everybody talks | luke castellan

chill, loverboy

⠀⠀⠀The following week was rough for both Luke and Alessandra. While Alessandra gradually recovered from her injuries under the close supervision of the camp healers, Luke found himself plagued by guilt and uncertainty.

He never meant to cause her harm. He would never harm her.

With a sigh, Luke glanced out across the shimmering surface of the lake, the gentle lapping of the waves a soothing backdrop to their conversation. He knew that he would do anything to protect Alessandra, to keep her safe from harm's way but it was his hands that had hurt her. He wasn't too sure about the protection he could offer and promise her when he was the one who had done it first.

Luke sat alone by the edge of the lake, lost in thought, pondering to himself what he had done and how he regretted it so much, when he heard footsteps approaching causing him to turn around, eyes widening with surprise. It was Alessandra who was approaching him without any ounce of hesitation or dislike towards him.

That made him somehow relieved.

"Alessandra," Luke greeted her, his voice tinged with surprise as he glanced up from where he sat. "How are you feeling? Are you even allowed to be here?"

Alessandra offered him a small smile, though there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. "Better, I just got dismissed from the infirmary," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for asking."

Luke nodded, his expression somber as he studied her closely. "I'm sorry," he said suddenly, his words tumbling out in a rush. "For what happened. For causing you harm."

Alessandra's smile faltered, her gaze dropping to the ground as she considered his words. "It wasn't your fault," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the waves. "It was just a sparring match, Luke. These things happen."

But Luke shook his head, a frown creasing his brow as he reached out to grasp her hand gently. "No, it wasn't just a sparring match," he insisted, his voice earnest. "I pushed you too hard, I should have been more careful."

Alessandra met his gaze, her eyes softening with understanding. "You were just doing what you had to do," she said quietly. "And besides, I'm not made of glass, Luke. I can handle a few bumps and bruises."

Alessandra's words resonated with Luke, echoing in the recesses of his mind as he recalled the events of that fateful night. The memory of carrying Alessandra's limp form through the darkness haunted him, the weight of her body heavy in his arms as he raced against time to save her.

"But you looked like glass when I was carrying you," Luke thought, the image of Alessandra's pale, unconscious face etched into his memory like a fragile porcelain doll. The sight had shaken him to his core, filling him with a sense of dread and desperation. It was like Thalia all over again.

As he gazed at Alessandra now, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding, Luke couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt gnawing at his conscience. He knew that he had done what he had to do to protect his team, but the thought of causing harm to someone he cared about still weighed heavily on him.

Luke's lips quirked in a faint smile at her words, though there was still a shadow of doubt lingering in his eyes. "I suppose you're right," he conceded, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But still, I can't help but feel responsible for what happened."

Alessandra squeezed his hand reassuringly, her touch warm and comforting. "You don't have to feel guilty for doing something you had to do for the sake of your team, Luke," she said softly. "Besides, it also reminded me of how I'm not invincible out there. Thank you."

Luke felt a weight lift off his shoulders as Alessandra spoke, her comfort flooding over him. He turned to look at her, gratitude shining in his eyes as he squeezed her hand in return.