Chapter 6: Haven
The morning light pierced through the cabin's east-facing windows, casting long shadows over the stone walls and illuminating the remnants of the fire. Alex lay curled on the bed, her body aching and her spirit shattered. She felt the weight of the past night's horror pressing down on her, making it difficult to even breathe. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the occasional crackle of the dying fire. Alex's eyes, swollen and red from crying, stared blankly at the ceiling, unable to summon the strength to move.
But then, through the haze of her despair, she heard something—a faint sound, almost imperceptible at first. It was the soft crunch of footsteps in the snow, approaching the cabin. Her heart skipped a beat, a flicker of fear igniting within her. Had the Beast returned already to torment her further? The footsteps grew louder, closer, until they stopped just outside the door. Alex held her breath, every muscle in her body tensing in anticipation. She listened as the footsteps traced around to the side of the cabin.
Someone stepped into view of the large eastern windows, silhouetted against the bright light of the morning sun. It was a woman, tall and imposing, with long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her features were strikingly beautiful, with pale grey eyes that seemed to see straight into Alex's soul. She moved with a grace and confidence that immediately set her apart from the Beast. Her eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned the room, taking in the scene before her, before they fell on Alex. Her expression suddenly softened, a mix of concern and determination flashing across her features.
Alex tried to sit up, but her body betrayed her, refusing to obey her commands. The woman disappeared from view, circling back around to the door. She heard the sound of latch release, and the door creaked open, letting in a gust of cold air. The woman closed the door behind her, shutting out the cold, and descended into the room with purposeful strides.
“Are you alright?” the woman asked, her voice low and soothing, yet carrying an undeniable strength. She knelt beside the bed, her eyes searching Alex’s body, and noting the fresh bruises.
Alex shook her head, tears welling up once more. “He…he hurt me,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Please, help me…”
The woman nodded, her jaw tightening. “You’re safe now,” she said firmly. “I’m going to get you out of here.” She gently untangled the sheets from Alex’s trembling body, her touch both comforting and reassuring. She tore through the nearby cupboards, pulling out thick furs, tenderly wrapping them around Alex’s battered and frail frame.
With surprising strength, she lifted Alex into her arms, cradling her as if she weighed nothing. Alex clung to her, burying her face in the woman’s shoulder, the warmth of her body a stark contrast to the coldness of the cabin. As the woman carried her up the stairs and out into the snowy landscape, Alex felt a sense of relief wash over her. The air was crisp and clean, the sky a brilliant blue after the storm. The woman set a brisk pace, her footsteps sure and steady in the deep snow. Alex could feel the strength in her every step, the determination in her every movement.
“I’m Seraphine,” the woman said as they trudged through the snow. “I was searching for new hunting grounds when I came across that cabin. I don’t know who did this to you, but I’m going to get you away from here.” Alex nodded weakly, and croaked “I’m Alex, I… the Beast…” any further words escaping her as they turned to shaking tears. Seraphine’s eyes hardened. “The Beast will pay for what he’s done. But right now, our priority is getting you to safety.”
They traveled for hours, Seraphine’s stamina seemingly endless as she carried Alex through the snow-covered landscape. The sun began to set, casting long shadows over the frozen terrain. Alex’s body ached, and she could feel her strength waning, but Seraphine’s presence was a constant source of reassurance.
As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply. Seraphine’s breath came in visible puffs, her pale grey eyes scanning the horizon for shelter. Finally, she spotted a dark opening in the side of a hill—a cave. She adjusted her grip on Alex and quickened her pace, determination etched into her features. The cave was small but offered protection from the biting wind. Seraphine gently set Alex down on a patch of dry ground, quickly gathering some nearby twigs and branches to start a fire. The flickering flames soon provided much-needed warmth and light, casting dancing shadows on the cave walls.
“Rest now,” Seraphine said, offering Alex a spare set of winter clothes. “You’re safe here. I’ll keep watch,” her voice gentle but firm. Alex nodded, her body relaxing slightly as the warmth of the fire seeped into her bones. She watched Seraphine’s silhouette against the fire, her movements precise and confident. Alex wriggled into the rough clothes beneath her furs, wincing as she pulled them over especially tender places. Despite the horrors she had endured, Alex felt a glimmer of hope. She had been rescued by this mysterious, beautiful woman, and for the first time in days, she believed she might survive.
As she drifted off to sleep, Alex’s last thought was one of gratitude. She had been saved from the clutches of the Beast by a woman with the strength and resolve of a warrior. And in that moment, she knew that she would heal, that she would find the strength to move forward.
For now, she was safe, and that was enough.