Silent Scars

CHAPTER 71

The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room, casting long shadows across the walls. Ariana lay sleeping in the bed, her breathing steady and peaceful. The rise and fall of her chest, slow and rhythmical, made her seem like a different person from the one who had arrived here, battered and broken. Her face, usually clouded with sorrow or fear, appeared serene in this quiet moment.

Luca stood by the window, looking at her, his expression a mixture of sadness and something else, something he couldn't quite place. He had always found comfort in the silence, the stillness, and tonight, as his gaze lingered on Ariana, he felt that peace settle over him.

She looked so calm, so peaceful when she was sleeping, as if the world had temporarily ceased its cruelty.

"She looks so peaceful when she's sleeping, right?"

Luca murmured, almost to himself. His voice was low, soft, as though speaking too loudly might disrupt the fragile moment.

Domain, who had been standing in the doorway watching his brother, nodded quietly. His gaze remained on Ariana, but his mind was far from calm. He could see the way Luca's hands were tightly clasped together, fingers curled, knuckles white.

It wasn't just concern, it was something deeper, something Luca wasn't ready to say yet.

"You okay?"

Domain asked, his voice gentle but full of understanding. He had seen Luca carry burdens before, but tonight, something felt different.

Luca glanced at him, his lips pulling into a small, forced smile. It didn't quite reach his eyes, though. His shoulders were tense, his jaw clenched.

"Yeah... It's just... I regret that I never did anything to protect her."

His voice faltered for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in.

"But I can't bring myself to do something that could hurt others. That girl... She's the same age as Aria."

He stopped midway, his breath hitching as though the words were caught in his throat.

Domain took a step closer, his brow furrowing as he studied Luca's face. He could see the guilt, the self-blame that Luca was desperately trying to hide. It wasn't the first time Luca had carried this weight, but it felt heavier now, more consuming. Without thinking, he reached out and placed a firm hand on his brother's shoulder, grounding him.

"You are doing something that none of us could do."

Domain said softly, his voice steady with the certainty of his words.

"Always be there for her. You've been doing that from the beginning, Luca. And that's what matters the most. We all... we all don't know how to make her feel safe, to help her understand that she's not alone. But you do. You're the one who showed her that."

Luca's eyes met Domain's then, and for a moment, the distance between them seemed to shrink.

There was a rawness to Luca's expression, something vulnerable he rarely showed anyone. He looked at Domain as if seeking reassurance, hoping for something he couldn't voice.

"You're showing a part that none of us knew you had."

Luca said softly, his voice trembling with an unspoken gratitude.

Domain shook his head slowly, his grip tightening on Luca's shoulder.

"She's the only person who lights the darkness inside me."

He said quietly, his voice breaking with the weight of his own emotions.

"I have to protect her. I know what it feels like to be..."