Chapter 55: Trapped In The Mind pt3
Ivan sat by her bedside. His hand rested gently on her arm, patting her softly. Lydia hadn’t moved. Her face was pale, her eyes still closed. She looked peaceful, but he knew it wasn’t peace. It was silence. The kind of silence that comes from pain.
"I don’t know what you went through," Ivan whispered, his voice breaking. "But you have to fight it. Please... come back to me. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry I hurt you."
His hands were trembling as he touched her. The warmth of her body was there, but she felt far away. Somewhere else. Like her soul was trapped.
---
Her mind was still in that memory. That dark, horrible memory. She was back at the door. She could see everything clearly. Her younger self standing just outside the study, her ear pressed to the door. Her father was inside, talking to a man whose face was half-covered with scars. His voice was cold and angry.
"I’ll not do what you ask of me," her father said, firm and brave. "I’m not the only one in Zolotaria who has ships. I’m sure there are others willing to help."
The scarred man didn’t flinch. His hand reached for the vase on the table.
That was when young Lydia pushed open the door.
"Papa," she said, trying to sound casual, her voice shaking. "I was looking for you."
The man slowly lowered his hand. The vase slipped and shattered to the floor. Dmitry turned quickly and walked towards her.
"Careful, Lydia. Don’t step on the shards."