Her calmness was her silent scream

Aries returned to the Sapphire Palace when the night was about to fall. But instead of heading directly to her chambers, she went straight to Curtis's room which was just right next to hers. 

Standing by the door, a shallow breath slipped past her lips. Her eyes settled on the person lying on the bed, pursing her lips into a thin line before intruding inside. Aries sat down on the armchair next to the bed, sighing once again. 

"I'm sorry." Her voice was incredibly low after a momentary silence. "I promise this will be the last time you'll be in pain."

She reached for his hand, squeezing it lightly. Curtis's head was wrapped in a bandage. His wounds were well-tended and his complexion was better than when she left this morning. 

"You did great in resisting him. You made me very proud and happy, Curtis." Her eyes softened, brushing the back of his hand with her thumb.