Chapter 30 - Truth

Clara

"Odd," I murmured, a shiver running down my spine.

I met Alaric's gaze, finding reassurance in his warm smile.

"Well, I suppose it makes sense, considering Mr. Moonblood saved you from that accident," Dana chimed in, taking a seat on the other side of the bed. "I'm just so glad you're alright, C."

"And if you're wondering, the baby is perfectly healthy too," Dr. Mathers added with a relieved smile on his face.

"Doctor, that's the best news I've heard all day." I beamed back, tears welling up in my eyes. I hadn't even realized I was crying until I felt a soft, silken handkerchief gently wiping my cheeks.

"Oh, thank you," I mumbled, accepting the handkerchief from Alaric and dabbing at my eyes.

"Truly, it was a miracle," Dr. Mathers continued. "There's not a scratch on you, Ms. Beaufort. Simply incredible."

His words struck a chord. Apart from the dull ache in my body, I had no visible injuries, no bandages, and no scrapes. It was as if the accident had never happened.

A wave of unease washed over me. How was that possible? I distinctly remembered the truck, the terror, and the strong arms that had shielded me. And yet, here I was, unscathed.

My gaze drifted back to Alaric, his amber eyes watching me intently. He seemed to sense my confusion; his expression was a mixture of understanding and something else I couldn't quite decipher.

"Rest now, Clara," he said softly. "We'll talk later."

His voice was a calming presence, easing the turmoil within me. I nodded, leaning back against the pillows, my mind still reeling. I had so many questions and so many doubts. But as sleep tugged at my eyelids, one thing was certain: Alaric Moonblood was more than just a stranger. He was my savior, my protector, and perhaps something more that I don’t understand yet.

 Joe's voice, when he finally spoke, was thick with emotion. "Honey, I'm so glad you're alright. Both of you." He moved towards Alaric, extending a trembling hand. "Mr. Moonblood, I can't thank you enough. We're in debt to you."

It was rare to see my father so emotional, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. The sight of it tugged at my heartstrings. "How did it happen?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "How did you save my little girl?"

Dana spoke up, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Yes, Mr. Moonblood. You haven't told us much; other than that, the police interviewed you."

Alaric's gaze remained steady, and his voice was calm and collected. "I was nearby when I saw Clara frozen in place as the truck headed toward her. I reacted quickly, managing to pull her out of the way just before the impact."

His words were smooth, almost rehearsed. It felt like a carefully crafted explanation, designed to appease the authorities and satisfy any lingering doubts.

Lidia, my mother, studied me for a moment, her eyes filling with a knowing glint. "Well, aren't you lucky, hun?" She then turned to Alaric, tears flowing freely down her cheeks, and embraced him. "We're so grateful to you, Mr. Moonblood, for saving our precious daughter."

Joe, his own eyes glistening, put a comforting arm around my mother. The room was filled with a mix of relief, gratitude, and lingering questions.

I, however, couldn't shake the feeling that Alaric was hiding something. His explanation, while plausible, didn't match my fragmented memories. And as his amber eyes met mine, a silent message passed between us—a shared secret that only we knew the truth about what had truly transpired in that parking garage.

 Alaric turned to me, his amber eyes holding my gaze. "It was my honor and pleasure to save your daughter. If the circumstances were different, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.

Oh, my God.

His unwavering stare and the raw emotion in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. My heart pounded in my chest as his words ignited a warmth that spread through my entire being.

"Thank you, Mr. Moonblood," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "But... that's not what I remember."

A heavy silence descended upon the room. After a few awkward moments, Dr. Mathers introduced the woman who had accompanied him. Her name was Priscilla, his wife, and she was a former college roommate of Dana's.

Eventually, my parents said their goodbyes, leaving me alone with Dana and the ever-present Mr. Moonblood. We sat in silence, the air thick with unspoken questions. I tried to piece together the fragments of my memory, but the puzzle remained incomplete.

 An hour passed, and Mr. Moonblood excused himself, leaving me alone with Dana.

"Hey, Dana," I began, my voice hesitant.

"Hmm?" Her brow furrowed as she glanced up from her phone.

"I... I need to know what really happened," I confessed.

"What do you mean?" She looked at me with a flicker of concern in her eyes. "You were in an accident, but you're okay." Her gaze briefly shifted towards the door where Mr. Moonblood had exited.

"I know I was in an accident," I said, my voice growing stronger. "I almost died."

"I don't understand what you're asking," she replied, her eyes darting to the heart monitor as it beeped a little faster. "You're getting stressed, C. That's not good. Let's just focus on resting."

"I believe Mr. Moonblood saved me," I pressed on, despite my apprehension. "But not the way he said it. Please, just tell me the truth."

"I already did." Alaric's voice boomed from the doorway. He hadn't left after all. "I pulled you out of harm's way."

"You shielded me with your body," I countered, my voice shaking. "I saw it. I felt it. You stood between me and that truck!"

"C..." Dana reached for my hand, her touch calming. "I know this is overwhelming, but you're still processing a traumatic experience. Maybe we should give you some time to rest."

"It doesn't matter," I mumbled, turning away from him and burrowing into the comforting warmth of the blankets.

"Let's give her some space," I heard Dana say as she stood up. "She needs to heal."

I assumed he had left with Dana, but a few seconds later, I heard him shift. "I'll be back," he said softly. "Sleep well, Clara."

The door clicked shut, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts. The memory of those strong arms and the warmth of his body against mine wouldn't fade. I didn't know what to believe anymore, but one thing was clear: my life was forever changed.