Lucian's Recovery Room — Late Evening*
The room is small and sparsely furnished, dimly lit by a single lamp on the bedside table. Lucian lies on the bed, his body still tense from the pain and the injury. His arm is in a sling, but his eyes remain alert, sharp even in discomfort.
Ivy sits on a wooden chair nearby, folding a clean cloth. She watches Lucian silently for a moment, her expression unreadable. The quiet hum of the city outside filters faintly through the window.
*Ivy:* (breaking the silence) "You really should rest more."
*Lucian:* (dryly) "I'm fine. Rest isn't going to fix everything."
He shifts slightly, wincing, and Ivy moves swiftly to adjust the blanket over his legs.
*Ivy:* "You're stubborn. You always have been."
Lucian smirks, but there's no real warmth in it.
*Lucian:* "Someone has to be."
There's a brief pause. Ivy's eyes flicker to the small wound on his shoulder, still fresh.
*Ivy:* "This could have been worse. You know that, right?"
*Lucian:* (shrugs) "Doesn't matter. I'm still standing."
Ivy nods slowly but doesn't argue. She knows better than to push him.
*Ivy:* "You should let me know if it gets worse."
Lucian's eyes meet hers—steady, almost defiant.
*Lucian:* "I'll let you know when I'm ready."
The room falls quiet again, the tension lingering but not heavy. Ivy shifts in her seat, clearing her throat.
*Ivy:* "You can't fight everything on your own."
Lucian's gaze sharpens, but he doesn't answer. Instead, he closes his eyes briefly, as if trying to shut out the world.
Ivy stands, smoothing the blanket one last time before moving to the door.
*Ivy:* "I'm going to check the others. Don't cause trouble."
He opens one eye, smirks again.
*Lucian:* "No promises."
She leaves quietly, the soft click of the door closing behind her.
Here's the detailed nightmare scene following the recovery one:
Lucian recovery room~
The room is cloaked in darkness, moonlight slipping through the curtains. Ivy had left hours ago, but now she's quietly back, sensing something was wrong.
Lucian lies restless in bed, sweat glistening on his forehead. His breathing is uneven, caught between shallow gasps and sudden sharp intakes. The injury makes him vulnerable — not just physically, but emotionally.
Suddenly, his face contorts as he slips into a nightmare.
*Lucian's Nightmare
Lucian's eyes snap open, wide with panic. His body is tense, sweat beading on his forehead as his breath comes in ragged gasps.
In the dark recesses of his mind, shadowy figures close in around him. A cold voice whispers cruel accusations.
*Voice:* "You failed us… You betrayed everything…"
Lucian struggles to move, but invisible chains hold him down.
*Lucian (whispering):* "No… I didn't…"
Suddenly, the shadows morph into a haunting image of Ivy, her face twisted in pain and disappointment.
*Lucian (desperate):* "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"
He thrashes, murmuring broken words, caught between fear and guilt.
At the edge of the room, Ivy stirs awake, her eyes instantly on him.
*Ivy (softly):* "Lucian… it's just a nightmare. Wake up."
She reaches out, gently shaking his shoulder.
Lucian's eyes flicker open, wild but slowly calming as he sees her face
Lucian's breathing is uneven as he slowly blinks awake, trying to ground himself. Ivy stays close, her voice soft and steady.
*Ivy:* "It's okay now. You're safe here."
He lets out a shaky sigh, his eyes searching hers for reassurance.
*Lucian (hoarse):* "The same voices… they won't stop."
Ivy smiles gently and pats his shoulder.
*Ivy:* "They're just shadows, nothing more. You don't have to fight them alone."
She carefully helps him shift so he can rest his head on her lap. Lucian hesitates a moment but then surrenders to the comfort, closing his eyes.
Ivy runs her fingers slowly through his hair, her touch light and soothing. The tension in his body eases.
Lucian inhales deeply, catching her unique scent — a calming mix of earth and something familiar.
Just as Ivy starts to move, he stirs, his hand instinctively reaching out to pull her closer. They end up lying side by side on the bed, a quiet closeness settling between them.
Ivy's heart skips a beat as Lucian's hand gently pulls her closer. She freezes for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden intimacy. Her fingers pause mid-stroke, resting lightly against his hair.
*Why does this feel so different?* she wonders, a warmth spreading through her chest she hadn't expected.
She looks down at him—his face relaxed now, vulnerability laid bare—and feels a protective tenderness bloom inside her.
*He's always been so strong, but tonight… he needs me. Maybe more than I thought.*
Her breath catches as she realizes how much she wants to be here, to be the one who helps him heal—not just the wounds he shows, but the ones hidden deep inside.
Carefully, she lets her hand rest on his shoulder, anchoring herself as much as him, silently promising she won't let go.