The Love From Vengeance

378: EMBERS OF FEAR

ARIEL’S POV

With a frustrated sigh, I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cool air of the room offering a stark contrast to the fevered heat that pulsed beneath my skin. I ran a hand through my tangled hair, trying to quiet the tumult of thoughts that churned within me.

The soft glow of the lamp cast long shadows against the walls, their dance a mocking reminder of the darkness that lurked just beyond the reach of the light. I shivered, feeling as though I were teetering on the edge of a precipice, poised to plunge into the abyss below.

I paced the room, the floorboards creaking beneath my weight as I sought refuge from the turmoil of my own mind. But no matter where I turned, the specter of doubt followed, its icy grip tightening with each passing moment.

I longed for the comfort of sleep and the respite it promised from the relentless onslaught of my own fears. But as the hours stretched on, it became increasingly clear that rest would not come easily, if it came at all.

With a heavy heart, I returned to bed, pulling the covers tightly around me as if they could offer protection from the demons that haunted my dreams. Closing my eyes, I tried to quiet the tumult of my thoughts and find some semblance of peace amidst the chaos.

But as the night wore on, the darkness only seemed to deepen, enveloping me in its cold embrace. And as the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains, I realized that sleep would remain a distant dream, forever out of reach in the wake of the nightmare that had consumed me.

I sat in the darkness, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket, and then a soft knock echoed through the room, breaking the silence. My heart lurched in my chest, a surge of panic coursing through me at the unexpected interruption.

“Who is it?” I called out, my voice barely above a whisper, hoping against hope that the answer would offer some reprieve from the fermentation that churned within me.

“It’s me, Ariel, came the familiar voice of my mother. “Can I come in?”

I hesitated, my hand hovering over the doorknob as conflicting emotions warred within me.

I replied, with my voice shuddering. “I… I can’t

before she spoke again, her tone softer now, moving with understanding. “Alright, sweetheart.

lump in my throat threatening to choke me as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. “Thank you, Mom,” I whispered, my voice barely audible even to my own

down the hallway, leaving me once more alone. with

OF FEAR

2/3

raging within me was not done yet. But for now, I would face it alone, drawing strength from the flickering ember of

drove my hands through my hair, wondering why she had come

and sluggish from the restless night. Rubbing the sleep from

1. me.

deep breath, I pushed back the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cool wooden floor offering a welcome contrast to the fevered heat that still lingered within me. Standing up, I stretched my arms above my head,

the edges of my frayed nerves. Gathering my resolve, I made my way to the bathroom,

let the hot water cascade over me, washing away the remnants of the night and easing the tension that had settled into my muscles. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself

of renewal wash over me, as if the act of cleansing had somehow

set about getting ready for the day ahead, feeling a sense

stepped out of the bathroom, and I went to pick a dress. Just when I was doing that, I heard multiple notifications pop up on my

could just talk shit all they want, while I would live my life around

deep sigh, and right after that

the bed. I could hear the sound of

with my morning routine, and I reached for the bottle of lotion, its familiar scent bringing a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of my thoughts. Squeezing a generous amount into my palm, I smoothed the creamy lotion over my skin, the gentle massage helping to ground me in the present moment.