Castlevania Nocturne: A Guardian's Tale (Part 1)

Ange Gardien

**Authors note:**
****This chapter contains a mention of attempted suicide.*****

Rain pattered on the window pane. Even at the rooster's crow I slept in, the sky darkened enough I didn't wake at sunrise. I doubted anyone would seek me in the  rain unless it was a dire emergency.

Emmaline stirred next to me, curled up on her side cocooned within the blanket with her arms and legs tucked into her body, unintentionally mirroring me. She groaned, clicking her teeth.

"Morning Bee." I murmured, stretching my limbs from my own cocoon.

"Morning Mom." Emma stretched her limbs out in front of her like a cat. "Have I overslept?"

"I think so." I yawned. "I did too. Sounds like it's pouring out there." I got up and looked out the window. The sky deep grey as the rain misted the treetops, neither a downpour nor a drizzle. "Looks like the storm lightened up from last night."

"Mmhm." Emma agreed, still laying in bed and less inclined to get up.

"How are you feeling , Em?" I rubbed her shoulder.

"Much better." Emma slowly nodded. "Thanks for letting me stay with you last night."

"Think nothing of it." I kissed her cheek when she turned over. "I hope it helped you sleep easier."

"It did." Emma admitting. "Having you next to me, hearing your familiar breath and heartbeat, was a tremendous comfort especially with the thunder going off all night..."

"I understand." I brushed her hair. "I'm so sorry."

"Thanks." Emma sighed, hugging me back and nuzzling into me. "Never thought I'd be sleeping in your bed because I was terrified of thunder again." She chuckled dryly, trying to make light of it, before yawning. "I'm sorry I scared you last night, Mother."

"It's all right Emmaline." I hushed her. "There's nothing to apologize for. I understand."

"It's crazy how close thunder sounds to canon-fire." Emma's chest shuddered against mine. "I panicked. "

"It's okay, my dear."

"For now it is." Emma sighed. "There's no thunder."

"Well, the next time there is, you can stay with me for the night. That goes for every thunderstorm from now on as long as you're living under my roof."

"Thank you Mother." Emma smiled. "Truly."

"Anything to make you feel safe, my Bee."

Emma closed her eyes and made a relieved thrum from deep within her chest. I didn't release her from my hug until she let go.

The rain went on through the morning. I kept the office open, though understandably nobody showed up. Emma and I spent time by organizing the pharmacy, counting our inventory, and generally cleaning up the place. "Something bothering you Mom?" Emma noticed, or perhaps scented a hint of concern I attempted to subdue. I know I promised Juste to visit him on rainy days, but she needs me. Last night was a lot.

"No. I'm all right."  I answered in my warm voice.

Emma cocked a brow unconvinced.

"Actually, there are errands I need to get done." I fibbed.

"Then go and get them done." Emma smiled. "It's just rain, you won't melt."

"The rain doesn't bother me. " I chuckled.

"Then why not head into town?" Emma's eyes widened in a striking similarity to her father's. "Mother, I'm fine now. It is all right."