, he tightened his hold, allowing the warmth to settle between them. She was distraught as she buried her face into his chest. Her muffled whimpers and tears dampened his shirt. He felt the quivering heart beating from her chest, the labored breath that fanned his skin, the tears that trickled down. Leo closed his eyes and rested his chin on the top of her head. The vulnerability she gave bloomed a new ache in his heart.
"It's- it's all my fault…" Lyra sniffled. The words were muffled through his shirt, but he didn't care.
His brows furrowed at her statement. The realization of what transpired today was only the beginning. That alone frightened her. Another concerning factor is how much it affected him—someone who shouldn't have any attachments.
He didn't respond with words but gently tightened his hold on her. Leaving no space between them.
Lyra looked up as her shimmering blue eyes stared at his red ones. Brimmed with tears as her flushed face held grief.
"I'm the cause of everyone's suffering…I am what the demons are after…" she cried.
Leo kept his tone gentle and reassuring, saying, "I won't let them take you."
He continued, " What happened here is not your fault."
"But the lives of all those people," Lyra argued.
"And those sins are not yours to bear," Leo asserted, his gentleness turned firm. "You are not responsible for their deaths. It is the actions of those who commit it and not those who carry them. This is not on you, Lyra."
Lyra looked away, not convinced by his words. She dryly stated, "Doesn't change the fact I'm the prophesied vessel the demons seek."
"Then, they can try by all I care. I promised to take you to safety. That is what I will do."
There was a moment of silence between them. Without notice, Leo picked her up in his arms, one arm braced on her back and the other under her knees, and strode off. The shift of her weight settled for a moment, and she nestled her head in the nook of his neck. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck to support her.
Viktor whined, "Hey! What about me?!"
With a deadpan look at Viktor, Leo continued, leaving his comrade behind. Not bothered by the whining behind, the alpha could easily mind-link his pack members to assist him.
As Leo trekked through the town, passing the injured citizens and soldiers piling corpses of their enemies, neither of them said a word. The scent of blood and smoke was in the air as the past.
Lyra was beyond vulnerable in mind, body, and soul. After she experienced an earth-shattering revelation of being a sacrificial lamb to summon the Demon King and being responsible for the loss of countless people to find her, her body shivered at the thought. She started piecing her fractured memories and linking them to her nightmares. Was the man in her cell the same demon from her nightmares? Who was he?
The more she thought hard about figuring out the malevolent being, the more the answer eluded her. Lost in her thoughts, Lyra didn't realize they were already back in the confines of their chamber until she heard the door shut behind her.
Lyra peeked with one eye, and sure enough, they were back in the mansion. The fireplace brought a warm glow to the dark room, and the sun began to set. Leo brought her to the bed, tucking her in with the duvet.
Leo was surprised. Lyra didn't make a single fuss or argue. She was quiet, which was a stark contrast to her strong-willed behavior. He was accustomed to her witty and bright personality. He let her rest since they both had been through such an ordeal.
He was just about to turn and leave but paused by the tug of his sleeve. Lyra's small hand peeked from the covers, holding tightly to the fabric. He raised an eyebrow as he glanced back to her pleading eyes.
"Please…don't go," Lyra murmured.
From Lyra's perspective, Leo's expression was unreadable. His red orbs remained fixed on her. Lyra gulped in apprehension and released his sleeve. Her eyes were downcast with sadness etched in her features but perked up when she felt a sudden weight shift on the side of the bed. His large form slid beside above the covers as he lay on his side facing her. His large palm combed her black locks as his husky voice murmured,
"Sleep."
Lyra shook her head in protest. Her chaotic mind kept her awake despite her exhaustion. She knew the moment she closed her eyes. The nightmares would return to haunt her.
"I can't sleep," she said in a soft pleading tone.
Leo sighed, "There is nothing for you to worry about. You're safe now."
Lyra stared at his assuring expression—though it was subtle. His words held the strength she needed more than ever. She snuggled closer to his frame, basking in his warmth. She felt Leo stiffen but didn't move away from her. She felt safe around him and couldn't help but let the fatigue wash over her like a wave, and her lids shut close as she finally slept. Her heart held a steady rhythm as the rise and fall of her figure showed she was fast asleep.
After a long wait of assuring Lyra was asleep, Leo was about to slide away from her until he felt a slender arm snake around his waist. His eyes widened as he peered down, and her vice grip on his tunic kept him in place. She would wake up if he were to pry her off him, and he didn't want to deal with that. A sigh escaped his lips as he concede defeat and stayed. Reluctantly, he adjusted himself back on his side, staring down at the petite woman who had trapped him in her warm embrace.