Reykjavik, Iceland. Hotel Nott.
'His eyes darkened as he watched her run away below, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the railing. Without a second thought, he jumped over the railing, determined to not let her get away. In two large steps, his large masculine hands reached out and grabbed her petite arm, causing her to let out a soft gasp as she fell into his arms.
"You'll never escape me, Lysandra Seraphine Nightshade." Her big sky-blue orbs looked up at him, her petite frame shaking against the harsh winds of the north. "I will never be yours, Maximilien Shadowheart D'Arcy-'
Severa squinted at the elaborate names on the page, shaking her head in disbelief. "What the hell is up with these names?" she muttered, rolling off her belly to sit up.
With a groan, she flipped through the pages, expecting melodrama and over-the-top dialogue. The characters felt more like caricatures than real people. But as she read, she couldn't help but chuckle at the exaggerated emotions.
"Who names their kid Lysandra anyway?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. The book was supposed to be a distraction, but now it was just making her laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.
Still, there was something oddly entertaining about it. The tension between Lysandra and Maximilien was almost palpable, their back-and-forth banter a welcome escape from her earlier frustrations.
With a sigh, she closed the book and slid out of bed with a quick stretch. She shook her head as she picked up her clothes from the floor, still chuckling at the absurdity of the names and the dramatic storyline. It felt almost freeing to let go of the seriousness that usually enveloped her life.
She dressed quickly, deciding that a little fresh air might help clear her mind. The rain had stopped, and although the sky was still overcast, it felt like a good time to explore Reykjavik. As she pulled on her jacket, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The tangled hair and lingering remnants of the previous day's adventure reminded her that maybe she should put a little more effort into how she presented herself. But that thought quickly faded; she was here to be herself, not to impress anyone.
With a determined nod, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door. The moment she stepped into the brisk Icelandic air, she felt a sense of renewal wash over her. She began to wander the streets, taking in the vibrant colors of the buildings and the eclectic mix of tourists and locals. It was a far cry from her usual, monotonous routine back home.
As she walked, she noticed a cozy café with inviting wooden tables set up outside. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, and Severa felt a pull to step inside. After a brief hesitation, she pushed open the door, the warm atmosphere enveloping her like a hug.
Inside, the café buzzed with chatter and laughter. Severa scanned the menu board, her eyes lighting up at the variety of pastries. She ordered a hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll, taking a seat by the window. As she waited for her order, she pulled the romance novel from her bag, feeling slightly guilty for not finishing it earlier.
Flipping to the last chapter she had read, she let herself be drawn back into the, dumb, world of Lysandra and Maximilien. The characters were about to confront a secret that could change everything.
Just as she was getting absorbed in the story, her hot chocolate arrived, accompanied by a perfectly swirled cinnamon roll. She took a sip, savoring the rich flavor, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it lifted her spirits.
A few tables away, she noticed a group of tourists animatedly discussing their adventures. Their laughter reminded her of the joy she often overlooked in her daily life. For the first time in a while, she felt a small spark of excitement bubbling within her.
After finishing her treat, Severa paid the bill and decided to take a stroll down to the bookstore, secretly hoping Anna was in. The thought of chatting with her friend about the ridiculous novel and sharing a few laughs made her smile.
As she walked through the colorful streets of Reykjavik, she let the lively atmosphere wash over her. Tourists chatted excitedly in various languages, while locals went about their daily routines, adding to the vibrant energy. She passed a few art galleries and quirky shops, admiring the unique crafts and artworks displayed in the windows.
When she finally reached the bookstore, she pushed open the heavy wooden door, the familiar smell of paper and ink instantly enveloping her. The soft sound of pages turning and hushed conversations filled the air, creating a cozy sanctuary. Severa moved through the narrow aisles, her fingers brushing the spines of the books as she searched for Anna.
"Severa!" came a cheerful voice from the back of the store. Anna appeared from behind a shelf, her auburn hair catching the light. "You're back!"
"Yeah, your book brought me back," Severa replied, her face slightly lighting up.
Anna raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Oh? And how is Married to the Alpha Fae Prince going? Are you in love yet?"
"Never in a million years," Severa admitted, rolling her eyes. "I mean, the names alone are enough to make anyone laugh. But there may be something oddly entertaining about it."
"Let me guess," Anna said with a smirk. "You're secretly enjoying the drama?"
Severa smirked. "Maybe a little. But I mostly wanted to get away from the heavier stuff."
"Good idea!" Anna said, leading Severa to a small seating area at the back of the store, where a few plush chairs were arranged around a coffee table piled with books. "Tell me all about what you think so far! Or have you already finished it?"
"I've only made it about halfway," Severa confessed, sinking into one of the chairs. "The characters are a bit over-the-top, but I can't help but laugh at their melodrama. Like, who really uses the phrase 'my heart raced like a wild stallion'?"
Anna laughed, leaning back in her chair. "That's classic! I bet the plot is just as ridiculous, right?"
"Oh, absolutely. It's all love triangles and secret prophecies. I mean, you can practically see the plot twists coming from a mile away," Severa said, shaking her head in disbelief. "But it's kind of refreshing to read something so light and ridiculous after everything."
Anna nodded thoughtfully. "Sometimes you need that escape. It's good for the soul. So, what's your favorite part?"
Severa thought for a moment, trying to recall her favorite scene. "Well, there's this part where the prince challenges a rival to a duel over the girl's honor, and it's so over-the-top. He's all dramatic, and the rival is just as ridiculous. It's like they're playing characters in a bad soap opera."
Anna laughed again, her eyes sparkling. "I liked that part as well! We should have a book club and read all the cheesy romance novels we can find. It'll be a blast!"
"God No, I don't think I can take much more of this," Severa replied, her smirk widening as she watched Anna go on and on about her own favorite part of the book. She never realized how good it felt to have a friend again. Narcissa was her friend, but they couldn't relate on much as their lifestyles were far form the same.
But with Anna, it felt different. There was a simplicity to their connection that Severa hadn't experienced in years—an ease that made the walls she usually kept up around herself feel unnecessary. Narcissa was her friend, but everything with Narcissa felt carefully measured, steeped in propriety, and weighed down by the expectations of her world. Anna, on the other hand, was light and open, free from the heavy burdens of wizarding politics or bloodlines.
Severa found herself letting go of the reservations she'd been holding onto for so long.
"Okay, fine," Severa conceded with a playful sigh, "maybe I'll survive one or two more ridiculous romance novels… if they're as entertaining as this one."
Anna beamed, her excitement infectious. "That's the spirit! I've got an entire collection of them at home. We could start with the one about the vampire pirate—"
"Wait, what? Vampire pirate?" Severa interrupted, bursting into laughter. "That sounds absurd!"
"Oh, it is. He's brooding, of course, and he falls in love with the captain of a rival ship. There's sword fighting, forbidden love, the whole deal."
Severa shook her head, still laughing. "I'll need a drink or two to get through that."
Anna grinned. "That can be arranged. We'll make a night of it."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Severa felt a flicker of genuine excitement for something. A part of her was still getting used to the idea of letting someone in, letting herself be vulnerable, but being around Anna made it seem possible. More than that, it made it feel… easy.
As their laughter subsided, Severa felt a moment of quiet reflection wash over her. She wasn't used to letting herself just enjoy life without an agenda or the weight of her past pressing down on her. But maybe, just maybe, this trip could be more than just an escape. Maybe it could be a chance to reconnect—not just with others, but with herself.
"You know," Severa said, her tone softening, "I never expected to meet someone like you here. I've been so used to being alone, it's… nice, having someone to laugh with."
Anna gave her a warm, understanding smile. "I'm glad we met, too. Life's too short not to share it with people who get you."
Severa nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. For once, she wasn't thinking about what was waiting for her back home, or the troubles she left behind. In this moment, sitting in a cozy café with a new friend, she felt like she could finally breathe.
"Thanks for dragging me out of my head," Severa said, smiling softly.
"Anytime," Anna replied with a wink. "Besides, someone's got to make sure you don't spend your whole trip cooped up in a bookstore reading bad romance novels."
Severa chuckled. "You're right. I'll need to balance it with a little vampire pirate action."
Anna laughed, but her attention quickly shifted as the bell above the door jingled, signaling the arrival of more customers. She glanced over her shoulder, offering a quick wave to the newcomers before turning back to Severa.
"I should probably get back to work," Anna said, though she looked reluctant to leave the conversation. "But let's make those plans for the vampire pirate night soon, yeah?"
Severa nodded, standing up from her chair. "I'll hold you to it."
As she turned to leave, Anna caught her arm lightly, her expression warm. "Seriously though, Severa, I'm glad you came back. Don't be a stranger, okay?"
"I won't," Severa promised, a soft smile playing at her lips as she headed out the door. The crisp Reykjavik air hit her face, refreshing after the warmth of the store.
The streets were alive with the buzz of the city, but Severa's mind was far from the bustling crowd. She found herself mulling over the conversation, the warmth of Anna's friendship lingering even as she walked through the unfamiliar streets.
She hadn't realized how much she needed this. The lightheartedness, the laughter—it was a welcome distraction from the solitude she had grown accustomed to. For so long, she had buried herself in work and isolation, but this trip was forcing her to slow down, to let go of the past just a little, and to maybe—just maybe—let herself enjoy the present.
As she wandered aimlessly, her eyes landed on a group of Icelandic sheepdogs puppies playing around in the grass. She was always a fan of animals but never showed her love for them, but now there was no one who knew her enough to judge her.
Without a second thought, Severa crossed the road, her steps quickening as she made her way toward the playful group of Icelandic sheepdog puppies tumbling around in the grass. Their fluffy coats gleamed in the soft light, tails wagging with endless energy as they chased each other, rolling and nipping in their innocent game.
She knelt down on the edge of the grassy area, holding out her hand as one of the puppies—a small, black-and-white ball of fluff—took interest in her.
The little pup scampered over, its tiny tongue darting out to lick her fingers, and Severa couldn't help but smile, a genuine warmth spreading through her chest. She scratched behind the pup's ears, feeling a lightness she hadn't felt in ages.
"Hey there, little one," she murmured, her voice soft. The puppy responded by nuzzling into her palm, its tail wagging furiously. A few of the other pups joined, their curious eyes and tiny noses sniffing at her coat as if she were a new friend in their little world.
For a brief moment, Severa let herself forget everything—the tension, the loneliness, the constant weight she carried on her shoulders. It was just her and the puppies, free of judgment, free of expectations. She could just be.
One of the puppies pawed at her knee, letting out an excited yip, and Severa chuckled quietly, her hand moving to scratch under its chin. As the moments passed, the playful nips and soft fur against her skin brought a sense of calm she hadn't realized she needed.
"Huh, I never pegged you for the 'dog-loving' type."
Severa froze. Her hand hovered mid-air, fingers still outstretched as one of the puppies tried to jump up and nip at them. But her eyes, wide and tense, locked on the shadow looming in the grass before her.
The voice was unmistakable. That low, calm tone that sent a chill through her, but also stirred something deeper, something she didn't quite want to acknowledge.
Slowly, she turned her head, dreading what—or rather, who—she'd find standing behind her.
"Alexander," she said, her voice carefully controlled, though she felt a flicker of surprise break through her calm exterior. "What are you doing here?"
He was leaning casually against a nearby tree, his arms crossed over his chest, a faint smirk playing on his lips. His eyes, that familiar intense shade of blue she had hoped to forget, flicked from the puppies to her, studying her carefully as if he'd caught her in some sort of secret.
"I could ask you the same," he replied, his smirk growing. "Didn't think you were the type to stop and play with puppies in the park."
Severa bristled slightly, but she covered it up with a shrug. "I was just passing by. They're... hard to ignore."
Alexander's gaze didn't waver. "I see." He pushed off from the tree and took a few steps closer, his presence suddenly feeling much more palpable. The casual teasing in his tone softened, and something more sincere crept into his expression. "They suit you, you know. You should let yourself enjoy this more often."
Severa stood, brushing the grass from her hands as she turned to fully face him. The puppy by her feet whined as if sensing her unease, but she didn't look down. "And what's that supposed to mean?" she asked, crossing her arms, trying to regain some control over the conversation—and herself.
Alexander paused, his eyes searching hers for a moment before he spoke. "It means you don't always have to be so guarded, Severa. It's okay to let go sometimes."
The air between them felt heavy, and Severa's mind raced as she tried to recall any moment she'd told him her name. But nothing came to mind. Her brows furrowed, and she stared at Alexander, her voice sharp as she asked, "How do you know my name? I never told you."
Alexander's eyes glinted with amusement. A soft chuckle escaped him as he bent down to pet the puppies, his long fingers effortlessly gaining their attention. They clambered over each other, eager for more affection, but Severa's focus was fixed on his answer.
"You talk in your sleep," he said smoothly, not even looking up as he spoke, as if the revelation was no big deal.
Severa's heart skipped a beat, her face warming with embarrassment. She had a vague memory of falling asleep under the shelter after the rain, exhausted from everything—but talking in her sleep? Her mind raced through possible things she might have said, her stomach twisting at the thought of how much he might have heard.
She tried to regain control of the situation, crossing her arms tightly. "And what exactly did I say?" she asked, her voice more defensive than she intended.
Alexander finally looked up at her, a playful glint still dancing in his eyes. "Nothing too incriminating. Just your name... a couple of other things." He stood up slowly, letting the tension build between them again, his smile infuriatingly calm.
Severa scowled, refusing to let him see her discomfort. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"I won't deny it," he admitted, his smile widening. "But I think you're missing the bigger picture here."
"And what's that?" she snapped.
He tilted his head, studying her with those penetrating blue eyes. "That maybe we keep bumping into each other for a reason."
Severa rolled her eyes, turning away from him to distract herself with the puppies. "You're delusional if you think there's any 'reason' for this."
"Maybe." He stepped closer, his voice softer but more serious now. "But I don't believe in coincidences."
The sincerity in his words caught her off guard, and for a moment, Severa didn't know how to respond. There was something unsettling about the way Alexander seemed to see right through her defenses, and the more time she spent around him, the harder it was to maintain her distance.
But she wasn't about to admit that, especially not to him.
"Coincidence or not," Severa said coolly, finally standing and brushing off her pants, "I'm not looking for anything."
Alexander smiled, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than comfortable. "I didn't think you were."
With that, he gave a slight nod and turned to walk away, leaving Severa standing in the park, a mix of frustration and curiosity swirling inside her. She clenched her fists, unable to stop herself as the words tumbled out.
"I'm not stalking you or anything! I don't even like you!"
Her voice was louder than she intended, and the playful puppies around her scattered in response. Alexander stopped in his tracks, the pause feeling like an eternity, before slowly turning back to face her. His expression was unreadable, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, though his eyes held something deeper.
"Really?" he said, his tone light but laced with a hint of challenge. "Because you seem pretty invested in making that clear."
Severa's cheeks flushed, her frustration mounting. "I just—I'm not! I don't even know why we keep running into each other. It's… it's weird!"
Alexander stepped closer, his movements calm and deliberate, as if he were trying to diffuse the tension rather than stoke it. "Weird?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Or maybe… it's fate?"
"Fate," she scoffed, shaking her head. "Please. I don't believe in fate. You're the one with all the dramatic ideas, not me."
He grinned now, leaning slightly toward her, his voice teasing but with a gentleness that caught her off guard. "Well, you did fall asleep in the rain, get caught talking in your sleep, and now, you're defending yourself in front of a bunch of puppies."
Severa blinked, momentarily speechless. The absurdity of the situation hit her, and despite herself, she laughed. Just a small chuckle at first, but it quickly grew into a genuine laugh. "This is ridiculous," she muttered, covering her face with her hands.
"Glad you're starting to see it," Alexander said with a grin, his eyes never leaving her. "But if it helps, I don't think you're stalking me either."
Severa dropped her hands, narrowing her eyes at him. "Well, that's a relief," she deadpanned, though a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself.
He gave her a wink. "Maybe I'll see you around again—by pure coincidence, of course."
Before Severa could respond, Alexander turned and walked away again, leaving her standing in the park once more, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She stared after him for a moment, her mind trying to make sense of it all, before sighing and crouching back down to pet one of the remaining puppies.
"Ridiculous," she muttered again, though this time, there was a soft warmth in her voice she hadn't expected.