Two weeks had passed since Blue's visit, and the mansion had returned to its usual quiet routine. It was raining outside and I was left lounging in the library, lost in a book, with my toes crinkled up together from the cold, Lily then walked in with a tray of fresh tea and cookies.
"Hey, Bloom, I thought you might need a break," she said, setting the tray down beside me.
I smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Thanks, Lily. I was just getting to the good part."
Lily sat down beside me, pouring us each a cup of tea. "I'm glad you're enjoying it," she said. "You've been cooped up in here for days."
I took a sip of my tea, feeling the warmth spread through my hands. "I know. I just can't seem to focus on anything else."
Lily's expression turned sympathetic. "You're worried about Vincent, aren't you?"
I shook my head, trying to sound casual. "No, I'm fine. Just a bit bored, that's all." I lied, I was really worried about him. It was already two weeks since he left, what if something had happened to him...
Since the day Lily explained things to me I started seeing things a different light, feeling things I didn't feel before. I was little worried at the my preference towards him turned, drastically.
Lily nodded, not pressing the issue. "Well, if you need anything, just let me know."
Just then, Ryder walked into the library, his phone pressed to his ear. "Sorry to interrupt, ladies," he said, "but we have a situation."
Lily and I exchanged a worried glance. "What is it?" I asked.
Ryder's expression was grim. "Vincent's been shot. Adriel is bringing him in now."
My heart skipped a beat as I jumped to my feet. "Oh my god..."
Lily was already moving, grabbing a first-aid kit from the shelf. "Let's go," she said.
We rushed out of the library, Ryder leading the way. As we reached the entrance hall, I saw Adriel supporting Vincent, who was limping and pale. His hair and clothes was wet soaked from the rain outside.
My heart ached at the sight of him, and I felt a surge of fear.
I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. I'd had some basic medical training, and I knew I had to stop the bleeding.
"Lily, we need to get him to a safe room," I said, trying to sound calm. "Now."
Lily nodded, and together we helped Adriel support Vincent as we made our way to a secure room on the upper floor.
As we laid Vincent down on the bed, I felt a surge of emotions overwhelm me. I was scared, worried, and helpless, all at once. I looked at Vincent's pale face, and my heart ached with a deep sadness.
I took a deep breath and began to assess Vincent's wound, my hands shaking as I worked to close the wound. Vincent's eyes flickered open, and he looked up at me. For a moment, our gazes locked, and I felt like I was drowning in his eyes.
He reached out, his hand grasping for mine, and I took it, holding it tight. His grip was weak, but it was warm, and it sent a spark of hope through me.
Vincent's eyes held mine for a moment longer, and then they closed, his hand relaxing in mine. I held on to it, feeling a sense of desperation wash over me.
Try to stay awake, Vincent...
As the hours passed, I managed to close Vincent's wounds, my hands shaking with exhaustion. Lily and Adriel looked on, their faces etched with worry.
But as soon as they left, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I sat down in the chair beside Vincent's bed, watching him as he slept.
He looked different, peaceful, though pale. His features, normally so chiseled and cold, seemed softer, more humane. I found myself admiring him, unknowingly, as I gazed at his face.
Adriel walked in, his face etched with concern. "How is he?" he asked, his voice low.
I shook my head. "He's stable now."
Adriel nodded, his eyes scanning Vincent's face. "Good. I'm glad you're here with him."
I looked up at Adriel, wondering what he was thinking. "Where did you go?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
I was curious to what had led to Vincent's current state, given his precise decision and skills.
It was very rare to imagine him in this state.
Adriel's expression turned guarded. "Just taking care of some business," he said, his voice vague.
I raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to it. But Adriel's face was closed off, and I knew I wouldn't get anything out of him.
As we sat there in silence, Adriel's expression softened. He looked at me with a mixture of surprise and gratitude.
"Blossom, I have to say... I'm amazed," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I never thought you'd be by his side after everything you two have been through. You truly are kind, aren't you?"
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at Adriel's words. "I just want to help him," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Adriel's eyes locked onto mine, filled with sincerity. " And I'm grateful for that. Thanks for taking care of him, Blossom. Even when he's being... difficult."
I smiled, feeling a sense of connection to Adriel. "You're welcome, Adriel. I'll do my best."
Adriel nodded, then stood up. "I'll leave you two alone now. Take care of him, okay?"
I nodded, watching as Adriel walked out of the room. As the door closed behind him, I turned back to Vincent, feeling a sense of trepidation.
The room was quiet, the only sound the soft rhythm of Vincent's breaths. I felt a sense of stillness, as if time had stopped, and all that mattered was this moment, right here, right now.
As I sat there, lost in thought, Vincent's eyes flickered open. He looked up at me, his gaze unfocused.
And then, his eyes closed again, and he was out cold.
I let out a soft sigh, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. At least he was sleeping peacefully now.
As I sat there, watching him sleep, I felt my eyelids growing heavy. I leaned forward, my head resting on the edge of the bed, and let out a soft sigh.
The next thing I knew, I was jolted awake by Vincent's muffled and stiff movements. I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and looked at him with concern.
He was having a bad dream, his face twisted in pain. I reached out, taking his hand in mine, trying to calm him down.
But instead of calming, he subconsciously grabbed my neck, his fingers wrapping tightly around it. I huffed out staggered breaths, trying to breathe, I felt prickles of hot tear's roll down my cheeks.
I looked at Vincent's face, and my heart went out to him. He looked so pained, so tormented.
I slowly moved my hand to his head, gently stroking his hair. "It's okay, Vincent," I said softly. "Calm down."
As soon as I touched his head, he let go of my neck, his grip relaxing. He continued to sleep, his chest rising and falling with each breath.
I sat there, holding his hand, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I looked at his face, and my heart swelled with emotion.
I felt a deep connection to him, a sense of understanding. I knew that he was broken, that he had been hurt in ways that I couldn't even imagine.
But as I looked at him, I saw something else. I saw a glimmer of hope, a chance for redemption.
And as I sat there, holding his hand, I knew that I wanted to be there for him, to help him heal, to bring him back to life. But I wasn't sure if I was capable.
As the silence stretched out between us, I felt myself drifting off to sleep, my hand still holding Vincent's, my heart still filled with emotion.