My apologies for this being bumped up so often but I keep attempting to post chapters 6 and 7 but they are not appearing. They are posted on my AO3 account under the same name if this does not manage to fix itself overnight.

Chapter 5

Somnus opened his eyes, blinking heavily from sleep. It was dark in his bedroom, the only source of light being the moonlight from outside his window. The boy lay still, listening intently. He could have sworn he heard something that caused him to wake up. Maybe it was Ardyn moving around upstairs?

The child closed his eyes thinking it may have been just that. He was so tired… But his eyes snapped open again when he heard his door creak . Slowly, light began to spill into his room from the hallway outside.

"Mom? Dad?" The child mumbled, thinking it might have been one of them coming to check on him. He didn't move to look at the door, feeling far too exhausted and far too comfortable snuggled into his blankets as he was. He just waited for his parents to say something.

It was some time later that Somnus's sleep addled brain realized he heard no response for quite a while. He sleepily turned his head to look at the door. When his gaze settled on the entrance to his room he gasped. An icy chill gripped his being at what he saw.

There was someone outside the room and it was not one of his parents... It was the shadow, standing still and staring at Somnus from the gap in the door. It might have been there the whole time, watching him as he lay there half-asleep. The boy opened his mouth to call for his parents but he only managed a barely audible whisper.

The figure began to move. Its body dissolved, turning into a dark cloud-like mist and slipped through the gap of the door. It floated towards Somnus, coalescing above his bed high up on the ceiling.

Somnus was too afraid to move as the dark mist swirled above him. All he could do was fearfully clutch his blankets and hyperventilate in his terror. Even in his fear, the boy knew he was seeing things just as he had every other time. But... It always felt so real .

The figure began to come out from the mist, it's hands emerging to first to press against the ceiling on either side. It then pushed its face and torso from out of the darkness. Its body began to drop down, horrifically elongating as it lowered towards Somnus.

The boy shut his eyes tight and turned away from the featureless face nearing him. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to scream aloud but could not find the strength. Shivering in fear, he lay there and prayed for his parents to come. Soon, the child felt a cold breath on his cheek and his heart felt like it would stop.

Suddenly, Somnus felt like he was floating. He felt disoriented and a wave of dizziness washed over him. His head throbbed for a few moments, painfully so.

The boy tried to shake it off and opened his eyes. To his surprise, he saw nothing but darkness. It was pitch black around him. It had not been this dark in his room, Somnus thought to himself in confusion. He was even more startled when he noticed he could no longer feel the weight or warmth of his blankets nor his soft bed beneath him.

The child found himself on his back on a hard wooden floor. There was a cold weight on his wrists and Somnus touched them to find them encircled in metal. Chains, the boy thought. He was chained up… Just like Ardyn.

Despite his rising panic, Somnus pushed himself into a sitting position and tried to figure out how he came to be here. He thought he was dreaming but he still found himself afraid. He didn't like this, being alone in the darkness. He felt unsafe, like something would jump out at him any second.

Somnus opened his mouth and called out for help. His voice seemed to echo around him. The boy hugged himself as he waited. If this wasn't a dream, surely his parents would come for him.

A minute passed, then two and the only sound came from Somnus himself and his harsh breathing. He attempted to keep calm but it was hard to in such circumstances. The boy crawled forward but the chains held him back after only a few feet. He grabbed one of them and frantically tried to pull it from wherever it may be attached to. But even though he used all his strength, the chain stayed where it was.

Somnus called out again, his voice much louder this time. Once again, there was nothing. The child felt so alone and his terror began to overtake him.

" Mom! Dad!" Somnus begged, crying now. His voice broke as he shouted for his parents. If this was a dream, the boy wanted to wake up.

Desperate, Somnus called for the only other person who might be able to help him. The only person who would understand what he was going through now. Because this likely was what his brother went through.

" Ardyn! "

This time, the boy heard something in the darkness. Footsteps began to near. Soon, two figures approached, one carrying a lantern. The light was fairly dim and he could hardly make out anything even when it was brought closer.

"I knew it." One figure hissed, her voice familiar. Mom? Somnus thought to himself. "He disobeyed us."

"He's just like him." The other said, his voice far colder than Somnus could remember. "This one is a lost cause too."

"There is no room in this house for children who disobey." His mother was saying.

"What?" Somnus uttered in shock. What were they saying? What were they doing?

"Best to get rid of them. We can always try again." His dad said. Somnus saw his mother nod. Slowly, one of the figures raised a hand and the child saw the glint of metal. A knife.

No.

" Mom? Dad? " Somnus gasped. This couldn't be happening. They wouldn't do this. His parents loved him… But in the back of his mind, he remembered Ardyn. His parents had locked Ardyn away for most of his life. The fear Somnus felt here while alone in the dark was what Ardyn felt all the time.

"I… I'll be good. Please … Please don't do this." The child began to beg as his parents drew nearer. Tears streamed down his face and he trembled in terror. He couldn't find it in himself to move even though he knew he should.

Somnus screamed in horror when the knife was raised high and then came down towards him.

Somnus woke up in his bedroom, tears in his eyes and the sheets tangled around him. He leapt out of bed and ended up crashing to the floor in his panic. His chin hit the ground painfully. He let out a cry but quickly disentangled himself to run out of his room.

The boy immediately ran to his mom and dad's room but paused with one hand raised outside their door. The nightmare still fresh in his mind, he found himself hesitant to see them. It had felt so real. For a while Somnus had truly believed they were going to hurt him.

Allowing his still erratic breathing to calm, Somnus repeated in his mind that it was all just a dream. Only then was he able to find the courage to knock on the door before him. However, he was only met with silence.

Anxious, Somnus opened the door and peeked his head in. His parents weren't there and the child felt a wave of helplessness. They'd likely slept in one of the rooms upstairs again, a place he was not allowed to venture. The child then rushed towards the stairs as he wished for comfort after such a terrible nightmare.

"Mom!" Somnus called out. "Dad!"

Just like in his dream, Somnus was given no response. They might have been unable to hear him from down here if they were asleep. The child felt such an intense desire to run upstairs but he knew he'd only get himself in trouble. Somnus began to feel afraid standing out in the open as he was but he also did not want to return to his room.

The boy wished he could just go to Ardyn. He seemed to care for his brother, more than his parents even. He just wanted someone to be near right now. But Somnus couldn't at this time. He'd just get caught if he tried.

Instead, Somnus hurried to the living room and settled in a spot between the two couches in front of the TV. There was a gap that he could fit through and he curled up inside. With either couch on his sides and the armrests above him, the child felt much more secure in this position. He felt too vulnerable in the open.

The boy stayed there for quite a while until he heard his parents shuffling around upstairs. He quickly scrambled out of his hiding place and threw himself on top of the couch to pretend he'd been there all along. His mom and dad came down the stairs a short time later.

"Hey, bud. You're up early." His dad remarked when he saw his son on the sofa. His voice caused a slight shiver of fear for Somnus. The boy told himself again that he'd just had a dream. His parents would never do anything like that in real life.

"Yeah." Somnus responded softly. He didn't mention his night, feeling anger bubble up that his parents weren't there for him when he needed them. He didn't want to talk about it now.

"You want some breakfast? Your mother's making pancakes again."

"No."

His dad possibly realized something was wrong.

"Alright. Well just let us know when you're hungry." The man paused, and Somnus thought he might ask what's wrong. But there was a ping from his phone and he instead turned away to read whatever someone had sent him.

Somnus felt an ache in his chest and his eyes watered after his dad turned away. He felt so alone.

Somnus did not visit Ardyn the next few days even though he wished to. Like his older brother wanted, Somnus tried to sleep. He was thankful he didn't have any more awful nightmares like the other night in that time. The child found that he felt strangely uncomfortable around his parents however, likely thanks to his nightmare. He kept trying to put it out of his mind but it was difficult.

On the second day, Somnus's mother dropped him off at a friend's house to watch movies for the day. It was a little unusual as both his parents seemed too eager in having their son outside the house that day. But despite that, the child had fun and enjoyed having someone else to play with.

It made him a little sad too as Somnus could have this at home... If his parents let Ardyn out.

Somnus was dropped off at home later that evening. Immediately, he felt as if something was wrong. His parents didn't talk much during dinner and they seemed distracted. The child tried to tell them about his day but they didn't seem interested. After trying to repeat the same story for a third time because his parents weren't listening, Somnus gave up. He remained silent after that too.

That night, Somnus raided the pantry for some treats to bring along with him. Along with Draco and his flashlight, he brought a pile of his favorite snacks for Ardyn to try. He hoped his brother would like some of them at least.

As always, the boy was afraid of getting caught as he ascended the stairs but he continued on despite his fear. He hoped his parents never caught him, unsure of what they might do. A brief flash of his nightmare popped into his head and Somnus shook it off. He didn't want to remember anything of that.

Somnus entered the attic, a shiver running through him as he did. He still felt unsettled coming up here even knowing now that he did not have to worry. He shined his light, careful not to knock into anything as he made his way towards Ardyn with his precious cargo of snacks.

When he turned the corner, he found the light on but Ardyn was nowhere in sight. Alarmed, Somnus whispered his name out loud.

The child saw movement out the corner of his eye and turned to see that his brother was laying on his bed. It looked even smaller with his body laying on it. That bed wasn't fit for an adult of his size.

Ardyn raised his head when he heard his name called. He did not look well, his face was pale, his hair was much messier than before and he looked like he'd fall asleep any moment.

"Ah, Somnus." Ardyn's voice was hoarse and he attempted a smile. His body shuddered though and he let out a moan of pain.

"Are you okay?" Somnus asked, knowing he wasn't.

"No, not really." Ardyn admitted.

"What happened? Did something happen? Can I help?" Somnus asked several questions at one.

"You can come here." Ardyn requested and grunted in pain as he moved into a sitting position. "Sit with me."

Somnus rushed to do as Ardyn asked of him. He dropped the snacks, along with the flashlight and Draco, on the end of the bed and then sat down on the bed beside his brother. The man looked curiously at what Somnus had brought him.

"I wanted to bring you some snacks to try." Somnus said when he saw Ardyn's gaze on the packaged food.

"How thoughtful." Ardyn murmured. "But I do not feel up to eating anything tonight… I don't quite believe I can manage a story either. Forgive me."

"It's okay!" Somnus insisted, not wanting his brother to feel upset. Though the child was looking forward to speaking with Ardyn, his brother wasn't well. "You can do that another time."

"I promise that I will."

"Can I… Can I ask what's wrong?" Somnus carefully asked when his brother did not explain what was. Ardyn glanced at him but didn't say anything. The child could see that he was thinking. After a while, his older brother sighed.

"... All I will say is that our parents do not want me as I am. They brought someone to... Fix me. As you can see, it did not work." Ardyn laughed then, his voice sounding bitter.

"Oh…" Somnus was confused. His parents had done this? Or brought someone that did? But why?

"You'll have to excuse me now dear brother. I am exhausted. I think I may need to lie down again."

"Did you want me to stay?" Somnus asked, not wanting to leave. His parents weren't there for him. Somnus didn't want to do that to Ardyn. Especially if it was his mom and dad that caused this.

"If you wish." Ardyn smiled at him, his eyes soft as he looked at Somnus. "But not for too long."

Somnus nodded and Ardyn shifted to lay back down. The child sat on the edge of the bed until the older man fell asleep. It didn't take very long, only a few minutes. He really must have been tired.

Somnus yawned, feeling quite sleepy himself. He slipped off the bed and instead sat down beside it. He looked over at his brother, seeing him looking peaceful in slumber. The child knew he should go back down but he felt less lonely up here even while Ardyn was asleep.

Somnus lay his head on the bed, wishing he could understand the reason for everything happening in this house. Ardyn didn't want to tell him and he couldn't ask his parents. Somnus felt terrible for his brother as he didn't feel like Ardyn deserved this. Just what had he done? It seemed as if his mom and dad were the ones that did something wrong… But how could that be? They were his parents. They weren't supposed to be wrong.

All these thoughts were confusing for Somnus and he didn't realize how much time had passed or how tired he really was. Before he knew it, he too fell asleep.

Somnus woke up to someone calling his name and he jerked back in panic. His mind was filled with images from a series of nightmares he'd just had. In them, he was trapped in the attic again but this time no one came no matter how much he screamed. Then he was back in his bed with the shadowy figure. This time it came from underneath his bed, grabbing hold of him and trying to drag him down. And then finally Somnus found himself surrounded in darkness, the urge to flee flooding his being. All he knew at that moment was that he must run. Before something came for him, before something trapped him.

His eyes wild in his panic, it took several moments for Somnus to recognize where he was. He noticed Ardyn sitting up on his bed now looking better than before. The older man held a finger up to his mouth and shushed him before he could make a sound.

The child tried to calm himself and his rapidly beating heart. Ardyn slowly made his way off the bed and sat down beside his brother.

"Nightmares?" Ardyn whispered gently, placing an arm around Somnus when he saw that he was still affected. The child shifted closer and wrapped his arms around Ardyn tightly.

"Yeah." Somnus whispered back. He felt better now that he had someone beside him. This was what he wanted from his mom and dad. For one of them to sit with him, talk to him, give him some comfort. But they rarely did these days.

At least Somnus had Ardyn right now.

"It is alright, Somnus. I too have many nightmares. Know they cannot hurt you. You are safe." Ardyn said, running a hand through his hair. The younger brother found himself believing him.

"Thank you." The child said, grateful for his older brother. Somnus laid his head against him, allowing the last of his fear to slip away. There was silence for a time before Ardyn spoke again.

"Somnus, I am sorry but you must return to your room." The man said quietly. "You've stayed far too long."

The child pulled back from the embrace, alarmed when he heard that. Just how long had he been up here?

"It's still early yet but you may be found out. Go quickly now. I will hide the things you brought me." Ardyn explained when he saw his brother's fearful expression.

Somnus nodded, scrambling to his feet. He quickly snatched his flashlight amid the pile of snacks but paused before he picked up his toy dragon.

"Do you want Draco? He helps me sometimes." Somnus picked up the dragon and offered it to his brother.

"No, dearest brother." Ardyn shook his head. "Keep him with you. I have… A friend already."

"The one I hear you talk to?" Somnus asked.

"You heard?" Ardyn responded, an odd note to his voice. Somnus wondered if he was embarrassed.

"Not what you said but… They must be like Draco. I talk to him too." The child admitted, hoping that Ardyn would feel better if he was embarrassed. A lot of his friends from school played with their toys like that.

"Ah, I suppose it may seem similar." His brother said, losing the weird tone in his voice. "My friend however tells me about the world, about everything I have been missing out on. I know what I know only thanks to him. He is… He was… All I had at one time."

"You have me now." "You have me now." Somnus insisted. And he had Ardyn.

The boy was a little confused as to what his brother meant though. Maybe Ardyn liked to pretend his friend taught him things. When playing, sometimes Somnus liked pretending Draco was an ancient, wise dragon that he, a brave warrior, traveled towards to try and save his people. The child would act like Draco taught him how he could help others. Maybe his brother liked to do something like that too.

"I do." Ardyn grinned at him. "Now go. I do not wish to lose you."

Somnus nodded and did as he asked.