36. Calm returns
The oppressive, suffocating energy that had clawed at Marcelline's mind moments ago…
was gone.
The palace, once thick with unseen malice, now felt empty.
No shadow. No ripple. No flicker of the dark presence.
Marcelline exhaled, leaning back against her pillows, chest still rising and falling rapidly from the remnants of her nightmare.
Victor, smirking, leaned against her doorframe.
Victor (teasing, seductive):
"Well, my unbeatable darling… now that the apocalypse storm has passed, how about we keep you company for the night? You know… to ensure your dreams stay… safe."
Amara, sitting cross-legged on the floor, added her own mocking grin:
Amara:
"Oh yes! Sleep with us! We'll guard you from the horrors… of your own bed, perhaps?"
Marcelline's eyes, still faintly glowing crimson from the nightmare, narrowed.
Her tail flicked sharply under the blanket.
Marcelline (voice low, deadly calm):
"You think this is funny?"
Victor's grin widened, still leaning closer.
Victor:
"Only as funny as watching the most terrifying woman alive tremble under blankets."
Amara snorted, unable to hide her laughter.
Amara:
"C'mon, Marce… admit it. You loved our heroic company."
---
Marcelline Regains Full Control...
Marcelline swung her legs off the bed, sitting up fully.
Her crimson eyes sharpened, pupils slit.
The air around her seemed to thrum with her dormant power slowly reasserting itself.
Marcelline (commanding, playful but deadly):
"Both of you… out. Now. My bedroom is mine. Night. Done."
Victor tilted his head, still grinning, but a flicker of respect crossed his expression.
Victor:
"As you wish… my unbeatable darling. But… you know, the offer still stands for tomorrow night."
Marcelline rolled her eyes, standing and pointing sharply toward the door.
Marcelline:
"Tomorrow night, I'll see you in the guest room. Now, out. Both of you."
Amara laughed so hard she nearly fell over, clearly enjoying Marcelline's rare display of dominance.
Amara:
"Oh, Marce… watching you kick us out like a proper queen… I live for this."
Victor, still smirking, backed toward the door, throwing a mock salute:
Victor:
"Guest room, tomorrow. Noted. Your dignity is… still intact, for now."
Marcelline's lips quirked into a small, amused smirk.
Marcelline:
"And if either of you try again tonight… you'll regret it."
Both adults disappeared from the room with varying levels of mock indignation and laughter.
---
Marcelline Alone — Calm Returns
Finally, silence.
Only the moonlight illuminated the lavish bedroom.
Her heartbeat slowed, her breathing returned to normal, and the residual crimson glow faded.
Marcelline climbed back into bed, curling under the blankets.
Despite the playful chaos, a deep sense of control and strength settled over her.
She whispered to herself, almost reverently:
Marcelline:
"Whatever comes… I am ready."
The palace remained still.
For now.
---