In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 39

Lucas quietly entered the room, the door clicking softly behind him. It had been six hours, not one like he promised, but he had needed that time. To plan. To make sure they were safe. And as he stepped into the quiet room, his heart softened when he saw Mia still asleep, curled up on the bed.

She looked peaceful, her chest rising and falling in gentle rhythm, unaware of the storm she'd just survived. He placed his book bag down on the small table near the door and began unpacking the essentials-things he'd gathered to keep them safe. As he moved, his eyes drifted toward the mirror. He didn't like what he saw. A few bruises were starting to form on his face, reminders of the altercation earlier. He wiped at them with the heel of his hand, almost as if he could erase the evidence of what he'd been through.

He glanced back at Mia, her face still calm in sleep. A surge of something painful twisted in his chest. She didn't deserve any of this. She didn't deserve to be caught up in his mess, to face the dangers he had brought into her life. It felt like the weight of it all was pushing down on him.

With a quiet breath, he walked closer to the bed, kneeling down beside her. He couldn't help but stare at her, his heart aching. She had gone through so much, all because of him. She had trusted him, followed him into the unknown-and he hated that she had to carry the burden of his choices.

His gaze moved to the nightstand, and there, he noticed the leather journal. Mia's handwriting was there, the pages open to the last entry. He couldn't stop himself from reading the few lines that were written:

"I don't know what's happening. Lucas... he's not the person I thought I knew. But tonight, he saved me. I don't know if this is the end or just the beginning of something worse, but right now, I need to believe this is enough to keep going."

His heart clenched. He didn't know what to say. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She shouldn't have to go through it, shouldn't have to find herself tangled up in his world.

As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, he felt a soft touch on his hair. Startled, he turned his head, his eyes meeting Mia's sleepy ones. She was awake.

Her fingers still brushed through his hair gently, and a sleepy smile tugged at her lips. "Lucas..." she murmured, her voice soft and hoarse from sleep. "You're back." Her hand lingered on his hair for a moment before she pulled it back, blinking up at him in confusion, like she couldn't quite remember how long she'd been asleep.

His heart melted as he stared at her, the ache inside him easing just a little. "Yeah," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I'm back. You're safe."

Mia's hand reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his face, her eyes scanning him. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly, her fingers lingering on the bruise on his cheek. She looked concerned, her brow furrowed with worry.

He shook his head slightly, trying to brush it off. "It's nothing," he said, but there was a softness in his eyes. "I'm just glad you're here. You're okay."

Lucas sat down across from Mia, his expression serious but soft as he set the scissors down on the table. "Mia," he started, his voice a little hesitant, "I think we need to change your appearance. You're going to need a different look. Short hair, fake glasses... something to throw them off if Daisy's already told them about you."

He watched her closely, expecting her to be upset. He knew how attached she was to her long hair and couldn't blame her. It was a big change. But Mia surprised him.

She looked at him, her lips curving into a smile. "Short hair and glasses, huh?" she repeated, clearly intrigued by the idea. "I mean, I guess it could work. I've always wanted to try something new anyway."