Chapter Fifty

She wavered between reality and dream, the line separating either thin and fraying at the seams. Her fingers twisted at the sheets, her voice crying out. She thrashed about, her body shaking uncontrollably.

"Lucie! Lucie!"

She could see the man. His eyes devoid of empathy. Devoid of life. His arms stronger than her, holding her down. Her voice screaming for help but no help came. The punches of the vile monster, the slaps…

"Lucie!"

Her eyes flew open, a scream ripping from her throat. She sat up in a flash, her chest rising and falling unevenly. "Wha-What…"

"Lucie! You're alright," Gabriel said as he collected her into his arms on the bed. "You're safe."

"What's happening?"

"You had a nightmare. You're safe."

She cried. "No! I'm not!"

"You're okay. I'm here. I'll always be here."

"You weren't there!"

He paused, his pain so thick in the air that she could taste it.

"I'm sorry, Gabriel."

"It's okay," he said. "You're safe now, Lucie."

Tears flowed from her eyes. "I dreamt of him - of that monster."

"It's okay. He's gone forever. You're safe. Go back to sleep."

"No! NO! I don't want to go back to that… to - "

"Alright, alright," he said. "Let's go to the beach then, do you want that?"

She nodded in his arms.

"Let's go."

They prepared and by the time they had reached the beach, the sun was still rising and slightly over the horizon. She tossed her shoes to the side and put her bare feet on the sand. It felt so nice, so perfect.

"How is it, my wife?"

"I love it," she said.

"Let's go to the water."

She smiled as he ran forwards in his bare feet. She chased after him, laughter echoing around them. Their feet sank into the ocean water, up to their calves and Lucianne collected some water into her two hands to throw it at Gabriel.

"Oh, you don't want to start!" Gabriel said.

"Come on!" she challenged him, laughing.

He shoved at the water, and a splash of water slammed into her face. The salty water touched her lips and she licked them. Collecting more water, she threw it at Gabriel, who ducked from it.

"Be a man and take the water!"

"Incoming!" Gabriel said before he splashed the water into Lucianne's face again. She ran away too late, and collapsed onto the waves. He ran over to her to gather her into his arms as they laughed. Kissing her on her temples, he lifted her chin to rain more kisses down on her lips.

"I'm so happy right now, Gabriel," she said.

"As my woman, you shall be happy so long as you are in my presence."

"What did I do to deserve you?"

"You existed."

"Oh, Gabriel," she said, pressing her forehead to his. "You know what I call this moment?"

"What?"

Sublime.