Death Defying Book: The Devil Watches

The faces in the crowd were all familiar: Aldwin's sisters, Annabelle and Angelina, stood alongside his siblings, Leon and Clarissa. They gathered tensely around the bed, their gazes filled with worry.

Darius swallowed hard as he approached, his heart hammering in his chest. He gently pushed past Leon and Annabelle, earning a sharp glare from Leon but no protest. His eyes darted toward the bed, and when they landed on the pale figure lying motionless, his breath hitched.

It was Lady Aurelia—his mother.

Beside her stood a man of broad shoulders and a muscular build, streaks of gray running through his dark hair. His expression was one of deep concentration as he worked. Darius felt his knees weaken at the sight, but he forced himself to remain upright.

"What happened?" he whispered to Leon, his voice trembling despite his efforts to sound calm.

"Be quiet, child. Do not interrupt," Aldwin said sternly without turning.

Darius clenched his fists but nodded, stepping back. Pulling Leon aside wasn't an option—the boy stood rooted to the spot, his jaw set stubbornly. Instead, Darius turned to Clarissa, who followed him outside the room without protest. She clutched his sleeve tightly as they stepped into the cold hallway.

"Sister, what happened to Mother?" he asked, crouching down to her level. He kept his voice soft, not wanting to alarm her further.

Clarissa took a shaky breath, her lower lip trembling. "It's Mother's old illness," she whispered. "Lord Thorne said he's trying his best to stabilize her condition using Aether."

Darius felt his heart sink. "Will she be alright?" Clarissa asked, her voice breaking.

He forced a reassuring smile, pulling her into a hug. "Of course, she will. Lord Thorne is skilled—he won't let anything happen to her."

But even as he said the words, a gnawing doubt crept into his mind. Clarissa clung to him, her small hands clutching his tunic like a lifeline. "I pray Arkyn will save her," she whispered.

"I do too," Darius replied, his voice barely audible as he tightened his hold on her.

A sudden gust of cold wind swept through the hallway, sending the torches flickering. Darius shivered, and for a fleeting moment, he thought he heard laughter—a faint, sinister sound carried by the breeze.

"Pretium tui infirmitatis," the wind seemed to whisper.

Darius shook his head, dismissing the eerie thought. His arms tightened protectively around Clarissa as he scanned the hallway, his nerves on edge.

---

Creak~

The sound of the door behind them made both siblings jump. Darius turned swiftly, his hand instinctively shielding Clarissa.

An elderly man with sharp, discerning eyes stepped into view. His gaze lingered on Darius, a hint of pity flashing through his expression before it vanished behind a mask of composure. "Is that the eldest?" he asked in a voice both deep and commanding.

"Yes," Aldwin replied from inside the room.

The man— who Darius assumed to be Lord Thorne, studied Darius for a moment before speaking. "Your mother will be fine. However, her condition is fragile. We'll need to summon a healer—perhaps a priest of Arkyn, but they are far from here."

Darius nodded, his throat dry. "Thank you, sir."

Lord Thorne shook his head. "Your safety is also my priority," he said, though his tone suggested there was more he left unsaid. With a final glance at Darius, he strode down the hallway.

---

Darius reentered the room, his steps hurried but quiet. Kneeling beside the bed, he took Lady Aurelia's hand in his. Her skin was cold to the touch, sending a pang of fear through him.

Her eyes fluttered open, and a faint smile graced her pale lips. "Darius?" she murmured. "My child... how are you?"

His voice caught in his throat, but he forced himself to answer. "I-I'm fine, Mother."

"Good," she whispered, her voice weak. "I feel... a little tired."

"Please don't leave us. Don't leave me," Darius said, his voice breaking despite his efforts to stay strong. He squeezed her hand, as if his warmth could anchor her to life.

Lady Aurelia chuckled softly, a sound that was both comforting and heart-wrenching. "Silly child. Of course, I won't leave you. I want to see you grow into a strong, healthy man... to see my grandchildren someday."

A lump formed in Darius's throat, making it difficult to speak. He bowed his head, his forehead resting against her hand.

"You should rest, Darius," she said, her tone gently chiding. "It isn't comfortable sitting on the floor."

"I'll stay here," he replied firmly. "If you need anything, I'll be right by your side."

Aurelia sighed, her smile faint but genuine. "What a stubborn child you are... you've never changed."

She closed her eyes, her breathing steady but shallow. The room fell silent except for the soft crackle of the fire and the occasional creak of footsteps outside. Darius stayed vigilant, his hand never leaving hers.

---

Outside, Angelina knelt beside Clarissa, guiding the younger girl in prayer. Despite her calm exterior, worry flickered in Angelina's eyes every time she glanced at the closed door. Leon sat nearby, his arms crossed and his expression sullen.

"Will Mother be alright?" Clarissa asked again, her voice a fragile whisper.

Angelina smiled softly. "She will. Your prayers are strong, little one. Arkyn will hear them." She gently patted Clarissa's head, encouraging her to close her eyes and continue.

Aldwin returned with Annabelle, who carried a tray of steaming liquid. Annabelle's gaze softened when it landed on Darius, her usual sharpness replaced by quiet compassion.

"This should help," Annabelle said as she set the tray on a nearby table. "Father believes it will aid in her recovery."

Inside the room, Darius carefully helped Lady Aurelia sit upright. Despite her weakness, she drank the bitter concoction without complaint. Color returned faintly to her cheeks, and her breathing seemed less strained.

"Thank Lord Thorne for me," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Darius nodded. "I will."

"Now, child," Aurelia said, her eyes filled with both weariness and love. "You should rest too."

Darius shook his head, his expression resolute. "I'll stay here, Mother. Just sleep—I'll be here when you wake."

Aurelia's lips curved into a soft smile. "So stubborn," she whispered. "You remind me of your father."

As she drifted into sleep, Darius stayed by her side, holding her hand tightly as the night wore on.