Key Story (3) - Chapter 8
In the days that followed, Sable carried a brightness in her that hadn't been there in a long time. Even on the mornings when a heaviness still lingered, she managed to push through, showing up outside school with a quiet strength, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw Raxian waiting for her. His presence alone seemed to fill her with a renewed resilience, and each day they spent together only deepened the bond between them.
This morning, they reunited with Fayne along the path to school. She was standing just outside the school yard, waiting for them with a warm, understanding smile. As the three of them walked together, Raxian and Sable exchanged a grateful look, both appreciating that she'd waited, even after they'd kept their distance. Fayne seemed to sense it, and as Sable glanced at her with an apologetic smile, Fayne simply nodded, accepting the silent apology without a second thought.
When it came time to part ways for their separate classes, Sable gave Raxian's hand a gentle squeeze, her smile lingering as they let go. Fayne fell into step beside him, glancing over with a soft, knowing smile.
"She seems… she seems to be doing better, doesn't she?" Fayne's voice was warm, filled with relief as she watched Sable's retreating figure.
Raxian nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. She's been stronger than ever, really," he said quietly, his gaze following Sable until she disappeared around the corner. "It's like… she's finally finding her footing again."
Fayne nodded, a fond look crossing her face. "I'm glad. She deserves to feel that way. And… so do you."
Raxian glanced over at her, appreciating the kindness in her words. "Thanks, Fayne. For waiting, for being here. I know we kept you out of the loop, but… I think she needed to get through it in her own way."
Fayne gave him a gentle nudge, her smile widening. "Hey, I get it. You two have been through a lot. Just seeing her like this—seeing you both like this—makes the wait worth it."
As they continued walking, Raxian felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the friends who'd stood by him, for the connections that had endured despite the distance and the challenges. And with Fayne's quiet support beside him, he knew that, together, they were all stronger for it.
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Raxian's mind wandered, thoughts flickering with questions he wanted to ask Fayne. He wondered how she was doing, if she'd received any more of those unsettling messages—but before he could bring it up, they were joined by their friends, and he decided to leave his questions for another time.
When lunch break came around, he accompanied Fayne to the rooftop, where they'd agreed to meet Sable. The rooftop had always been a quiet refuge for her, a place where she could escape the crowds and noise, taking a moment to breathe away from the pressures of school. Usually, it was just Raxian who joined her here, the two of them sharing this private retreat. But today, as they were letting Fayne back into their circle, Sable had decided she wanted Fayne to join them as well—if she felt comfortable.
As they climbed the stairs to the rooftop, Fayne hesitated, glancing at Raxian with a touch of uncertainty. "Are you sure it's alright for me to be here?" she asked softly, sensing the intimacy of the space Sable had created.
Raxian gave her a reassuring nod, a small smile forming. "Yeah. She wants you with us—this is part of us moving forward together."
Reassured, Fayne followed him up to the rooftop. When they stepped out into the open air, they found Sable leaning against the fence, her gaze fixed on the school grounds below, lost in thought. She looked up as they approached, a soft smile crossing her face as they joined her, standing side by side.
Raxian wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, while Fayne reached out to give Sable's arm a gentle, friendly pat. Together, they looked out over the school grounds, a quiet camaraderie settling between them.
Sable exhaled, her voice barely more than a murmur as she spoke. "It's… nice, isn't it?" Her gaze lingered below, a small, contemplative smile on her lips.
Fayne nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah… it really is. It's peaceful up here." She glanced at Sable, offering her a warm smile. "Thank you for letting me be part of this."
Sable's smile widened slightly, her eyes softening. "Of course. I missed having you here. It's good to have all of us together again."
For a few moments, they stood in silence, simply taking in the view, their bond strengthened by this small but meaningful reunion.
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As lunch ended, Fayne sensed it was her cue to leave. She glanced over at Raxian and Sable, the quiet closeness between them clear. With a soft smile, she gave them a small wave, making her way back down the stairwell, leaving the two of them to share the final moments of lunch alone.
Raxian watched her go, appreciating the understanding she'd shown by giving them this space. His gaze shifted back to Sable, a slight reluctance tugging at him. He knew they'd have to part ways again soon, each going to their respective classes, but he wasn't quite ready to let go. Standing on the rooftop, a soft breeze weaving through the quiet, he reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for just a moment.
"Guess I'll see you after class," he murmured, a gentle smile in his eyes.
Sable looked up at him, her eyes warm, her hand reaching out to find his, intertwining their fingers. "Yeah," she replied softly. "I'll be there."
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, drawing her closer. Their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them, and in that quiet, unhurried moment, he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a lingering, tender kiss. The world around them faded, leaving just the warmth of their connection, each heartbeat grounding them in the present.
As they finally parted, Raxian gave her one last smile, his hand brushing against her cheek as he stepped back. "Take care of yourself," he said, his voice low, affectionate.
Sable returned his smile, her gaze steady. "Always. And you too."
With a final nod, he turned, leaving her standing in the sunlight, her presence still with him as he made his way back down the stairs, feeling a renewed strength and calm for the rest of the day.
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After school, the three of them walked together, side by side, their laughter and conversation light, unburdened. Fayne soon parted ways, waving goodbye with a warm smile, mentioning some after-school plans she had lined up. Sable watched her go, feeling a quiet sense of admiration for her friend's busy schedule. She used to have her own version of that—League had been her world. But now, everything felt different, like those routines had slipped away, becoming less important in the wake of everything she'd been through.
As they continued down the quiet streets, Sable leaned into Raxian, her shoulder brushing against his, grounding herself in his steady presence. He slipped an arm around her, pulling her closer, and for a moment, it felt like they were walking in their own little world, sheltered from all the fears and shadows that once haunted them. She felt at peace, as if, for the first time in a long time, she could breathe freely.
But then it happened.
The feeling crept up on her suddenly, a chill running down her spine as though a dark shadow had slipped into their quiet sanctuary. The warmth of Raxian's arm around her didn't reach that part of her, the part that now felt frozen, on edge. And then, almost as if it materialized from thin air, she felt it—a cold, heavy pressure on her arm. It was brief, just a split-second touch, but it was enough to send her heart pounding, her breath catching in her throat. The coldness seemed to linger, as though it had left its mark.
She froze, her body locking up in fear as her gaze darted around. Raxian noticed immediately, his arm around her tightening as he stopped, turning to face her with concern etched across his face.
"Sable?" he murmured, his voice low and careful. "What's wrong?"
But she couldn't bring herself to respond, too shaken to move, her mind racing. Was it real? Or had her imagination twisted her fears again? She didn't know what to believe. The rational part of her said it was just her mind playing tricks—but the touch had felt so tangible, so real.
Raxian's hand gently found hers, his gaze steady as he searched her eyes, trying to anchor her back to the present. She opened her mouth, struggling to find her voice, her heart still hammering in her chest.
"R-Rax…" she managed to whisper, her voice trembling. She could feel his warmth, his presence so close, but the memory of that touch lingered like a shadow, making her question her own senses.
He squeezed her hand, grounding her, his voice filled with quiet reassurance. "I'm right here, Sable. I've got you."
As she clung to his hand, she felt a flicker of calm seep into her, the coldness easing just enough for her to catch her breath. She met his gaze, seeing the fierce protectiveness in his eyes, a promise that he would be there, no matter what.
Sable took a shaky breath, willing herself to steady, but the cold touch lingered in her mind, impossible to shake. She looked around again, her eyes scanning the quiet street, but there was no one—just her and Raxian, and the echo of that icy grip on her arm. Confusion tightened in her chest, a chill spreading as she tried to make sense of it. She clutched her head, a wave of doubt creeping in. Was she losing her mind? It felt so real… but then, maybe everything she'd been through was making her see shadows where there were none.
Raxian stayed close, his hand firm and steady on her shoulder, his gaze worried but unwavering. He didn't speak, just watched her carefully, letting her take the time she needed to process whatever had shaken her so deeply.
Sable's voice came out as a faint, broken whisper. "You were… you were right there, Rax…" She struggled to find the words, her hand instinctively moving to his arm as if needing to confirm he was real, that he hadn't disappeared like a dream. "You were holding me… your arm was around me the whole time."
Raxian nodded, his eyes full of concern. "I was, Sable. I'm right here."
"But…" She swallowed, her voice trembling, as if even saying it out loud would make the experience more real. "But I still… felt it. Like a hand, cold… heavy, pressing down on my arm." Her fingers gripped his arm, her face a mixture of confusion and fear. "I don't know what's real anymore. I felt it, Rax, but… there's no one here. No one but us."
Raxian's face softened, his hand lifting to brush a reassuring thumb along her cheek. "Hey…" he murmured gently, his voice grounding her like a steady anchor in the storm. "I believe you. Whatever you felt—it was real to you. You're not imagining things." He paused, looking around with her, as if to reassure her that he'd stay vigilant, that he wouldn't let her face this alone.
Sable let out a slow breath, leaning slightly into his touch, grounding herself in the warmth of his presence. The lingering memory of the cold touch was still there, gnawing at her, but Raxian's closeness eased the edges of her fear. Even if her mind was playing tricks on her, he was here, real and solid. And for now, that was enough to steady her.
"Thank you," she whispered, her hand loosening its grip on his arm as she straightened, willing herself to shake off the memory of the touch. "It's… it's just hard sometimes, knowing if what I'm feeling is real. But… I'm glad you're here."
"Always," he replied, his hand still gently holding hers, a quiet promise in his gaze. Together, they stood for a moment longer, letting the tension fade, each of them silently resolved to face whatever shadows might still linger, one step at a time.
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As Sable made herself tea downstairs, Raxian waited in her room, glancing around the familiar space that held so much of her presence. His eyes drifted to her phone lying on the desk. He knew her password—she'd shared it with him freely, trusting him completely. He hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt at the thought of invading her privacy, but the worry gnawed at him. He needed to know if Lynx was still tormenting her, if she'd received any more of those messages she was too afraid to mention.
With a quiet breath, he unlocked her phone, his fingers trembling slightly. As he scrolled through her messages, his heart beat faster, the unease building. Just as he was about to set the phone down, it vibrated in his hand with a new message notification.
"Even Raxian's love won't save you."
The words felt like a cold, hard punch, and he could almost feel the malice behind them. His grip tightened on the phone, his mind racing. The message was clear: Lynx knew about them. He knew about him, and the closeness he shared with Sable. Raxian's heart pounded as he reread the message, anger and fear simmering together. He clenched his jaw, feeling helpless yet fiercely protective at the same time.
He glanced toward the doorway, listening to the quiet sounds of Sable moving around downstairs, completely unaware of what he was seeing. Raxian's hands shook slightly as he locked the phone again, setting it back on the desk as if he hadn't touched it. But he couldn't shake the sick feeling in his stomach.
The message was clear, mocking, chilling in its simplicity. He knew they were being watched, but this message drove it home in a way that left him cold.
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As Sable's footsteps approached the stairs, Raxian tried to compose himself. The chill of that message still gripped him, but he forced himself to keep his expression neutral. When she entered the room, holding a steaming cup of tea, she gave him a gentle smile, her face calm, unaware.
She settled beside him, blowing on the tea to cool it, but Raxian could feel the weight of the message burning a hole in his mind. He knew this might shatter some of the trust she had in him, but he couldn't keep it from her. She had a right to know. Taking a steadying breath, he reached for her phone without a word, unlocking it and holding the screen up for her to see.
Sable blinked, her smile fading as she registered the phone in his hand. Her brows knitted in confusion until her gaze dropped to the message on the screen. As her eyes scanned the words, her expression froze, the blood draining from her face.
"Even Raxian's love won't save you."
She stared, her fingers tightening around the cup as if it was an anchor. The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. For a moment, she didn't move, her eyes locked on the words as if she could erase them by sheer willpower. Her hands shook slightly, the cup trembling.
Raxian gently set his hand over hers, grounding her, his voice soft but firm. "Sable… I didn't want to go through your phone, but… I had to know. I had to make sure you were safe." His gaze was steady, filled with concern and quiet strength. "I'm sorry I didn't ask, but… you needed to see this."
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, her fingers tightening around his in a silent plea for reassurance. "Rax… he knows about us. He… he's watching us."
Raxian nodded, his jaw clenched, his own anger barely held in check. "I know. And I'm not going to let him get to you. We'll figure this out. Together."
Sable's eyes met his, a flicker of fear mixed with determination. She took a shaky breath, leaning into his touch. She didn't have to face this alone, not anymore. Even if the message had shaken her to the core, Raxian's presence steadied her.
"Thank you… for showing me," she whispered, her voice fragile but grateful.
Raxian squeezed her hand gently, meeting her gaze with unwavering resolve. "I'm here. We'll get through this, Sable. No matter what it takes."
They sat in silence for a moment, side by side, sharing the weight of that message and the unspoken promise between them.
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The silence between them felt heavy, the air thick with questions neither dared to voice. But in Sable's mind, they were already echoing, relentless and consuming. How much had Lynx seen? How close was he, lurking in the shadows? Had he been there all along, watching their every move? She clung to Raxian, feeling his warmth steady her, but the questions gnawed at her, each one pulling her further into a spiral she couldn't control.
The memories clawed their way to the surface, vivid and brutal. Her heartbeat quickened, her breath coming faster as the weight of what ifs pressed down on her. What if he was just waiting for the right moment? What if he'd seen everything? What if there was no escaping him?
The fear was like a vice, gripping her, suffocating her thoughts until it felt as if the walls were closing in. Her fingers dug into Raxian's arm, desperate, but her mind was already pulling her back to that dark, cold night—back to the street, the shadows. She could feel his hand again, cold and unyielding, clamping over her mouth, the terror freezing her in place as he dragged her backward. The sound of her own muffled cries filled her ears, the panic rising, drowning her in the memory.
Raxian's gentle touch on her shoulder brought her back, his voice low and steady, grounding her. "Sable," he murmured, his voice filled with concern, "I'm right here. You're safe. He's not here."
But her breathing was shallow, her hands shaking as she struggled to pull herself out of the memory, the sense of helplessness refusing to let go. She tried to focus on the present, on the feel of Raxian's arms wrapped securely around her, his presence solid and unwavering. Slowly, she focused on his steady breathing, matching her own breaths to his rhythm, letting him anchor her back to reality.
When she finally managed to look up at him, her face was pale, her eyes filled with the lingering shadows of fear. "Rax… I'm scared. It's like he's always there, just waiting…" Her voice trailed off, barely a whisper.
Raxian cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "I know. But you're not alone in this, Sable. You don't have to carry it all by yourself." His gaze held hers, firm and reassuring. "Whatever it takes, I'll be here. We'll keep moving forward together, no matter what he tries."
Sable nodded, though the fear still lingered, the memory clinging to her like a shadow. But in Raxian's arms, she found a flicker of strength. She didn't have to face this nightmare alone, and even if the terror still haunted her, she knew he would be there, holding her, grounding her every step of the way.
Together, they sat in silence, clinging to each other as they fought the invisible battle against the shadows that loomed, finding solace in the quiet promise between them.
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Seeing her like this again, trembling in his arms, tugged at Raxian's heart in a way he hadn't prepared for. He had watched her work so hard to reclaim her strength, to rebuild herself piece by piece, and yet here she was, haunted by shadows that refused to let her go. The grip Lynx still held over her—this psychological terror that blurred the line between reality and nightmare—left her vulnerable in a way that was painful to witness. The control Lynx wielded wasn't just physical; it was a lingering poison in her mind, a constant, insidious presence that made her question even the safest spaces.
His thoughts drifted back to earlier that day, to the moment she'd frozen, convinced she'd felt someone touch her arm. Raxian couldn't shake the question—had it been real? Or was her mind, still raw and scarred, manifesting those fears in ways that felt all too tangible to her? Either way, the effect was the same: Sable couldn't feel safe, not even in her own room, not even with him by her side.
He held her tighter, hoping his presence would offer some comfort, some shield against the darkness in her mind. But the look in her eyes—the lingering terror, the uncertainty—left him feeling helpless, as if his best wasn't enough. He had promised to protect her, to keep her safe, yet here she was, slipping back into a place he couldn't fully reach.
What could he do? She'd made so much progress, pulling herself out of the darkness, reclaiming bits of herself she'd thought were lost forever. And now, Lynx's shadow threatened to undo it all, pulling her back down.
Raxian's hand brushed gently over her hair, his voice soft and steady as he tried to anchor her. "Sable," he whispered, his tone filled with a fierce tenderness, "I'm here. Right here. And I'm not going anywhere." He looked down at her, feeling the depth of her fear, wishing he could pull it from her mind and shoulder it himself.
But he knew he couldn't. This was her battle as much as his, and all he could do was stay by her side, be her anchor when she needed one. It hurt to see her regress, to see her lose ground she had fought so hard to gain. But he reminded himself that healing wasn't always a straight path. She'd shown incredible strength to get this far, and he believed in her resilience, even now, as the shadows closed in.
"Whatever happens," he murmured, his voice unwavering, "we'll get through this. Every step, I'll be here with you." He held her close, hoping that somehow, his presence could help her fight the battle raging inside her.
And as she nestled closer, her breathing finally beginning to even out, Raxian resolved that he would stay, unwavering, through every high and low. Because as long as he was there, he knew there was a part of her that could keep fighting, even if she needed him to carry her through the darkness sometimes. Together, they would face the shadows, one moment, one day at a time.
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Raxian had been endlessly patient with Sable, understanding her need to step back again, even after all the progress she'd made. When she confided in him that she didn't feel strong enough to return to school, he hadn't questioned her, only reassured her that he'd support her, no matter how long it took. Still, as he left for school alone each morning, a quiet frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior. The sight of her empty seat weighed on him, a reminder of everything Lynx had stolen from her. Damn him, he thought. If he ever found Lynx, he would let his fists speak the rage that had been building inside him since this nightmare began.
And now, with Fayne rejoining their circle, it was even more important to keep the bonds strong, not just for Sable's sake but for Fayne's, too. The thought of shutting Fayne out again, of losing that connection, was something he couldn't bear. Fayne had been patient with him, too, standing on the sidelines, waiting for the right moment to reconnect. Now that she was back in his life, he didn't want to jeopardize it, especially knowing how much she had been through on her own.
But as Raxian made his way through the crowded halls, past familiar faces and classrooms, his mind still lingered on Sable. His thoughts circled around her constantly—whether she was okay, whether the shadows had found her even in the safety of her home, and whether she felt his absence as deeply as he felt hers. Every time his phone buzzed, he hoped it was her, even just a simple message to let him know she was managing. It was hard, being apart, knowing that she was struggling without him by her side.
He knew he had to trust that Sable was taking the time she needed, that she'd reach out when she was ready. But it didn't make it any easier, especially not with the anger he held toward Lynx, this faceless tormentor who had robbed Sable of her peace, of her normal life. If he ever got the chance, he'd make sure Lynx paid for everything he'd put her through. But for now, all he could do was wait, balancing his loyalty to Sable with his commitment to Fayne and everyone else who needed him.
As he headed toward the classroom, he took a deep breath, steadying himself. He'd be there for Fayne, and he'd be there for Sable, even from afar. And until Sable was ready to come back, he'd make sure her seat was always waiting for her, knowing that one day, when she was ready, she'd walk back through those doors, stronger than ever. For now, he'd carry her through his thoughts, holding her close in his mind, even as he moved forward on his own.
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Noticing Sable's absence yet again, Fayne couldn't help the soft sigh that escaped her. The sight of Sable's empty seat gnawed at her, a quiet reminder of the friend she missed and the uncertainty surrounding her absence. She cast a quick glance in Raxian's direction, watching him settle into his seat with a composed but unmistakably weary expression.
For a moment, she thought about asking him what had happened—if there had been some new setback, something that had pulled Sable back into the shadows just as she'd started to come out of them. But she hesitated, catching herself. She knew it wasn't her place to pry, not unless Raxian was ready to share. Theirs was a deeply private struggle, a pain they carried close to the heart. She didn't want to intrude, didn't want to risk reopening wounds that were still so raw.
Yet the worry lingered, a quiet ache for both of them. She'd seen glimpses of Sable's struggles, and though she didn't know every detail, she could imagine how much Raxian was carrying on his shoulders. They'd only just begun to reconnect, and she didn't want to push him, didn't want to risk losing the tentative closeness they'd started to rebuild.
So instead, Fayne simply offered a small, gentle smile when he glanced her way, a silent reassurance that she was there if he needed her. She hoped he understood—that he knew she'd wait patiently, that she'd listen when the time was right. For now, she kept her questions to herself, trusting that if Raxian needed her support, he'd feel safe enough to reach out.
As class began, Fayne's heart quietly willed her friend the strength to return when she was ready.
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When Sable finally felt ready to return to school, she held onto that determination, hoping it would be enough to steady her, to carry her through each day. For a while, she managed, pushing through the whispers and glances, focusing on her classes, trying to convince herself that she could reclaim this part of her life. But the weight of her past lingered, a shadow at the edge of her thoughts, one she couldn't shake.
It was during gym class when everything unraveled. She was playing volleyball, standing near the net as her teammates rallied, adrenaline rushing through her as she prepared to jump and hit the ball back over the net. But as she leapt, something shifted in her mind. Mid-air, she froze. Her eyes went wide, memories flooding her vision, taking over, a tidal wave of terror crashing down on her. She felt herself slipping away, the gym, the sounds, her classmates—all fading into a dark, cold space she couldn't escape.
She crumpled to the floor, the thud of her body hitting the floor jolting her classmates into action. Everything became a blur of muffled voices and concerned faces as students and the teacher gathered around her. Sable couldn't move, couldn't speak at first, her mind still trapped in that dark memory, until she became vaguely aware of someone lifting her up, helping her to sit.
The teacher's voice was gentle but urgent. "Sable, are you alright? Can you hear me?" Her face filled with concern, she carefully escorted Sable to the nurse's office, murmuring comforting words as they walked. Sable's heart pounded, her vision still hazy, her mind struggling to reconnect to reality as she sat down on one of the beds, trying to steady her breathing, her hands trembling.
She didn't fully understand what had happened, the memory still so vivid, the fear lingering. Alone in the quiet of the nurse's office, she took slow, shallow breaths, waiting for the nurse to arrive, trying to piece herself back together.
But news of the incident had already spread, and it didn't take long for Raxian to hear the whispers, the rumors swirling through the halls. The moment he heard her name, heard the mention of gym class and her collapse, he didn't hesitate. Ignoring his teacher's protests, he bolted from the classroom, his heart pounding as he made his way to the nurse's office, dread pooling in his stomach.
He burst through the door, his heart racing, his eyes darting around the room until they found her. Sable was sitting on the bed, her face pale, her eyes wide and unfocused, hands clenched tightly in her lap. She looked so fragile, so shaken, that it felt like someone had driven a fist straight through his chest. Without thinking, he crossed the room in quick, urgent strides, his movements anything but calm.
"Sable," he breathed, his voice rough with worry as he crouched down beside her. She didn't speak, barely even seemed to register his presence. Her whole body was trembling, her breathing shallow and uneven, her gaze distant and unfocused, as if she was still trapped in whatever memory had pulled her under.
Gently, he reached for her hand, his own shaking as he held it between his. "Hey," he murmured, his voice cracking. "Sable, it's me. I'm right here. You're safe." He squeezed her hand, hoping to ground her, to pull her back from wherever her mind had taken her. He didn't care about the teacher, about the looks he'd gotten on his way here—nothing mattered except being here with her.
Her fingers closed around his slowly, her grip weak but desperate, like she was clinging to a lifeline. He felt a rush of helpless anger, a fierce desire to protect her from the horrors she was carrying, but he pushed it down, focusing entirely on her.
"Breathe with me, Sable," he whispered, keeping his voice as steady as he could. He breathed deeply, exaggerating the rise and fall of his chest, guiding her with each breath until he could feel her start to follow his lead, her breathing slowing little by little. Her eyes flickered, beginning to focus as she looked at him, her gaze haunted, still full of fear.
Raxian's heart twisted painfully. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I should have been there with you."
The words didn't reach her right away, but slowly, she leaned into him, letting him pull her closer. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, fiercely, as if he could shield her from all the pain and fear clawing at her. Her head rested against his shoulder, and he could feel the subtle, steadying beat of her heart against him, a small sign that she was starting to calm, even if only a little.
They sat in silence, his arms wrapped protectively around her, until she was able to take a full, steady breath. He could feel her relaxing slightly, her grip on his shirt loosening, but he didn't let go. He didn't want to let her go, not when she'd been through so much.
In that quiet moment, Raxian made a silent promise to himself. Whatever it took, he'd be there for her, no matter how many times she needed him. He'd help her find her way back to herself, even if it meant fighting her demons alongside her.
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The nurse stepped quietly into the room, her eyes softening with sympathy as she took in the sight of Raxian holding Sable close, his face etched with concern. She gave him a gentle, understanding smile as she moved closer. "She's lucky to have you here," she said warmly, her voice soft, careful not to disrupt the fragile calm settling around them.
Raxian looked up at her, managing a small, grateful nod, though his heart was still racing. He loosened his hold slightly, allowing the nurse to step in as she began to check on Sable, speaking in a calm, soothing tone. "I've heard a few things… just bits from the other students," she said gently as she examined Sable's pulse, her gaze full of empathy. "She's been through a lot, hasn't she?"
Raxian hesitated, glancing down at Sable, who was now resting with her eyes closed, her breathing more even. He nodded quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah… more than anyone should have to."
The nurse gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, her eyes kind. "You're doing a wonderful job being here for her," she said, her voice steady. She hesitated, looking thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "But… has she had a chance to talk to someone? A counselor, a therapist, anyone who might be able to help her work through this?"
Raxian's expression grew thoughtful, the question lingering. "We… we've talked about it," he admitted, his voice low. "But she's not… ready to open up to anyone else. Not yet."
The nurse nodded in understanding, her expression empathetic. "That's understandable. Healing takes time, and trust isn't easy to give after everything she's been through. But when she's ready, having someone to guide her might make all the difference."
Raxian took a steadying breath, glancing back at Sable, feeling both protective and helpless all at once. "I just… I don't know if I'm enough," he murmured, his voice laced with worry. "I'm trying to be there, but sometimes… it feels like I can't really help her, not the way she needs."
The nurse's hand lingered on his shoulder, her eyes filled with compassion. "You're already helping her more than you realize. Just being here, being someone she can lean on, is a huge step. But remember to take care of yourself too. Supporting her doesn't mean you have to carry it all alone."
Raxian nodded, the nurse's words resonating with him. He looked down at Sable, his hand still gently holding hers, feeling the weight of his own promise to stay by her side—and the hope that, someday, she'd be ready to take that next step toward healing.
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The nurse finished her checkup, her expression gentle but resolute as she turned to Sable. "I think it would be best if you took the day off, Sable," she said softly, her tone compassionate but firm. "Rest up, give yourself a little time."
Sable glanced up, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, but the nurse gave her an encouraging smile. "Raxian," she added, turning to him, "I imagine you wouldn't be able to focus much on the rest of your classes either." Her gaze held a knowing warmth, a silent understanding that he wouldn't want to leave Sable alone, not after what had happened.
Raxian nodded without hesitation, grateful for her perceptiveness, and helped Sable to her feet. Together, they made their way down the quiet halls and out of the building, Raxian keeping close, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder as if he could shield her from the world outside.
The fresh air hit them as they stepped out, and Raxian let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Sable looked pale, her eyes distant as she took in their surroundings, but she relaxed slightly as they walked, Raxian's presence steady beside her.
They walked in silence for a while, Raxian letting her set the pace, his mind focused solely on making sure she was comfortable, that she felt safe. When she stumbled slightly on the path, he was quick to catch her, his hand slipping into hers, giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze.
"You don't have to say anything," he murmured quietly, sensing the weight of everything she was carrying. "Just… let me be here with you."
Sable gave him a faint, grateful smile, leaning into him as they continued walking. The warmth of his hand in hers, the calm steadiness of his presence, gave her something solid to hold onto as her mind slowly began to settle, the remnants of fear easing with each step.
They didn't have a destination in mind, and that was fine. They just wandered, letting the day unfold around them, the quiet moments between them a reminder that, despite everything, she wasn't alone.
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"Rax..." Sable's voice was barely a whisper, her steps slowing until she came to a stop, her gaze fixed on the ground. Her fingers tightened around his hand, a tremor running through her as she struggled to find the words. "I can't… control my mind," she murmured, her voice laced with a fragile desperation. "It's like… I'm still trapped there, no matter how hard I try. I feel like I have no control."
Raxian turned to face her, his heart clenching as he took in the vulnerability in her expression, the weight she carried that no one else could fully understand. He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently drawing her gaze up to meet his.
"Sable," he said softly, his voice full of tenderness. "I know… I can't imagine how much you're carrying. But you're not alone. Every step, even when it feels like you're going backwards… I'll be right here."
Her eyes filled with a mixture of relief and frustration, and she shook her head slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "But I feel… I feel so destroyed, Rax. Like no matter what I do, it's always going to be this way. I can't escape it."
He listened, letting her words sink in, knowing how hard it was for her to share this part of herself. Slowly, he reached up, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "Maybe… maybe it'll take time," he said, his voice steady, patient. "And maybe it's not something you have to fix all at once. Even if it's just a little at a time, I'll be here."
She let out a shaky breath, her shoulders dropping as she leaned into him, allowing herself to feel his steadying warmth. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I don't know how I'd even get through this without you."
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, letting her feel the strength of his presence. "You don't have to. I'm not going anywhere, no matter how long it takes."
They stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Raxian holding her as if his very touch could shield her from the shadows within her. And in that moment, she felt, for the first time in a long time, that maybe—just maybe—she didn't have to face this alone.