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.

replied, with my voice shuddering. “I… I can’t right now. I just need some

softer now, moving with understanding. “Alright, sweetheart. But just know that I’m here for you, whenever you’re

as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. “Thank you, Mom,” I whispered, my

retreated down the hallway, leaving me

EMBERS OF FEAR

2/3

the distance, I knew that the battle raging within me was not done yet. But for now, I would face it alone, drawing strength from the flickering ember of hope that still burned within me, refusing to be extinguished by the

eyes and walking to my bed. I drove my hands through

feeling heavy and sluggish from the restless night. Rubbing the sleep from

1. me.

a welcome contrast to the fevered heat that still lingered within me. Standing up, I stretched my arms above my head,

light of morning filled the room, bringing about everything in a gentle glow that seemed to soothe the edges of my frayed nerves. Gathering my resolve, I made my way to the bathroom, the tiles cool beneath my bare feet as I turned on the faucet

remnants of the night and easing the tension that had settled into my muscles. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to

shower, wrapped in a fluffy towel, and I felt a sense of renewal wash over me, as if the act of cleansing had somehow purged the

be, I set about getting ready for the

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 phone.

didn’t even know what to say. I literally had now words for them. They could just talk shit all they want, while I would live my life around here, trying to fix the broken

a deep sigh, and right after that

hear the sound of more notifications, but I

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