Page 46 of Silent Oaths
Henods, already turning his attention back to the blank page in his sketchbook.
AsIwalk back to my room,Iclutch the portrait to my chest, my thoughts a tangled mess.
Forthe first time,Iwonder if there’s more toJulianthanIthought.
17
ISABEL
I’msmall again.
Theroom is dark, the shadows on the walls stretching long and thin like claws.Mybreathing is shallow, like my lungs can’t take in enough air.
Idon’t know whatIwas dreaming about, but it doesn’t matter.I’mawake now, andI’mscared.
Tearssting my eyes, butIdon’t dare make a sound.
“Isa?”
Thevoice is soft and warm, like the sun breaking through a storm.
Iturn my head and seeValeriasitting on the edge of my bed.Herblonde hair falls over her shoulders.Shelooks older thanIam, but not by much.Still, there’s something about her that feels safe.
“I’mhere.”Shereaches out and brushes the damp strands from my forehead. “It’sokay.You’reokay.”
Ican’t find the words to respond, soIjust nod, biting my lip to keep from crying.
Sheslips under the blanket beside me and pulls me into her arms. “Shh,” she whispers, rocking me gently. “You’renot alone.I’mhere.”
* * *
Iwake up with a start.Mybody feels heavy, sluggish, and for a moment,Ican’t tell whereIam.
Then,Ifeel a hand smoothing over my hair, a low, soothing voice murmuring wordsIcan’t quite make out.
“Shh... it’s okay.You’reokay.”
Thewords cut through the fog of sleep, andIfreeze, panic flaring in my chest.
Iforce my eyes open, blinking against the faint light in the room.Ittakes a moment for my vision to clear, but when it does,IseeMaxwell.
He’ssitting on the edge of the bed, his arms wrapped around me, holding me close.
Ipull back slightly, startled but no longer scared.There’ssomething about the way he looks at me that feels... safe.
“What—”Myvoice comes out hoarse. “Whatare you doing?”
Hedoesn’t let go, his hands still resting lightly on my shoulders. “Youwere having a nightmare,” he says simply. “Thrashingaround, mumbling.ThoughtI’dwake you before you hurt yourself.”
Iblink at him, my mind still trying to catch up.Iwas dreaming?Thememory ofValeria’svoice lingers in my mind like a phantom.
“I...Ididn’t mean to?—”
“Youdon’t have to explain.”
Fora moment, we just sit there in silence.Hispresence is grounding, andIhate how muchIdon’t want him to let go.
Eventually,Ifind my voice again. “Howdid you even?—”
