Chapter 54: Trapped In The Mind pt2
Ivan still stood by the door to Lydia’s chambers, his hand resting on the doorframe as he watched her. Her face was pale, almost too quiet, too still. His heart ached just looking at her. A part of him wanted nothing more than to stay there, right by her side, until she opened her eyes again. But his mind kept reminding him that he shouldn’t. That it wasn’t right. That he should walk away before he made things more complicated.
He took a deep breath and was just about to leave when a sharp gust of wind burst through the room, slamming open one of the windows with a loud bang. Cold winter air rushed in, carrying flurries of snow that danced across the wooden floor. Ivan’s eyes widened. Snowflakes landed on the sheets and her blanket, making the room even colder.
He didn’t think. His body moved on its own. He stepped fully into the room, rushed to the window, and pulled it shut with a firm push. The room had turned icy, and without hesitation, he turned to her bed and adjusted the blanket, pulling it up to cover her shoulders better. She was already too pale—he couldn’t let her catch a cold on top of everything.
Just then, she whimpered softly.
He froze.
Her face twisted a little, her eyes still closed, but her brows furrowed like she was in pain. A small, helpless sound escaped her lips. It sounded like a cry. Ivan reached out, almost unconsciously, and gently brushed her hair away from her forehead. His fingers trembled.
His heart thudded. What was he doing? He shouldn’t be here.
He took a step back, his eyes still on her sleeping form. This wasn’t right. He had to leave. Now.
But just as he turned, her hand reached out and caught his.
His eyes widened.
Her fingers were weak but warm around his wrist. Her eyes were still closed, but her body... it was like she was pleading with him not to go. Like even in her sleep, she could feel his presence. She looked so troubled, her face full of distress, like she was battling something deep inside.