Stuck In Between

Chapter Twelve

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𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 𝓣𝓦𝓔𝓛𝓥𝓔
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╰➢ Chapter 12, let's go!

The room was bathed in soft moonlight filtering through the window, casting faint, silvery shadows across the bed where Y/n lay. She'd only been asleep for about an hour before waking up, her body restless and uncomfortable. She shifted again beneath the blanket, trying in vain to find a position that eased her aching wounds. Finally, with an irritated sigh, she stopped fighting and lay flat on her back, staring at the ceiling in resignation.

Giving up, Y/n sat up, tossing the blanket aside. The cool night air brushed her skin as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her gaze drifting to the window. Drawn by the soft, beckoning light, she stood up and crossed the room. She unlatched the lock with a soft click and pushed the window open, breathing in the fresh, crisp midnight air. Leaning against the windowsill, Y/n tilted her head out slightly, feeling the gentle breeze sweep across her face, lifting stray strands of hair and brushing them back.

From her window, she had a view of the stables, and for a moment, she caught sight of Cerberus, her steadfast companion, peacefully resting in his stall. Her lips curved into a small smile as she took in the tranquility of the scene. The stillness of the night offered a stark contrast to the turmoil she'd been through in the past days, and for the first time in a while, she felt a glimmer of peace settle over her.

Y/n closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the calm, taking in a long, deep breath. She exhaled slowly, releasing some of the tension she hadn't realized she'd been carrying. When she opened her eyes again, her gaze drifted to the nearly full moon. Its pale, soft light cast an ethereal glow over the kingdom, and Y/n felt a pang of longing as she stared up at it, lost in thought.

The hours drifted by quietly as she watched the moon travel across the sky. She lost herself in the moment, her mind wandering back to fragments of memories, but this time they felt distant, like a story told long ago. Gradually, the sky shifted from inky black to shades of deep indigo and soft lavender, signaling the arrival of dawn. Y/n watched the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon, splashing the sky with warmth and banishing the night's darkness. As the sun rose, she finally pulled herself from the window and closed it with a quiet click, latching it once more before turning back to her room.

The new day filled her with a quiet determination. She crossed to her wardrobe and picked out one of her familiar dresses, slipping out of her nightgown and into the dress quickly. She brushed her hair, letting the dark strands fall to cover her ears. Lifting a small hand mirror, she checked to make sure they were hidden; a habit borne from a lifetime of hiding them. For a moment, her grip tightened on the mirror's handle as she stared into her own reflection, wishing, just once, that she could feel safe enough to reveal who she truly was. But she set the mirror down, her fingers steady as she reminded herself of her place and purpose here.

A low rumble from her stomach brought her back to the present, and Y/n placed a hand on her abdomen with a small chuckle. She opened her door and slipped quietly into the hall, moving through the royal corridors with a light step. The castle was still bathed in the golden hues of early morning, and as she made her way toward the kitchen.

Y/n stepped into the quiet kitchen, glancing around to make sure no one else was there. The faint morning light crept in through a small window, casting a gentle glow over the counters and shelves. Spotting a loaf of bread on the counter, she approached it and looked around for anything she could use to make a quick sandwich. She managed to find some cheese, sliced meat, and a few fresh vegetables tucked away in a basket nearby. With quick, deft movements, she assembled a simple sandwich and then sat at the small kitchen table to eat.