When Layla Finally Opened Her Eyes
A pale light filtered through the window, gently brushing the room.
Her body still felt heavy, numbed by sleep and exhaustion.
But what caught her attention immediately was Idris' deep voice echoing from outside.
She turned her head, her gaze falling on the slightly open door.
Beyond it, in the courtyard, Idris stood surrounded by several soldiers.
His face was unreadable, his dark eyes sharp.
He spoke in a clipped tone, issuing orders with a cold, controlled voice.
He seemed irritated, but more than that… concerned.
Intrigued, Layla tried to get up.
A wave of dizziness hit her, but she steadied herself against the wall and carefully stepped toward the door.
As she crossed the threshold, Idris abruptly turned to her.
His gaze darkened even further.
— You again? he muttered, exasperated.
In just a few swift strides, he was in front of her.
— You keep proving that you should go home. Do you even realize how close you were to losing your shoulder?
His eyes gleamed with something unsettling.
Layla frowned.
— How did you do it? she asked, her voice still weak. I barely feel any pain… Are you an alchemist?
Idris gave a brief smile, one that was both amused and enigmatic.
— Or maybe you're simply stronger than you think.
Before she could reply, he slipped an arm under her legs, the other behind her back, and lifted her effortlessly.
— Hey! she protested, her cheeks flushing slightly.
— Go back to bed. His tone left no room for argument.
He gently set her down on the mattress, adjusting the blankets over her.
— We'll stay here until you recover.
His gaze hardened.
— Don't cause any more trouble. You'll be going home soon.
A weight settled in Layla's chest.
She lowered her eyes.
Soon… Home…
Why did those words feel like a loss?
Or rather… like losing someone?
She stole a glance at Idris as he turned away.
He walked back to his men with steady steps, as if none of this had affected him.
But as he moved away, a faint smile touched his lips.
Layla remained still, her heart tightening.
Since when does this place feel more familiar than my own home?
Or maybe…
Since when has it been him?
The days had passed in an eerie calm.
Layla was healing, little by little, and each day, she saw Oris tending to her in silence.
She could read the exhaustion on his face, the occasional flicker of worry but also a distance she could not understand.
And yet, she felt her attachment grow.
As if he had always been there.
But that morning, as she slowly woke, she heard his voice echoing outside.
— Prepare the carriage.
Her heart clenched violently.
She shot upright.
It was today.
Panic surged through her, uncontrollable.
She leapt from the bed, threw the door open, and shouted:
— Your Majesty! I'm not going anywhere!
A tense silence fell over the room.
Oris stopped in his tracks.
Then, slowly, his fists clenched, and he turned.
His eyes were dark stormy.
In a flash, his hand struck the door beside her with restrained force, and he stepped inside.
— I didn't ask for your opinion.
His voice was ice.
— You're leaving.
He advanced toward her, his gaze burning with anger.
— I was wrong. You're not an alchemist.
A shiver ran down Layla's spine.
She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Then, summoning her courage, she shot back:
— I don't care. I'm staying! You can't force me!
Oris' gaze hardened instantly.
A heavy silence settled between them.
Then, in a lower, more dangerous tone, he murmured:
— Do you want me to show you how much I can force you?
She took a step back.
— I… I won't leave.
Oris ran a hand through his hair, visibly agitated.
An exasperated breath escaped him before he abruptly turned and walked out.
Layla stood frozen, her heart pounding violently.
Since when had he frightened her?
Or rather…
Since when had she feared never seeing him again?
But just as she regained her senses, she heard the sharp sound of hooves.
She rushed to the entrance, ready to stop him.
But the guards stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
Beyond them, Oris was already on horseback, riding away without a single glance back.
Layla's stomach twisted.
— Oris! she cried out.
But he did not turn.
She clenched her fists, her breath coming fast.
Was this how it was supposed to end?