Shadows Heart

The faint rhythm of Sao's breathing is the only sound in the apartment as I sit by the door, watching her sleep. The moonlight filters through the window, softening the sharp lines of her face. Her curls are a wild halo around her head, her expression peaceful in a way I haven't seen in days.

I let out a quiet sigh, my chest tightening as I glance at the cuffs on her wrist. I hate the sight of them. Hate what they mean, what I've done. But what else was I supposed to do?

She doesn't understand. She doesn't see what I see—the danger, the fragility of her condition. She'd throw herself into the world unprepared and break, and I can't let that happen.

I won't let that happen.

As the first hints of dawn creep through the window, I make a decision. This has to stop. The cuffs, the shouting, the distance growing between us—it can't go on like this. I need to fix things.

I stand and walk into the kitchen, brewing a pot of coffee and rummaging through the cabinets for something light she might eat. Toast and fruit, nothing too heavy. She needs to start eating again, and this time, I'll make sure she does.

By the time I bring the tray into the bedroom, she's stirring, her lashes fluttering as she wakes.

"Sao," I say softly, setting the tray on the nightstand. "Good morning."

Her eyes open slowly, and when they land on me, her expression hardens. "What do you want, Oriel?"

"To talk," I say, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I don't have anything to say to you," she mutters, her gaze shifting to the plate of food.

"Well, I have something to say to you," I reply, my tone calm but firm. "If you eat something—just a little—I'll take the cuffs off."

She blinks at me, her expression shifting to wary disbelief. "What's the catch?"

"You have to promise me you won't leave," I say, meeting her gaze. "Not today, not tomorrow. Just... promise me you'll stay."

She hesitates, her hands trembling slightly as she sits up. "You'll take them off?"

"I will," I say, nodding.

She studies me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine for something I can't quite name. Then she nods slowly. "Fine. I promise."

I unclip the cuff from her wrist, the metal clinking softly as I set it aside. She rubs her wrist, wincing slightly, and I feel a pang of guilt that I try to push down.

"Here," I say, handing her the plate.

She stares at it for a moment before taking a small bite of toast. It's slow, hesitant, but it's progress.

"Thank you," I say quietly, and she shoots me a look that's equal parts confusion and suspicion.

After she's eaten, I stand and offer her my hand. "Come on. I want to show you something."

"What now?" she asks, her voice flat.

"Trust me," I say.

She hesitates, but eventually, she takes my hand, her fingers warm and soft against mine.

We start in the living room, where the light streams through the large windows, illuminating the hardwood floors and ornate fireplace.

"This is why I chose this place," I say, gesturing to the space. "I wanted you to have something beautiful. Something that felt like a real home."

Sao crosses her arms, her expression guarded. "And you thought chaining me to a bed would make it feel like home?"

I flinch, her words hitting harder than I expected. "No. That was... I was scared, Sao. I didn't know what else to do."

"Scared of what?" she asks, her voice softer now.

"Of losing you," I admit, my throat tightening. "You're all I have left. If you left, I don't know what I'd do."

Her expression softens slightly, but she doesn't say anything.

We move to the kitchen next, and her eyes linger on the vintage-style stove, the cream-colored cabinets, the intricate molding.

"You remembered," she says quietly, running her fingers over the countertop.

"Of course I did," I say, leaning against the doorway. "You described it so perfectly once. I couldn't forget."

She glances at me, her expression unreadable. "It's beautiful, Oriel. I'll give you that."

The last stop is the rooftop terrace. It's not as big as the one at the hospital, but it has a view of the city that stretches for miles. The early morning light bathes the skyline in gold, and for a moment, Sao's expression softens completely.

"This... this is amazing," she says, stepping closer to the edge.

I stand beside her, my hands in my pockets, watching as the wind plays with her curls. "I wanted to give you a place where you could feel free. Even if... even if it's not perfect yet."

She turns to look at me, her eyes searching mine. "Why, Oriel?"

"Because you deserve it," I say simply.

She shakes her head, letting out a soft, bitter laugh. "You think this makes up for everything?"

"No," I admit. "But it's a start."

For the first time in days, the tension between us feels like it might be easing, just a little. She still doesn't trust me—not completely—but at least she's here.

And as long as she stays, I'll keep trying.