Page 253 of Midnights
Cam’s expression remains calm and unchanged. “No. You don’t need to worry about that right now.”
A shaky breath escapes me as I try to absorb it all, but it's not adding up. “Why do I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me?”
His gaze softens, and he looks out the window. “We’ll talk about that soon,” he says gently. “Right now, your body needs to heal. You’ve already pushed yourself too hard.”
I study his face, searching for some kind of clarity, but all I find is quiet determination. He’s holding back, but I’m too worn out to push. Besides, there’s a tiny, annoying part of me that wants to believe he knows what he’s doing. I’m still alive, so that's a plus.
“Okay,” I whisper. My eyelids are growing heavy and it's getting harder to stay awake. “I trust you.”I think.
He chuckles, and a reassuring smile flashes across his face. “Good. Just rest. You’re safe here.”
I nod, feeling the tension slipping from my body as I sink deeper into the bed. Whatever this is, whatever’s happening, I let myself lean on the fact that at least Cam's here. That has to be enough.
My body feels lighter, and the crushing weight from earlier has subsided, though I’m still worn out, like I’ve just survived the world’s longest nap. Carefully, I stretch, testing my limbs. They’re stiff and reluctant to cooperate, but I need to get out of this bed.
The thought of being out for days makes my stomach twist into knots. I sit up slowly, dragging a hand through my hair, which I’m pretty sure is a rat’s nest at this point.
The sheets are cool against my skin, and the faint scent of lavender lingers in the air, a detail that feels too out of place, but I ignore it.
I look around, taking in the room that I've been stuck in for days, and it’s beautiful. The walls are painted in warm tones that remind me of a sunrise, casting the space in a glow that screamsnothing bad ever happens here.I thought my bed in Scotland was big, but boy was I wrong. This bed ismassive.The canopy is draped in sheer, flowing fabric that sways with the breeze drifting through the open window.
I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and my bare feet brush against the cool floor. The air is crisp and fresh, carrying the faint smell of flowers and rain. It's a small reminder that the storm was real, which makes me feel a little better. I look down at the soft dress I’m wearing and notice it's not the one I was wearing when I left the castle. I push the thought of someone dressing me aside, because I need to find the bathroom.
There's a door tucked in the corner, so I make my way over, even though every step feels a little shaky. My body feels stronger, but my mind is hanging on by a thread. I reach for the handle, pushing open the door, and freeze.
I thought the bedroom was insane, but the bathroom is ridiculous. Gold accents gleam on every surface as natural light floods the space through oversized windows. A circular bathtub sits in the center like some kind ofthrone with dozens of candles surrounding it. This would make even the fanciest spa jealous.
For a second, I let myself be impressed. If this were my bathroom, I’d probably never leave. Deciding to take full advantage, I cross the room, turning the golden handles until steam curls into the air. I find a collection of oils neatly arranged along the edge of the tub. Why not indulge? After the week I’ve had, I’ve earned it.
I pour a generous amount of oil into the water, and the rich calming smell spreads through the room. I slip out of my clothes and step into the tub, sinking down until the warmth wraps around me. A soft sigh escapes me as I lean back letting my head rest on the edge. For the first time in what feels like forever, my body finally relaxes.
Taking a deep breath, I slide under the surface, and everything goes silent. The only sound is the faint rush of water in my ears. For a second, it feels like I’ve left the chaos behind, and it feels so nice. It’s so quiet under here. Peaceful, even.
I hear a noise and sit up, breaking through the surface, gasping softly for air as I push my hair back from my face, blinking as the room comes back into focus.
“Raven!”
Cam’s voice cuts through the stillness, and I whirl toward the door, sending ripples through the water, causing it to slosh all over the floor. My heart leaps into my throat as he stands in the doorway.
He freezes, and his eyes are wide with alarm. “Oh.” His eyes sweep over me, pausing just a fraction too long. He snaps out of it quickly, then his mouth opens and closes, like he doesn’t know what to say.
“I… uh… I’m so sorry!” He looks up at the ceiling, and his words are tumbling out faster than his brain can process. “I called your name, and I couldn’t find you, then I heard you gasping, and—” He groans, flustered. “I wouldn’t have just barged in if I knew you were… I mean—”
A small, breathless laugh escapes me, partly from the ridiculousness of the situation, partly because I’m still catching my breath. “Cam, relax. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
His cheeks turn red as he rubs the back of his neck. “Right. Of course.” He clears his throat, still looking anywhere but at me. “I just… thought something was wrong. I didn’t mean to… you know.”
“You’re fine,” I say, unable to keep the teasing smile off my face. “Trust me, you seeing me naked, is honestly the least of my problems right now.”
His face goes an even deeper shade of red, and I catch the ghost of a smile threatening to break through his flustered exterior. “… I wasn’t exactly expecting…” He gestures vaguely, then quickly averts his eyes again.
I lean back, crossing my arms along the edge of the tub. “Well, unless you’re planning to join me, you might want to give me a few more minutes to enjoy this slice of heaven.”
He lets out a strangled noise as he makes a swift retreat. “Yeah. I’ll, uh… I’ll wait outside.”
As he closes the door behind him, I can’t help but laugh to myself. If nothing else, at least I’ve got Cam to make me laugh.
I let myself sink deeper into the water, closing my eyes as the warmth soaks in. The water’s nothing short of divine, and I savor every last moment of calm, knowing it won’t last.
