Belong (GxG)

Chapter 12 Not Letting Go

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ ﾟ✧

The night air in the castle felt different—colder, sharper—as Ally stood at the edge of the hallway leading to the music room. She could almost hear the faintest notes of the grand piano coming from inside, the sound of Alcina's delicate yet powerful hands playing with effortless grace. The thought of her Lady waiting in there, inviting her to join her, made Ally's heart flutter despite the heaviness in her chest.

The memory of waking up in Alcina's arms that morning, the softness of her voice as she teased Ally with a playful wish for a good day, lingered in her mind. It was a tender moment, a beacon of light in the darkness that had clouded her thoughts ever since the horrific events she had witnessed—the blood, Anas' broken body, the terror that still clung to her like a shadow.

She shut her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her breath. The promise of Alcina's presence, the woman who had been so kind and patient with her, was everything Ally longed for. But fear was a weight she couldn't shake, the images of violence and destruction haunting her every step.

Ally wanted to be strong. She wanted to push past the unease, to walk into that room and allow herself to feel the peace that Alcina seemed to offer. But the ghosts of her past clung to her, making her hesitate. She was so close, yet felt so far from the woman she admired, from the safety Alcina promised.

The hallway stretched before her, the golden light from the music room casting a warm glow, but her feet felt rooted to the spot. Would she be able to face Alcina tonight, despite the churning dread in her stomach? Could she truly be the person Alcina believed her to be, someone worthy of her love and care?

The soft, haunting melody that had filled the air from the music room suddenly came to an abrupt stop, leaving the hallway eerily silent. A moment later, the sound of Alcina's graceful steps echoed as she appeared in the doorway, her tall, elegant frame silhouetted against the dim light spilling from the room. Her beauty seemed even more striking in the glow, a stark contrast to the tension hanging in the air.

"Alexandra, darling, why are you stan—" Alcina began, her voice light and filled with concern. But her words faltered and died on her lips as her golden eyes caught sight of Ally, standing at the threshold of the hallway, her tear-streaked face crumpling with a mixture of fear and vulnerability.

Alcina's heart tightened at the sight, and without another word, she swiftly closed the distance between them. Her hands reached out to cup Ally's face with a tenderness that spoke volumes, her thumb gently brushing away the tears that clung to her cheeks. "Oh, my darling," she murmured softly, the regret in her voice undeniable. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize the room would be an issue for you. Why didn't you tell me, draga mea?"

Ally's voice cracked as she whispered, her words barely audible against the suffocating silence. "I wanted to be strong." Her admission was laden with the weight of unspoken fears, a fragile plea for acceptance.

Alcina's features softened, her expression shifting from surprise to a deep, empathetic understanding. She shook her head slowly, as if she couldn't fathom the thought of Ally feeling any less than the incredible woman she was. "My silly, sweet girl," she breathed, her hands gently cradling Ally's face, thumbs wiping away the remnants of tears. "You are the strongest person I know."

A tender smile graced Alcina's lips as she leaned in closer, her forehead resting softly against Ally's. "May I hold you? We can walk in together," she asked, her voice a soothing melody that promised safety and care.

Ally's heart fluttered in her chest as her anxiety ebbed away, replaced by the comforting warmth of Alcina's words. She nodded slowly, her arms reaching instinctively around Alcina's neck.