11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

-Jared-

Alison's disbelief was obvious, believing this was nothing but a realistic dream. Yet, she turned to me, locking her gaze with mine before leaning in closer. Whether she fully comprehended her actions was unclear, but her arms wrapped around my neck, drawing me close as she sought solace, her tears staining the fabric of my shirt as she sobbed out her pain.

Tenderly, I enveloped her in my embrace, offering what comfort I could amidst the turmoil. My attention shifted to Astrid, who watched the scene with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"Has she had a chance to shower? Eat? Sleep?" I questioned, my tone tinged with disdain. Astrid's response was a silent shake of her head. "Was this all just a game to you?"

The revulsion in my voice elicited a whimper from Alison. I realized then that I couldn't afford to raise my voice around her any longer.

With a stern glare at Astrid, I issued a command, "No one goes near her. Not even you." I lifted myself from the ground and gently brought Alison from the chair into my arms. "Do you hear me, Astrid?"

"I hear you, Jared," she replied, but her compliance offered little reassurance. Though she acknowledged my words, I remained skeptical of her intentions.

Leaving the dining room with Alison still clinging to me, her tears unabated, I whispered words of comfort, "It's okay, Alison. I'm here now."

"I miss you," she croaked, her voice tinged with doubt.

"You don't need to miss me anymore. I'm never leaving you again," I vowed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Yet, as I inhaled, I couldn't ignore the unfamiliar scent clinging to her skin, a reminder of the torment she endured. Determined to cleanse her of this reminder of her suffering, I vowed to protect her at all costs.

I ascended the stairs, following my usual path toward my room, only to realize it wasn't where I intended to settle Alison. Retracing my steps, I wandered down the hallway until I found the space designated for our time together. Though not permanent, it provided the solace she needed to recover.

Entering the spacious bathroom, I approached the dark tub, gently seating her on its edge. As I reached around her to start the water, she clung to me, refusing to let go. With her on my lap, I comforted her, the sound of running water filling the room. Holding her close, I offered my unwavering support, allowing her to lean on me as we embraced the soothing tranquility.

"Where are you?" she whispered.

"I'm right here. I promise you, Alison, I'm right here," I vowed, desperation lacing my words.

But she shook her head against me, refusing to believe.

"Alison, I am here," I insisted, but still, she couldn't trust my words.

Gently, I pulled back, cupping her chin to make her focus on me. Her eyes, wide with unshed tears, seemed lost.

"Truly. I'm here," I empathized, watching as understanding slowly dawned in her eyes. "I'm right here."

Though still unfocused, her gaze began to wander around the room, as if trying to grasp her surroundings. I allowed her the time she needed to process, witnessing the myriad of emotions flickering across her face—confusion, fear, realization, curiosity.

Finally, her eyes settled on me, and she blinked several times before tentatively reaching for my cheek. Her touch was hesitant, almost afraid.

"Where are we?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Astrid's place," I replied gently.

Alison began to panic, squirming in my grasp and trying to break free.

"No. No!" she screamed, her voice raw with anguish.

"Alison, please, calm down," I urged, holding onto her tightly as she struggled against me. She hadn't yet realized who had rescued her.

"Let me go! Let me go!" she pleaded.

"Please, listen to me," I implored. "Astrid helped me get you back. You're safe now."

"No, they did this! They killed them!" she cried out, her words filled with agony.

As her sobs grew more powerful, she slumped forward, defeated. I pulled her back into my arms, holding her close as she clung to me, the weight of her trauma overwhelming her.

"Shh, you're safe now. I promise," I reassured her, my voice a soothing whisper.

"They... they killed them," she sobbed.

"I know... I know," I whispered, my heart breaking for her pain.

Turning off the water, I knew I couldn't let go of Alison just yet. She was too shattered, too fragile. So I waited, holding her until her tears subsided once more. When she finally calmed, I reached for the zipper of her dress, the sound causing her to panic again.

"Shh, it's just me," I reminded her, meeting her frightened gaze. "I'm just helping you out of this, so you can take a bath. You want to clean yourself, right?"

She seemed unsure for a moment, but then nodded slowly.

"Yes," she replied softly.

"Good. Then I'll take this off," I assured her, offering what little comfort I could in that moment of turmoil.

I despised Astrid's manipulative game of dressing up Alison, whether as a taunt or to showcase her to me. It filled me with seething anger, yet I chose to suppress it, reserving it for another day. With meticulous care, I undressed Alison, revealing her bruised body and the noticeable weight loss around her waist. Despite my touch, Alison remained unresponsive, her usual fiery defiance replaced by an empty gaze that avoided both her reflection in the mirror and my eyes.

Gently, I pressed a tender kiss to her temple, reassuring her of my presence. Guiding her into the comforting embrace of the warm water, I felt her release a sigh of relief. But as I rose to gather clothes for her, she reached out, clutching my hand, seeking comfort.

"Y-You're leaving me?" she asked, her voice trembling so profoundly that it shattered a piece inside me.

"I just want to get you some clothes," I reassured her gently.

But she shook her head vehemently. "Please, don't leave me."

The desperation in her plea tore at my heartstrings, compelling me to step closer, reaching out to tenderly stroke her hair.

"Want me in there with you?" I offered softly.

She nodded, and despite having already showered, I discarded my clothes and slipped in behind her. As soon as I joined her, she leaned into me, seeking solace and warmth. Her hands reached for mine, urging my arms to wrap around her. Though her trembling form suggested she was chilled, I knew it wasn't the cold causing her shivers.

Starting from the top of her head and working my way down, I gently rinsed her hair, washing away any lingering traces of another's touch. The fragrant scent of flowery shampoo filled the air, mingling with the rising steam from the water. With her nestled against me, I simply let her be, offering a soothing presence as I continued to stroke her hair, shoulders, and neck. Mindful not to intrude too far, I avoided venturing too low down her body, ensuring she didn't feel overwhelmed.

Despite her ongoing tremors, reminiscent of a newborn pup, there was a subtle shift. The lingering presence of another no longer haunted her, replaced by the reassuring comfort of my touch and the safety of our shared moment.

"You're safe here. I promise you that," I murmured, pressing another kiss to the side of her head, but her eyes remained fixed ahead. "I'm never leaving you again."

"Never?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"No, never. It's you and me, Alison," I swore.

A strange, broken huff escaped her lips, leaving me puzzled by her reaction. Did she doubt my sincerity? Before I could voice my thoughts, she spoke first.

"But you don't love me," she said, a sob escaping her trembling lips.

I sighed heavily. She was right. I couldn't profess love for her, but that didn't diminish my commitment to stand by her. However, I made a vow in that moment. I promised to seek vengeance on all those who had caused her pain and suffering. I would ensure that our future was bright and secure, free from the torment of others.

Tears silently streamed down her cheeks as I continued to stroke her gently, providing all the care and comfort she needed in that moment.

As the warmth of the water waned, signaling the end of our respite, we knew we couldn't linger any longer. Stepping out of the tub first, I assisted Alison, whose trembling legs struggled to support her weight. Wrapping an arm around her waist, I enveloped her in a towel, gently drying her before lifting her up and guiding her into the bedroom.

Carefully, I settled her onto the bed, tucking the covers around her trembling form. Despite my efforts, her shivers persisted, refusing to abate. As I turned to leave, intending to dry off and retrieve some clothes, she reached out for me once more.

"You said you wouldn't leave me," she reminded me, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

I sighed softly, understanding that in this moment, she needed my presence more than anything else.

"Okay, I won't go," I promised, slipping into the bed beside her.

Instantly, she gravitated toward me, a gesture she had never fully embraced before. In the past, there had always been a hint of resistance, a barrier I had to overcome before she surrendered to my touch. But now, she sought me out, resting her head on my chest as I stroked her back. I ensured the covers enveloped her snugly, creating a sense of comfort and security.

With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes, finally allowing herself to relax and rest.

"Don't you want to eat a little first?" I suggested, but she responded with a quick shake of her head.

Respecting her wishes, I accepted her answer. She could eat later when she woke up. For now, she simply needed to sleep.

Her body, seemingly unaware of the turmoil it had endured, gradually succumbed to exhaustion. Though she fidgeted restlessly at first, unsure if she could truly find peace, eventually her movements stilled, and she drifted into a peaceful slumber. I continued to hold her, limiting my touch to her back until her breathing steadied, and her trembling ceased.

After ensuring she was sound asleep, I eased myself out of bed. Gathering the towel, I quietly made my way to get dressed. After stowing away the towel, I proceeded to my former room, selecting only the essentials among my clothes and weapons for transfer. I deliberately left behind some belongings, reluctant to be away from Alison for an extended period.

Upon my return, she remained peacefully asleep, undisturbed by my brief absence. Moving to the closet, I continued with my preparations. With a quickened pace, I unpacked my belongings until I reached the drawer containing the box with the ring inside.

As I held it in my hand, observing the way it gleamed under the dim light, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. Returning to the bedroom, I approached the bed and slipped in beside Alison, still fully clothed. With gentle care, I positioned her on top of me, feeling the weight of her body against mine. Taking her hand, I placed the ring on her finger, and I felt an indescribable elation knowing she now belonged to me in a way that was entirely untethered from any past ties or obligations.

With her adorned with the ring, a piece of me that had always felt incomplete now fell into place. While I had initially believed my revenge against the cousins would bring me fulfillment, it was seeing Alison claimed as mine that truly brought me joy.

Leaning in, I pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, eliciting a soft murmur from her in her sleep. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to rest, though every fiber of my being longed to stay awake and watch over her, ensuring she was truly back with me. Yet, exhaustion soon overtook me, and I drifted off into a deep slumber, content in the knowledge that she was finally where she belonged.