Page 50 of Aine

AINE

My fingers curlaround the doorframe as I peek into Damien’s bedroom, my heart pounding as I stare at his body sprawled on the bed. I was so focused on getting into my room last night that I didn’t even bother to look in his, but I wish I did.

He probably wouldn’t be dead, then.

The floorboards creak as I tiptoe toward his body, my panic rising the closer I get. He didn’t even change out of his clothing or take off his shoes before falling face-first into the sheets. His face is smooshed into a pillow, and I wait anxiously to see if his back moves with breath.

My pulse quickens when it doesn’t. I reach out to touch his shoulder, softly prodding at the muscle. The beasts will kill me when they discover what I’ve done to their leader.

I could’ve gotten a head start on running if I’d realized last night.

His body’s warm as I press my hand against it, the sign of life filling me with hope as I shake him. He doesn’t react to my light push, so I try again, spreading my fingers and rocking his shoulder into the mattress.

“Are you okay?” Olivia asks.

I jump, trying not to look too guilty when I spot her standing in the doorway. She’s still in her pajamas, and if her messy hair’s anything to go by, I’d say she just crawled out of bed.

“I’m trying to wake him up.”

Olivia hums, her lips twitching as she glances at Damien and steps into the room. She seems a bit nervous as she approaches, her movements slow and timid.

“That’s maybe not a good idea,” she admits, frowning at his body before turning back to me. “He’s quite grumpy in the mornings.”

“Fuck off, Olivia.”

I sag at the sound of his voice, relief flooding my system as Damien wraps his arms around his pillow. He groans before moving his head so he’s looking at us, his eyes hazy and unfocused.

Olivia’s quick to hurry out of the room, not hesitating to leave me alone with Damien.

“Will you take off my shoes?” He groans, his voice slurred from sleep.

He blinks slowly as he waits for my response, his body gradually curling in on itself. As much as I believe he deserved to be given the sleeping medicine, I worry I may have given him too much.

I’ll only give him half tonight.

Damien kicks his leg out when I don’t move, his desire for me to remove his shoes quite evident. The action’s childish but effective as I step closer and grab his leg.

I’m wary he’s going to try to grab me or something, but he remains still as I untie the laces and slip his shoe off his foot. His breathing grows deeper as I do the same with his other leg, his neck turning so he can bury his face in the pillow again.

It feels like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders. I was entirely convinced I’d killed him and would have to run away before anybody found out. Still on edge, I check one last time that he’s breathing before leaving.

Olivia’s already in the bathroom getting ready, and I rush to get dressed myself. It’s still early, and I should have enough time to get breakfast from the dining hall before needing to be at the gardens.

Freya makes no attempts to hide her staring as I head outside. I gulp and look ahead, refusing to meet her gaze for fear of provoking her. I’m surprised Damien’s letting her stay after all the pain she’s caused Alex, but I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked. He’s never claimed to be a good man, nor have his actions ever suggested so.

He clearly doesn’t care about Alex as much as a brother should.

There’s only a small handful of people in the dining hall, and they shoot me friendly smiles as I fix myself a plate and sit in the first empty seat. They made pancakes today, one of my favorites.

I try not to draw any attention as I shovel the food in my mouth, still uncomfortable around everybody after Alex and Damien’s fight. I don’t enjoy drama, but somehow, it always seems to find its way to me.

I force down the last few bites of my food, my eyes continually darting to the large clock hanging from the wall. It took me longer than I thought to get here, and I’m going to be a few minutes late for work.

Alex is going to kill me.

He’s big on punctuality, treating every minute somebody’s late as a personal offense.

I spot Damien chatting with some beasts as I push through the treeline. We make brief eye contact before I clear my throat and turn away.