Magic Under Darkness

Unravel

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

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UNRAVEL

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'LIE & TRUTH.'

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It was one of those mornings when all Alex wanted was to retreat into the comfort of sleep, letting its embrace shield him from the ache gnawing inside. But hunger nudged at him, and thoughts of all he needed to say to Celeste tugged him awake. With a reluctant sigh, he blinked open his weary eyes, only to find Celeste already awake. Her gaze rested on him, distant yet intense, as if caught in some foggy reverie that held her somewhere far away.

Alex squinted, uncertain if his vision was playing tricks on him, blurred by exhaustion and the sting of sleeplessness. He tried to sit up, but a sharp jolt of pain shot through his shoulder, making him wince. The movement seemed to snap Celeste from her trance, and she quickly leaned forward, reaching out to help him.

"Alex, hold still. You've got to be careful with that shoulder—no strain for at least a week," Celeste advised, her tone both firm and caring. Rising from the bed, she made her way around to his side, settling beside him with gentle purpose. With a steady hand, she eased him into a sitting position, her touch careful and reassuring.

"Good morning. I'm fine, really. No need to worry, Celeste..." Alex murmured through a yawn, his eyes catching on Celeste, who was already dressed and refreshed. She wore a crisp white button-up and black jeans, her hair loose and still slightly damp.

A gentle smile touched her lips as she leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "Good morning, love," she replied warmly.

A quiet two minutes passed between them, each searching for a way to begin, yet unsure where to start. Celeste hesitated as the weight of last night's remorseful moment was still heavy on her heart from when she had badly hurt him. Regret kept her silent, unwilling to speak first, feeling she had no right to break the silence unless Alex chose to do so.

After a moment, Alex sensed her hesitation and, understanding her unspoken thoughts, took the initiative to speak. "So... what happened to everyone? I mean, Katherin and her group..." He cast a quick glance at Celeste, but she only stared down at her hands, her fingers fidgeting nervously.

Then, without a word, she stood up and responded, though her answer seemed to stray in an entirely different direction.

"Let's get you into a nice, warm shower, treat your wounds, have a good breakfast, and then... we'll talk," she suggested, her voice soft. She extended her hand towards him, offering a smile that was gentle but didn't quite reach her eyes. The moment he saw it, he knew—without a doubt—that something was weighing heavily on her heart.

Without a second thought, he nodded and gently placed his hand in hers. She, in turn, slid her other hand to his back, offering steady support as she helped him rise. Together, they moved towards the attached bathroom, her grip careful and guiding as they made their way.

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Surprisingly, the morning moved at a slow pace, and Alex found himself grateful for it. The calmness felt soothing, a peaceful stillness settling around him. It was as if his instincts were telling him, deep down, that everything would... be all right.