Chapter 51: Broken

Reika returned to the mansion as the sun slid down and the shadows across the estate lengthened. Her heart was heavy, and with each second, it faltered a little more. The words of the Moon Goddess still echoed in her head: "A life for a life." The phrase lay upon her like a storm above her head, an impossible decision that tore at her very soul. It was the picture of Daisy's face that had tormented her mind-the bright smile of her handmaid, her loyalty, and her relentless kindness-all made this ominous inevitability some sort of cruel joke. And if that was not enough insult, the prognosis by the doctor brought little comfort: "A week at most.". Reika slumped back into the plush chair in her room, her face buried in her hands. Tears flowed freely, staining her cheeks as silent sobs racked her body. The silence of the mansion was oppressive; every tick of the ornate clock was a grim reminder of time slipping away. She said, almost under her breath, her voice all shaky: "How am I to choose? How would I take a life, even to save Daisy's? Am I that type of person? Time dripped, Reika just sat and drowned within her chaos; the orange tints of the afternoon sunset bleached to dark blue. What radiated bright from within those orbs dimmed by heavy despair. She hadn't quite noted when the staff lightened the candles inside, let alone the gentle chinking of dinner utensils sounding from the hallway. A soft knock came through the silence, breaking her thoughts. She didn't answer, hoping it was one of the maids. But opening the door revealed Alpha Lleus, who stood outside, clad in a dapper black suit, oiled hair slicked backward, and that curious glint upon his face-soft.almost nervous. "Reika," he whispered, "I have waited for you." She blinked, her tear-streaked face reflecting her confusion. "Waiting for me? For what? He smiled faintly, a rare warmth in his usual stoic demeanor. "Come with me. You'll see." Reika hesitated. Her heart felt too heavy, her spirit too broken to engage with whatever he had planned. But the sincerity in his eyes, coupled with his uncharacteristic gentleness, compelled her to rise. She wiped her face hastily and followed him. Lleus took her to the dining hall, but what greeted her was far from formal banquets she had grown accustomed to. The place had turned into an intimate haven: candles dancing along the edges of the table, set with fine china and rose petals; soft music in the background, and the slight aroma of her favorite dishes. Reika froze in the entry, her eyes wide. "What. is this?" Lleus turned to her, his face impassive though his voice was even. "A dinner. For us. Just us." The parting of her lips was eloquent of her incredulous question. "Why? I mean-you never did anything like this for me before." He almost smiled, gesturing her to sit. "Let's just say I realized as a husband, I wasn't exactly the best there ever was. Consider it my attempt to right all wrongs." Reika sat down slowly, her emotions in a whirl. Part of her wanted to snap at him, to tell him that one romantic dinner didn't erase the hurt he'd caused. But another part of her, a smaller, more vulnerable part was touched by his effort. Reika stared at him, her throat tight with emotion. She wanted to tell him all-the Moon Goddess, the impossible choice, Daisy's fate-but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she shook her head slightly. "I appreciate this, Lleus. I do. But. it doesn't change anything." He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "What doesn't it change? Reika, talk to me." She would not look at him but lowered her face. "It is not something for you to fix. It is not anything anyone can." The pause that followed was oppressive. Slowly, Lleus exhaled and leaned back in his chair. "Well, if you won't tell me, then at least let me take your mind off it for a time. Eat something. You look as though you have not eaten a good meal in days." Reika looked down at the spread before her, her eyes running over the succulent meats, fresh vegetables, delicately spiced dishes. She had no appetite, but Lleus's words struck a chord in her. "You didn't have to." she whispered "I did," he assured her, "so sure. 'if I don't look after you, then who will? Meanwhile, Ileus continued trying to draw her out: speaking of his morning patrol, sharing humorous anecdotes of his childhood-even praising her on how she handled herself through the recent turmoil of the palace. Reika listened silently, smiling weakly but offering little, her mind elsewhere, with her heart no lighter than it had been. Finally, when dinner was all but finished, Lleus set his wine glass down and regarded her seriously. "Reika, You're not yourself. Whatever it is, just know you don't have to face it alone." His words broke something inside of her, and again the well of tears gathered in her eyes. She dropped her head to her plate, incapable of meeting his gaze anymore. "I wish it were that simple," she whispered. Lleus reached across the table, his hand covering hers. The touch of his hand was warm and grounding. "Maybe it is. You just have to trust me." She looked up, her tear-mottled eyes locking with his, and for what felt like the first time in centuries, a kernel of hope began to build inside her. Maybe, just maybe, he was resolute to help her, to stand for her. But then there were memories: the warning of the Moon Goddess-the warnings that had kept her away because the price might very well be too much for him. "I'll try," she said finally, her voice barely audible. It was a lie, but it was the best she could offer. Later that night, as Reika lay in bed staring at the ceiling, Lleus's steady breathing beside her, the weight of her choice pressed down on her again. The Moon Goddess's ultimatum loomed large, and the clock was ticking. She closed her eyes, trying not to cry, "How do I save Daisy without becoming a monster?" she whispered to herself no answer.