9: The House of Quiet Shadows

  The first thing I notice is how still it is.

  

  I wake slowly, body sore but a little steadier than yesterday. My ankle aches if I move too quickly, and my ribs are stiff, but I can sit up without that sharp pain stabbing through me.

  

  Lucien is already there, as if he never left. He’s sitting in a chair by the door, hands clasped loosely, watching me.

  

  “Morning,” he says gently. “How are you feeling?”

  

  “Better,” I mutter. 

  

  “Still sore, but… better.”

  

  He nods. “Good. You slept well. That’s important.”

  

  I glance around. Everything is neat, warm, simple. A small table with water, a folded blanket, and a few personal items: a hairbrush, comb, cream, and a soft cotton robe.

  

  “You can move around today,” he says. 

  

  “The house is safe, and you’re not in any immediate danger. But don’t go outside yet. You’re not healed completely, and it’s only forest out there—you’ll get lost.”

  

  “Forest?” I ask.

  

  “You’ll see. For now, explore inside,” he says. “If you need anything, I—or someone else—will help you.”

  

  “Someone else?”

  

  “Yes. Come with me.”

  

  He opens the door for me and leads me down a wide, sunlit hallway. The air smells faintly of lavender and pine. Dust motes float lazily in the golden light.

  

  “Wait here,” he says, motioning to a sitting area. A few moments later, he returns with a woman.

  

  “This is Mariel,” he says. “She’ll help you with whatever you need. Don’t hesitate to talk to her.”

  

  Mariel steps forward, smiling brightly. “Hi there! I’m Mariel! You’ve been through a lot, huh? Don’t worry—I’m here to make sure you’re comfy. Food, drinks, blankets, books—anything you need, just ask!”

  

  I blink at her. She’s so warm, so bubbly, it’s hard not to relax a little.

  

  “Thank you,” I whisper.

  

  She bounces slightly on her heels. “Oh, you’re welcome! Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the day, helping someone feel safe. You just tell me what you need.”

  

  I glance at Lucien. He nods once, quietly, then leaves.

  

  “Do I… just stay here?” I ask.

  

  Mariel shakes her head energetically. “No, silly! You can move around the house as much as you want! Just… take it slow, okay? You’re healing, after all.”

  

  “Even the library?” I ask.

  

  Her eyes light up. “Especially the library! Quiet rooms are perfect for thinking, reading, daydreaming—you name it. I’ll show you.”

  

  I hobble along beside her, her energy somehow making my legs feel less wobbly.

  

  As we pass a window, I glance outside. A few men are scattered across the yard, dressed casually, moving casually. They’re watching, but not in a way that screams threat. Probably guards. My stomach twists slightly at the reminder that I’m not completely free.

  

  Mariel notices my glance and giggles softly. 

  

  “Don’t worry. They’re friendly… well, as friendly as men in charge of security can be. You won’t even notice them once you settle in.”

  

  We stop in front of a room filled with floor-to-ceiling books. A ladder leans against one wall. The air smells faintly of old paper and dust.

  

  “Sit anywhere,” Mariel says, practically bouncing with excitement. 

  

  “Armchair, couch, windowsill—wherever! Read, rest, daydream. I’ll bring you tea if you want. Or cookies!”

  

  I settle into the armchair near the window. The sunlight warms my skin, the books around me seem to whisper quiet promises of normalcy. For the first time since the forest, I feel a small relief.

  

  “Can I ask you something?” I say after a while.

  

  “Of course!” Mariel leans forward eagerly.

  

  “It’s… Kade,” I murmur. “Do you know if he’s… okay? Or if he’s looking for me?”

  

  “Who?”

  

  Mariel tilts her head, her expression kind but gentle. 

  

  “I don’t know who that is, love. But don’t worry—you don’t need to. I’ve been told to tell you in case you ask again, they are handling it so your mom and friends won’t be suspicious.”

  

  I swallow. “You really think they’ll be okay?”

  

  “I know they’ll be fine,” she says cheerfully. 

  

  “And you just rest, okay? That’s the most important thing.”

  

  I nod, feeling some of the panic ease.

  

  Mariel moves to the table and sets down a tray with water and soft bread.

  

  “Here, try some of this. Take your time. And remember, you can always talk to me—about anything. No question is too small.”

  

  I take the water, fingers brushing hers briefly. She beams at me. “See? Nothing scary here.”

  

  I glance toward the forest again. It still looks endless, cold, and mysterious. But inside, the house is warm. Safe. 

  

  The people here—even strangers like Mariel and Lucien—are looking out for me.

  

  For now, that has to be enough.

  

  I hold the cup, sipping water, letting the sun warm my skin. Outside, the men in casual clothes patrol the edges of the yard, silent and alert. I’m not free outside yet, but for the first time, I feel like I have space to breathe.

  

  And somehow, that makes all the difference.

  

  I let my tense muscle relax and lean back in the armchair, letting the sunlight warm my skin. Outside, the men in casual clothes patrol the edges of the yard, silent and alert. I’m not free outside yet, but in the past few days, for the first time, which felt like a very long while already, I feel like I have space to breathe.

  

  I heave a long sigh, closing my eyes for a moment. Ugh, I would totally kill for a caramel latte right now, I think, the thought bringing an almost absurd sense of comfort. The rich, warm sweetness, the soft swirl of cream, the little burst of sugar that always makes the world feel a tiny bit lighter—it seems impossibly normal, and impossibly far away.

  

  Maybe… just maybe… Mariel can make me some caramel lattes?

  

  They did tell me I can ask her anything.

  

  For a few minutes, I just sit there, letting the warmth of the sun and the quiet of the house wrap around me. No running, no screaming, no fear pressing in from all sides. Just me. A soft armchair. A room filled with books. And the faint promise that, for today at least, I’m allowed to simply breathe.

  

  I open my eyes again and glance at Mariel, who is bustling cheerfully around the room, arranging cushions and straightening books. She catches my gaze and gives me a small wink. See? Life isn’t all bad, I think with a faint smile.

  

  And for the first time since the forest, I feel… almost normal.

  

  “Hey Mariel, can I ask you something?”

  

  “Sure,” She looks up from dusting the bookshelves.

  

  I was not wrong. She could make caramel lattes.