Chapter 17
ERIC and Ariel hadn't strayed too far from the room where Eric's best friend and sworn brother had made his final stand against Ariel's aunt, Ursula. Thus, they both heard the frantic urgency in Helena's voice as she called out for Eric with all her might. Their faces displayed a shared anguish as they exchanged glances.
"Helena," they said simultaneously, their voices blending into one.
Without hesitation, they swiftly turned and hurried down the hallway, their movements clumsy with apprehension. They burst into the room, unprepared for the heart-wrenching sight that awaited them. Helena remained rooted to the spot in the center of the floor, and Eric's gaze was immediately drawn to Darius, held in her arms. His throat tightened as he noticed the rise and fall of Darius' chest, realizing that he was alive.
Eric could feel the sting of fresh tears welling up in his eyes, aching to be released. His chest tightened, overwhelmed with a sob he longed to let out but couldn't. Reluctantly, he released Ariel's hand and propelled himself forward, rushing to Darius's side. Helena's frail figure was already embracing her husband, leaving a vacant space where Eric knelt beside his best friend's anguished body.
Frantic, blue eyes scanned Darius's form, and it was then that Eric noticed the crimson pool on the floor by his side.
Ursula had stabbed him, likely utilizing her dark magic or one of her sinister tentacles.
Rage surged through Eric like a bolt of lightning, but he forcefully shook his head, attempting to banish his frenzied thoughts. The witch was dead, dispatched by his own hands, and nothing could alter what had transpired. However, it was painfully evident that Darius required immediate medical attention. If not, Ariel's father's magic might still betray them in their most desperate hour of need right now.
Behind Eric, Ariel's gaze flickered toward Helena, her attention drawn to the physical toll the ordeal had taken on the young brunette.
The wife of the prince's best friend appeared incredibly pale, even paler than the maid Carlotta's best maid. Her dark curls starkly contrasted against her ghostly complexion, and prominent dark circles lingered beneath her eyes. Traces of both dried and fresh tears marked the young maid's cheeks. The hand that Darius wasn't gripping onto with such intensity that Ariel worried he might inadvertently harm his wife trembled uncontrollably. Thankfully, Eric approached Helena with gentle caution, slowly reaching out to take her trembling hand in his.
A mixture of relief and sorrow painted the prince's face as his tears began to escape from the corners of his eyes, breaking the emotional dam. Within seconds, Helena collapsed against Eric, releasing her other hand from their entwined grip and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Ariel hung back, giving the two friends their moment as Helena wept on Eric's shoulder. Her cries were not hysterical or filled with curses, but rather gentle weeping, her head finding solace against his shoulder.
Awkwardly, Eric enveloped Helena in his arms and awkwardly patted her back in an attempt to offer comfort.
"It's all right now, Helena. Darius is safe, everything will be fine, I promise," Eric murmured soothingly, though even Ariel detected a slight wavering in the prince's voice. "Darius is perfectly fine, Helena. We'll get him the help he needs." Only when Helena meekly nodded through her tears did Eric turn his head away from Helena and shouted towards the entryway. "Lottie, Grims, come in here now, Darius is alive, he needs medical attention, fetch the physician!" he bellowed, briefly turning his head away from Helena to summon his most trusted Heads of Household.
Ariel's heart jolted as she recognized the severity of the situation. Her ears perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps and the rustle of skirts, signaling the response to the Prince's urgent call.
In a matter of moments, Carlotta emerged in the doorway, her skirts and apron twisted, hands still damp as she hastily wiped them. Master Grimsby followed closely behind, his face flushed and perspiring, his hand clutching at a stitch in his side as he struggled to catch his breath.
Alarm coursed through Ariel as they entered, and she couldn't help but worry that the physician should examine the elderly man as well, in case he succumbed to a heart ailment right then and there.
Ariel's alarm intensified as Carlotta let out a piercing cry of surprise, causing Grimsby to stumble over her in his eagerness to reach Darius's side.
Amid the commotion, the sound of the Prince's loyal animal companion, Max, barking and drawing nearer could be heard, drawn by the excitement in the air.
"Oh my—oh my goodness, what in the world...? D-Darius is alive, young master, b-but how on earth is this possible?" Carlotta stammered, her hand clutching at her heart and gripping her shirt for support. Her dark, beady eyes searched Eric's face, desperately seeking the truth.
The color drained from Carlotta's face as Eric released Helena and took a slight step back, his hands raised slightly. Both Carlotta and Grimsby flinched as they noticed traces of his best friend's blood staining the young prince's palms.
"Never mind me, Lottie, Grims, and never mind how, I will explain later. Attend to Darius first! Take him to my chamber immediately. It's the most spacious room in the castle and has ample light. The doctor will be better equipped to care for him there. Hurry!" Eric instructed urgently.
Ariel's attention snapped to the sound of approaching footsteps, and she gazed up just in time to witness a group of guards entering the room. They carried a familiar divan, sending a jolt through her abdomen as she recognized it—the very same divan she and the Prince had sat upon in his castle's library. It was the night after their day spent exploring the hamlet where Helena, Darius, and their happiness resided.
Unable to tear her eyes away, Ariel watched as the guards encircled Darius, who lay on the floor, his body wracked with agonizing spasms of pain. The men under Darius's command did their utmost to lift him onto the divan with careful precision, mindful of his injury, as they prepared to transport him into the Prince's chamber. Ariel stood frozen in place, her body tensing as she rose to her feet.
Despite her desire to follow Darius's men and offer support, she found herself unable to move. Even the Prince, with Carlotta and Eric providing support to Helena, started to make their way after Darius. Grimsby, filled with urgency, led the way and called for the physician.
Ariel cursed herself inwardly for her immobility. It felt as though her feet had become rooted to the ground, preventing her from taking a single step forward. Shock gripped her, knowing that her father's magic had succeeded in bringing Darius back to life.
Fear and guilt washed over her as well, coupled with the realization that there was little she could do to assist.
It was wiser to let the Prince's trusted staff, who knew Darius best, care for him in his time of need. Summoning all her willpower and strength, Ariel managed to gather herself and step out of the room where Darius had made his final stand to protect her and Eric from her wicked aunt.
As she exited, a gust of cold air engulfed her, sending a shiver down her spine. Hastily closing the door, a bitter taste rose in her throat, and she couldn't help but anticipate that in the days to come, Eric would either insist on a complete renovation of the room or choose to seal it off entirely.
The thought of him not wanting to confront the painful memories of his best friend's death didn't surprise her.
Ariel lingered just outside the Prince's chambers, her gaze fixed on the doorway as Eric disappeared inside with Helena, closely followed by Master Grimsby and Carlotta, who had arrived with the castle physician.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Ariel found herself frozen in place. She was on the verge of uttering a startled cry when she felt a gentle tug at the hem of her skirt. Startled, she glanced down and her mouth fell open in surprise. A sigh of surprise left her throat as she realized it was Max, the Prince's loyal dog, growling softly and tugging at her as if urging her to join them inside the room.
It was as if he was questioning what was holding her back, why she wasn't by her friends' side in their time of need.
A faint, wistful smile danced upon Ariel's lips as she bent down slightly to scratch behind Max's ears, appreciating the comforting presence of the loyal animal. Emboldened by Max's encouragement, she mustered all her courage and crossed the threshold into the Prince's private rooms.
She knew she couldn't bear the weight of guilt if she didn't confront the aftermath of the damage she had indirectly caused.
Though she hadn't been the one to kill Darius—Ursula was to blame—Ariel still felt a heavy sense of responsibility. If she hadn't ventured onto land in search of the Prince, none of this tragedy would have unfolded, and Darius would still be alive and unharmed.
The burden of that thought weighed heavily upon her conscience.
Ariel's eyes grew serene as she approached the bed, her steps cautious. A gasp escaped her lips upon witnessing the physician's swift and nimble hands as they worked to remove Darius's ruined leathers and tunic, revealing the bloodied wound dangerously close to his ribcage.
Startled, Ariel was shaken from her thoughts by a wavering voice from behind her, causing her heart to skip a beat.
"It's not your fault, my dear. No one is blaming you for this, least of all Darius," the voice reassured her.
Ariel spun around, her eyes wide, to find Master Grimsby, the Prince's Head of House, standing there. She had spoken to him on her first night in the Prince's castle when he had warned her about getting too close, as the Prince was promised to wed a princess.
Now, he regarded her with an unusual expression etched upon his careworn face. Quickly gathering her skirts, Ariel curtsied in deference to the nobleman, but to her surprise, he raised a gnarled and arthritic hand to dismiss her gesture, as if finding it unnecessary.
"No, no, my dear, there's no need for formalities within these walls. If you are to marry the master, you will become a part of our family. You must remain strong, dear. Eric and, yes, even Darius, would want that for you," Master Grimsby spoke, his voice filled with a mix of wisdom and kindness.
Ariel's voice sounded hollow as she mustered the courage to speak.
"It was my fault that Darius got hurt, Master Grimsby, all of what happened to the Prince's friend is my fault, I-I do not deserve to be here amongst your people or married to Eric. Perhaps I should leave," she confessed, her words heavy with guilt and grief.
Master Grimsby looked shocked and almost angry at her words as she heard him hiss and was about to protest, though they caught the faint snippets of dialogue exchanged between the castle's physician and the Prince and immediately, the two of them fell silent.
Together, they watched and listened intently as the physician engaged in a low conversation with Eric and Helena.
The words were almost too faint for Ariel to discern, but she strained to listen intently. The physician kindly requested that the chamber be cleared to allow him to work without hindrance. He advised Helena that she could not be present for what was to come, explaining that Darius wouldn't want her to see him in such a state. The physician instructed Eric to take Helena for a walk for some fresh air on the castle grounds.
Ariel's heart raced, feeling the weight of the situation as she witnessed Helena's anguish and sorrow at the prospect of being separated from her husband's side during the doctor's work. However, Eric placed a comforting hand on Helena's shoulder and whispered something into her ear.
Ariel couldn't discern the exact words spoken by the Prince, but whatever he said seemed to have a calming effect.
Reluctantly, yet with a glimmer of trust in her eyes, Helena allowed herself to be persuaded by Eric, accompanying him as they moved away from the crowded room. As Eric led Helena out of the room with Carlotta's assistance, his eyes briefly met Ariel's.
Max, the faithful dog, remained obediently at his master's side, but Eric turned sharply towards him and issued a command in a firm yet not unkind tone, instructing the canine to stay put. To Ariel's surprise, Max immediately obeyed, as if anticipating the command, and jumped onto the bed, curling up into a protective ball next to Darius. A fleeting smile danced across Eric's face, quickly fading as his gaze returned to Ariel.
His expression grew crestfallen, revealing his apprehension about being alone with Helena. There were unspoken matters between the two friends that were best addressed privately, away from prying ears.
Eric's voice trembled with a touch of fear as he asked, "Will you be alright on your own for a while as I take Helena around the grounds?"
Ariel knew that Eric dreaded the thought of spending even a moment alone in Helena's company. Yet, she understood that there were conversations to be had between them, ones that needed to remain confidential. Ariel nodded, her reassuring words flowing.
"Go, Eric. It's alright. I will do my best to check on Darius as much as I can. I'll come to you at a more comfortable hour. You should be with Helena, she needs you right now."
Satisfied with her response, Eric sighed, conveying his immense gratitude for her tolerance.
Without uttering another word, he maintained his hold on Helena's waist, moving at her pace, and whisked her out of the chamber. Ariel stood on the verge of heading towards the kitchens to assist Carlotta in preparing a supper for Darius in case the man was hungry when he woke, while the physician tended to Darius's wounded side and Eric engaged in a conversation with Helena around the estate. Peering through the window, she observed their silhouettes, visible even amidst the night. Eric paused in the Courtyard and gently guided Helena to sit on a stone bench near the gardens. A wistful smile appeared on Ariel's face as she pondered the unknown conversation between Eric and Helena. She realized that if their fractured friendship could be repaired, then the discussion held great significance. Just as she turned to leave, the doctor intercepted her.
"My dear, please wait a moment. You may stay. I could use an extra set of hands for the upcoming task. I require assistance in restraining Darius. He mustn't move."
Ariel was startled as Darius's eyes fluttered open, and his voice emerged as a weak, hoarse rasp. His eyelids flickered, and he cast a rueful glower at the castle's doctor.
"Better you than that...little bastard of a whelp, Lucas," he groaned, and Ariel almost would have wanted to smile as she imagined the Prince's friend's expression when she learned what had become of Eric's spoiled and arrogant nephew, though she knew that was an interesting story best saved for another time when Darius was better rested and of a more sound mental state to listen to her tell it. She was pulled back to the present grim reality of the situation as Darius continued speaking in a clipped voice to the castle's physician. "You... you nearly... cut my wrist off last time I sought your treatment," Darius croaked, his voice barely audible. "You had better not... cut off my... my leg this time, doctor."
A wave of icy fear washed over Ariel, and she felt bile rising in her throat at the disturbing mental images flooding her mind. Nevertheless, she shook her head and positioned herself at the edge of the Prince's opulent bed, where his best friend lay, teetering on the edge.
"Hush, Darius. Everything will be fine," she assured him, her voice quivering, knowing that her words lacked the conviction she desperately wanted to convey.
Ariel steeled herself and grasped his shoulders as best she could while the doctor gathered a needle, cloth, a wooden basin, catgut, a small knife, and a strigil. Her eyes widened at the sight of these horrifying instruments, and she could only imagine the gruesome procedure that lay ahead. She felt just as unprepared for the ordeal as if she were the one about to endure it.
As Darius let out a pained moan of fear, nearly burying his head in the crook of her shoulder, she understood that this would be far from a pleasant experience. Yet, she knew that she might be the only hope for the doctor, and she would do anything to aid Darius in his recovery from the injuries inflicted by Aunt Ursula. However, the doctor's work surpassed even her darkest imaginings.
The procedure involved cutting, draining, cleaning, and cauterizing the wound. The sight and smell of it nearly caused Ariel to lose her breakfast, and Darius shouted in agony at the top of his lungs, his screams echoing so loudly that Carlotta and Grimsby came running to their aid.
Master Grimsby nearly yanked Ariel away from Prince Eric's chambers, intending to summon another maid to replace her. The use of such vulgar language was deemed inappropriate in the presence of a young lady who was soon to become the Prince's bride. However, the resolute and unwavering mermaid calmly explained to the elderly Head of the House that she had heard far worse from some of the mermen back in her homeland. They would patrol the palace borders, on the lookout for sharks and killer whales that would have seen them as a tasty snack.
This revelation shocked both Carlotta and Master Grimsby, prompting them to offer their assistance in tending to Darius alongside the doctor. Nevertheless, it soon became evident that only Prince Eric's soon-to-be bride possessed the ability to effectively restrain the Prince's lieutenant.
Until he had overcome the worst of his condition, no one else would suffice for the task. With Carlotta and Grimsby departing the room, they assured Ariel that they would return shortly with a tray of soup for both of them. Ariel could only nod her gratitude but refrained from diverting her attention from Helena's husband, who continued to unleash a torrent of profanity in fits of anger. As he rambled, Ariel reluctantly began to familiarize herself with new vulgar vocabulary, silently hoping that she would never have a reason to utter such words herself.
The doctor's painstaking process of stitching Darius's wound seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Each stitch was accompanied by a pitiful gasp of sobbing from Darius. Ariel briefly glanced at the doctor, observing his hands steady and composed despite the gruesome task at hand.
She surmised that this was a man who had witnessed far worse, and a wave of gratitude swept over her as he finally stood up, appearing exhausted, and wiped his hands with a cloth. Meanwhile, Darius continued to tremble and sob, finding solace in Ariel's comforting embrace.
"My dear lady, if you could keep him engaged, sit with him for a while, and ensure he stays warm, I will now head to the kitchens for some supper and return later to oversee his progress. I believe he has overcome the worst of it, although the wound will require at least a month to heal. Regular application of a poultice will be necessary, and I would advise him to avoid excessive anxiety during the healing process. With proper rest and care, he will recover. For now, try to engage him in conversation; it will be beneficial, I believe. Once he calms down, he will be able to sleep."
"Of course," Ariel promptly agreed, suddenly realizing how utterly exhausted the poor man appeared now that his work was done. "Take all the time you need, please!"
The doctor bowed his head in reverence towards the young redhead, aware that news traveled swiftly within Eric's castle. He swiftly departed the room, leaving Darius still muttering curses under his breath, clutching onto Ariel's shirt.
Ariel silently prayed that Darius's wife would not harbor any ill feelings towards her husband seeking solace and comfort in her embrace. She was determined to offer whatever support she could to him. It was the least she could do.
"What... what happened?" Darius mumbled weakly, his voice barely audible after what felt like an eternity of silence, with only the remnants of his sniffles breaking the quietude.
Ariel hesitated, biting the inside of her cheek, uncertain of how much Darius recalled about his sacrifice. She was determined not to upset or worry him, mindful of the doctor's advice to shield him from anxiety.
Furrowing her brows, Ariel cast Darius a slightly reproachful glance before adjusting her hold on him and reaching across to a small wooden night table beside the bed. The doctor had left a cup of hot tea infused with a sleeping draught, intended to coax Darius into slumber.
"Hush," Ariel urged softly, hoping to dissuade Darius from delving too deeply into the conversation. "It's... it's not important at this moment. You need to rest," she commanded him as if he were a mere stable boy rather than the Prince's lieutenant and his closest companion.
"Damn that, the witch... My lady, what happened?" Darius grumbled, his determination evident in his tone.
Ariel was determined to shield Darius from fear and uncertainty, striving to deliver her message with composure and a level-headed tone.
"Eric is outside with Helena taking a walk for fresh air. The doctor asked that I sit with you while you...while you heal," she quietly explained. "You were... injured by the witch," she revealed to the Prince's best friend, her voice steady. "My aunt, Darius, she... she harmed you."
A lump formed in her throat, causing her breaths to falter, and tears welled up at the corners of her eyes. A mix of relief, knowing that her father had kept his promise, and guilt, as she acknowledged her responsibility, overwhelmed her.
To her horror, tears spilled over the brim of her lashes and traced a path down her cheeks.
"Ariel?" Darius's voice took on a concerned tone, a stark irony that wasn't lost on her. Despite sacrificing himself and being injured, he expressed concern for her. It was because of her that he was in this state.
"What's wrong?" he asked, and her tears only intensified in response. She released a shuddering gasp as she turned to look at him, her anguish evident.
"What's wrong?" she gasped, her voice filled with despair. "I made a deal with my aunt to give up my voice to her and leave my home and come to land to find the Prince. I found him, but I deceived all of you by withholding the truth. And then, to discover that you had struck a deal with my aunt to save your wife, and you sacrificed yourself to save me and Eric... and you ask what's wrong? It was me that put all of you in danger!"
With those words, a wave of embarrassment washed over her, and she broke down completely, sharply turning her head away from him as tears streamed down her face. Ariel could sense Darius's stunned expression from the corner of her lowered gaze. His mouth opened and closed, resembling a bewildered codfish. With a muffled grunt of pain, he awkwardly pulled her into his arms as gently as his injury allowed.
Although he couldn't hold her tightly, he managed to pat her coarse red mane with one hand while using the other to rub soothing circles on her back. In a soft, soothing tone, he whispered unintelligible words, hoping to bring comfort to the distressed mermaid.
Most of his utterances were gibberish, but Ariel couldn't have cared less. This was never supposed to happen.
"Shh," Darius rasped, his voice still fragile. "I'm sorry, Ariel. You did everything you could. By the gods, Ariel, it was one of your people who saved my life. I... I can still feel the magic coursing through my veins, somehow."
Ariel nodded, her voice barely a whisper.
"Those sensations are whispers," she quietly explained. "Whispers of magic, my friend. My father, Darius... he saved you. He used his trident to bring you back, but..." Her words trailed off, and she winced as she felt Darius's hand awkwardly patting her hair come to a sudden halt.
A pang of discomfort washed over her, and she found it difficult to meet the gaze of Helena's husband.
Deep down, she knew that all magic carried a price. Her father had made sure to instill this knowledge in her and her sisters throughout their upbringing. She dreaded to think what price Eric would have to pay for attempting to save Darius's life.
"But what?" Darius inquired, and when Ariel mustered enough courage to fully face him again, she noticed all color had drained from his complexion. The Prince's best friend wore a grave expression, filled with a somber intensity.
Ariel took a deep breath, steeling herself for the revelation she was about to share.
"But, Darius... magic always comes with a price," she confessed, her voice tinged with both sorrow and apprehension. "My father warned us, he cautioned about the consequences. And now... now I fear that Eric will have to face a heavy price for his attempt to save you."
Darius's eyes widened, his features reflecting a mixture of shock and concern.
"What do you mean? What kind of price?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Ariel's voice trembled slightly as she replied, "I don't know, Darius. The cost of such powerful magic is unpredictable. It could be a sacrifice, a loss, or something else entirely. But it is something we must prepare ourselves for." Silence hung heavily in the air as they both contemplated the gravity of the situation. The weight of the impending price filled the room, suffocating them with its uncertainty.
Finally, Darius broke the silence, his voice filled with determination.
"Whatever the price may be, Ariel, I don't care what it is. I will not let Eric face it alone. We will face it together when it comes, as a family."
A small, grateful smile formed on Ariel's lips as she looked into Darius's resolute eyes. At that moment, they both understood the strength of their bond and the importance of supporting one another through whatever trials awaited them.
Darius remained silent for a brief moment before uttering a word. His calm, blue eyes adopted a serene demeanor as he leaned his head against the pillow. Ariel delicately caressed his forehead, using the tips of her fingers to sweep away the dampened strands of hair clinging to his brow.
"Don't burden yourself with guilt, Ariel," Darius spoke softly. "Even if you hadn't arrived and crossed paths with Eric, I believe the witch would have found me. The gods feed on our vulnerabilities, and Helena has always been mine," he confessed, his face contorting with sudden agony.
"I... I don't..." Darius trembled, his body on the verge of succumbing to sobs. "I don't want her to die, Lady," he croaked, his voice hoarse. He lifted his head slightly from the pillow. Ariel watched him intently, her tearful cries subsiding into steady, deep breaths.
After a moment, she spoke with utmost tenderness, "Then, let her live."
With disbelief and horror etched across his handsome features, Darius struggled to comprehend the gravity of Ariel's words. In response, she extended her hand and gently caressed his cheek, her touch offering comfort amidst the tumultuous emotions.
Darius opened his mouth as if about to speak, but it took him a moment to find his voice.
"Then... our time together will be limited. Days, weeks, perhaps, at best. But she won't survive the year," he responded with a pained voice, his face crumpling and threatening to succumb to tears once more.
"Time has never favored mortals," Ariel murmured, her words resonating through Darius like a powerful shockwave. His face appeared gaunt and pale, and he remained silent for what felt like an eternity. Surprising Ariel, he didn't argue as she had anticipated Darius would do.
"In the end, Darius, we all die. What truly counts is how we live," Ariel whispered, surprising even herself with the wisdom that flowed from her lips. She embodied the essence of the sea princess she had been molded to become, and in the coming days, she would also tread on land, suspecting that Eric wouldn't postpone their wedding if Helena's time on Earth was as fleeting as Darius feared. A surge of anticipation surged within her as she wondered whether, as a special gift to celebrate their union, her father would be willing to lend a helping hand to her friends, just one last time. A glimmer of hope welled up within Ariel, accompanied by a flicker of excitement that ignited behind her blue eyes.
However, she restrained her enthusiasm, cautious not to raise Darius's hopes prematurely.
Before anything else, she needed to have a private conversation with her father. She silently resolved to steal away to the beachside later that night, when the castle slumbered and all was still. There, she would call upon her father, knowing that he would always answer her beckoning.
It was during that secluded moment that she would share her plea and seek his guidance. The feeble sound of Darius's voice broke through Ariel's reverie, drawing her attention back to the present. With painstaking slowness, she turned her head to meet his concerned gaze.
"Ariel, you should rest," Darius whispered, his voice laced with worry. "You look utterly exhausted. I'll be fine."
His eyelids fluttered, indicating that sleep was gradually overtaking him. Ariel felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"N-no, I'm alright. I'll stay here on the floor, just in case you need me during the night," she stammered, her cheeks reddening further. "You need to get some sleep," she insisted, redirecting the conversation away from Helena, her aunt, and the harrowing events that had unfolded, leaving their scars on everyone involved.
Darius's weary eyes searched Ariel's face, longing for a moment of respite amidst the chaos that surrounded them.
After a brief pause, he softly spoke again, his voice filled with a vulnerable request.
"If you won't leave then, Ariel, would you sing for me? A song from your people, the mermaids," he implored, his tone carrying a hint of longing.
Ariel's eyes widened in surprise, her voice catching in her throat for a moment.
She had rarely sung for anyone outside of her underwater realm, but the trust she shared with Darius emboldened her. With a shy nod, she took a deep breath and began to sing, her voice carrying a haunting melody that echoed through the room.
As the soothing notes enveloped the space, Darius's tired features relaxed, his eyes closing gently. The weight of his worries seemed to momentarily dissipate, replaced by a serene calm. Ariel's heart swelled with tenderness, a small smile gracing her lips as she continued her song.
When the last note faded into the stillness, Darius lay before her, peacefully slumbering. A sense of contentment washed over Ariel as she observed his tranquil expression. With a soft sigh, she rose from her place on the floor, careful not to disturb him. Leaving the room with quiet footsteps, Ariel carried the memory of their shared moment and Darius's peaceful sleep, her heart brimming with hope for the days to come.