AUTHOR’S POV.
Luna’s arms tightened around her daughter as though she feared that letting go would make her vanish again. Her soft sobs trembled against Alina’s shoulder, each one filled with years of fear and longing. Alina clung to her just as tightly, breathing in the familiar lavender and tea scent that once lived only in flashes of forgotten
dreams.
When Luna finally drew back, her trembling fingers brushed Alina’s hair away from her face. “You’re remember me” she whispered, her eyes shining. “You really remember me.”
Alina’s throat ached, her voice breaking as she whispered, “I remember you… Marna.” Her lips trembled as she added. “And I remember Damien too now.”
Luna froze, staring at her in disbelief before tears welled up again. “You… you do?”
Alina nodded slowly, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Not everything… but enough. I remember he was always there. Always protecting me.”
Luna pressed her forehead gently against hers, her voice trembling with emotion. “He still is, sweetheart. He never stopped.”
“Yes Alina.” Damien Concord.
Before Alina could reply, the door opened softly, and a familiar deep voice spoke from the doorway. “I heard she is awake?”
They both turned to see Darius standing there, tall, composed, yet visibly moved. For a man who rarely let emotion show, the relief in his eyes was unmistakable.
Without a word, he crossed the room, each step heavier with the weight of fear and guilt that had followed him since her collapse. Then, to Alina’s utter surprise, he leaned down and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m glad you’re okay princess,” he murmured against her hair, his voice roughened with emotion. “I thought –“His words faltered, and he exhaled shakily. “You got everyone scared for a moment.”
For a moment, Alina was too stunned to react. But as his embrace lingered, protective, firm and sincere, she felt her chest tighten with warmth. Slowly, her arms rose to return the hug. “I’m alright now,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Father.”
The single word hung in the air, soft yet powerful.
Darius stiffened slightly, as if to make sure he hadn’t imagined it. Then, when realization struck, his features softened, and for the first time in years, a faint, genuine smile curved his lips.
“Say that again.” He said quietly, almost disbelieving.
Alina smiled faintly through her tears. “Father.”
He swallowed hard, his composure wavering as he rested his palm against her cheek. “You have no idea how
long I’ve waited to hear you say that again,” he said softly, before pressing a kiss to her forehead, an old gesture of comfort he hadn’t used since she was little.
He drew in a steadying breath, pulling himself together. “You should rest,” he said, straightening. “Once you’re stronger, I’ll organize a proper welcome party for you, a celebration. You deserve that.”
Alina’s lips curved into a small smile. “I’d like that.”
“Good.” Darius nodded once, his tone gentler than usual. “You’ve made your mother cry enough for one day.”
Luna huffed softly, though her tear–streaked face betrayed her amusement. “You’re one to talk.” she muttered, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
Darius smirked faintly at that before glancing toward Damien, who had been standing silently by the window, arms crossed but eyes soft with relief.
“Come,” Darius said to him. “We have matters to discuss.”
Damien gave a single nod, his expression composed, but before he followed his father out, his gaze lingered briefly on his sister, a subtle reassurance flickering in his eyes.
When they left, the room fell into a peaceful stillness. The only sounds were the faint rustle of curtains and the rhythmic ticking of the clock.
Luna turned to Alina, her expression softening into a familiar mischievous smile. “Well,” she said, lowering her voice as though about to share a secret, “now that the boys are gone… let’s talk about girl stuff.”
Alina blinked, then laughed quietly. “Girl stuff?”
Luna nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “Mmh–hmm. You’ve been asleep for three days, and I’ve been dying to talk about everything I couldn’t when they were hovering…clothes, makeup, spa days, the works.”
Alina giggled softly, a genuine sound that filled the quiet room. “You haven’t changed at all, have you?”
Alina remembered how her mom would always go shopping and carry her along. She smiled at the thought.
“Of course not,” Luna said dramatically, flipping a lock of her hair over her shoulder. “The world would be too dull if I did.”
Alina shook her head with a fond smile. “Maybe when I’m stronger, we can go shopping together?”
Luna’s eyes lit up immediately. “It’s a date! I’ll make sure we visit every boutique worth our time. Oh, and maybe get lunch at that new place downtown…. I heard their desserts are divine.”
Alina chuckled softly. “Sounds perfect.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” Luna leaned back, visibly content now that laughter had replaced the earlier tension. “We’ll make a day of it… just us girls.”
Alina nodded, her lips curved in a faint smile, but her gaze had grown distant and thoughtful. Her mother continued chatting cheerfully beside her, but Alina’s mind had already drifted elsewhere.
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