Beneath Sacred Halls
Days passed under the cathedral, and though I was free to roam its stone corridors, I soon realized that freedom was an illusion.
The underground stronghold was vast, but its walls were unyielding, keeping the outside world at bay.
The priests were respectful, never cruel, yet there was a distance between us. A coldness that lingered in their gazes, in their measured words.
I had always thought of faith as something warm, something that could comfort.
But here, beneath the sacred halls, faith was a weapon sharpened by duty.
Sister Helena Frost
*gently setting down a tray of food* Have you eaten, Elise? You must keep your strength up.
Elise Carter
*softly* Thank you, Sister Helena.
Elise Carter
*hesitantly* May I… may I go to the garden today? Just for a little while?
Sister Helena Frost
*smile tightening, shaking her head* It’s still too dangerous. The First has ordered every human and vampire under his rule to search for you. If you step outside, you will be found.
Father Nathaniel Grace
*stepping into the room, his voice calm yet firm* You must understand, Elise. The world beyond these walls is no longer safe for you.
Father Nathaniel Grace
The First… he does not wish for your survival.
Father Nathaniel Grace
He will tear apart everything in his way to reclaim you, and when he does… he will not be merciful.
Elise Carter
*voice shaking* But… I don’t understand. Why? I never did anything to him.
Father Nathaniel Grace
*gently* You exist, child. And that is enough.
I tried to believe them, but the weight in my chest only grew.
Were they looking for me?
Adrian, with his sharp smirk and teasing words? Theo, with his easy laughter? Harper, always sweet, always gentle? Mariann’s warm, motherly presence?
Could they truly be hunting me now?
The loneliness settled deeper. The doubt curled its fingers around my heart. But fear… fear took root and refused to let go.
Daniel stayed with me. He had made his choice without hesitation, and somehow, knowing he was here with me made the stone walls feel a little less suffocating.
Daniel Reed
*arms crossed* You’re not eating enough.
Elise Carter
*soft chuckle* You always say that.
Daniel Reed
*grinning slightly* Because it’s always true. I know you, Elise. I know when you’re taking care of yourself, and I know when you’re not.
Elise Carter
*smiles, a touch sad* You always noticed.
Daniel Reed
*softer* And I always will.
Here, in this place, we had fallen into something of a routine.
He brought me meals when I forgot to eat, wrapped extra blankets around my shoulders when the underground chambers grew too cold, and walked beside me, so I never felt alone.
It was as if, by keeping me close, he could protect me from everything beyond these walls.
Daniel Reed
*gently* You see? This is the safest place for you, Elise. The church will do everything to protect you. I will do everything to protect you.
Elise Carter
*quietly* But… what if the First—
Daniel Reed
*firmly, yet reassuring* The First is the reason you’re in danger. Out there, you would be hunted, forced to run for the rest of your life.
Daniel Reed
But here? You don’t have to be afraid. You don’t have to worry. You’re safe.
Elise Carter
*hesitant* I… I don’t know.
Daniel Reed
*softer, brushing his fingers against hers* I do. You don’t have to carry this alone, Elise. Just stay here. Let them take care of you.
Daniel Reed
Let me take care of you.
He believed it so completely—so desperately—that for a moment, I wanted to believe it too. That within these walls, I was safe. That I had nowhere else to go.
And at night, when the shadows stretched too long and my thoughts turned against me, he was there too.
Elise Carter
*whispering* Can you stay with me?
Daniel Reed
*softly* Always.
His warmth was a shield against the cold weight of the cathedral walls, his steady breathing lulling me into a peace I hadn’t felt in days.
When I curled beneath the blankets, he shifted closer, his arms wrapping around me in a slow, deliberate motion. He was solid, grounding, his touch careful as if afraid I might pull away.
I let my head rest against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His fingers traced gentle circles against my back, soothing, patient. My body, tense from days of uncertainty, slowly unwound in his embrace.
Daniel Reed
*murmuring, voice warm* You’re safe, Elise. With me, you’ll always be safe.
His words settled over me like a promise, lulling me deeper into the quiet. My breathing slowed, matching his, and as sleep pulled me under, I felt him press the softest kiss to my temple.
And just for a moment, I let myself believe him.
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