18. Severn
SEVERN
The worry painted across Aiden’s face hit me like a brick wall. He wrapped his arms around me, gently rubbing the back of my head as I buried my face in his neck.
Aiden guided us to sit on the couch while I collected myself. “I’ve never reacted like this after a vision. I am so sorry.” I wiped the tears from my face and leaned back, away from Aiden.
“Don’t apologize, Severn. Do you need to talk about it?
” The way Aiden leaned forward, looking at me, I couldn’t help but feel the need to unload everything I was feeling onto him.
He was so genuinely concerned for me. Reaching over, he grabbed my hand, which I didn’t even realize was trembling.
“You don’t have to. But please know that I’m here for you. ”
Nodding, I leaned forward again and looked at Aiden.
My eyes had adjusted to the darkness in the living space, and Aiden was back lit by the cool dim neons coming in from the city lights downtown.
He looked like a statue. I drank in his features, and so many things about his appearance struck me as nothing but perfection.
I had been surrounded by beings my whole life that were considered to be the most ethereal of them all.
Angels were perfect, their features unmatched and God-like.
Even Ceril, as much as I hated the man, was a stunning being. But Aiden was more than that.
Blinking and looking down at the floor, I spoke.
“This vision was similar to the last ones I’ve had.
” My voice came out softer than I had intended.
I cleared my throat before speaking again.
“Ceril, dragging me to a cave and shoving me to the ground.” Lifting my free hand, I expected to see cuts and scrapes when I looked at my palm.
But there was nothing. I couldn’t bear to let go of Aiden with the other hand.
“Everything felt so real,” I said as I examined my hand.
Aiden rubbed his thumb back and forth on the back of my hand, and a soothing chill ran up my arm.
It was the little bit of encouragement I needed to continue telling him about the vision.
“He came out of the cave alone this time, though. Yanked me from the ground by my shirt and just started screaming at me. Saying it was all my fault.” I looked back up into Aiden’s dark eyes.
“He threw me back down to the ground, and that’s when I woke up. With you.”
We sat staring at each other for a moment until I couldn’t take the silence anymore. Pulling my hand away from his and scooting away slightly, I huffed out a small breath. “Well, I’m going to bed.” Standing, I tossed the blanket back on the couch and began walking down the hallway.
I heard Aiden’s steps on the wood floor close behind me. They stopped as he reached his bedroom. “Goodnight, Severn. You know where to find me.”
When I turned to look at him, the soft smile on his face made him look devilishly handsome.
He stood there, this being who didn’t know me at all but was doing so much to keep me safe.
So many kind, small gestures in just these few days.
“Aiden. Can you just stay with me tonight?” The words were out of my mouth before I fully processed them.
Aiden’s smile widened slightly, and he nodded before walking down the hallway to my room.