One Hundred & Twenty Five

One Hundred & Twenty Five
The morning of the anniversary arrived quietly, but the mansion felt heavier than usual. The sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the bedroom where Amara and Darius had slept.
Amara stirred first, blinking against the light. For a brief moment, the comfort of the bed, of Darius still lying beside her, made her feel peace she wouldn't trade for anything.
Taking a deep breath, feeling the weight of what today meant pressing on her chest. Sixteen years. Sixteen years since her mother had died… or been taken… and sixteen years of carefully kept lies.
Darius shifted beside her, his arm stretching over the pillow toward her. He murmured something low in his sleep, and Amara’s lips curved into a small, tired smile. For a moment, she wanted to stay wrapped up in him, to forget the world outside.
But the reality of the day called.
Her stomach tightened. Today, she would face her father. Face the house. Face the past.
Darius stirred fully, opening his eyes slowly. When he saw her awake, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Morning love,” he said, voice rough but soft. “Ready for today?”
Amara swallowed hard. “I think so,” she whispered, her fingers gripping the edge of the sheets. She didn’t look at him, afraid he’d see the swirl of fear and dread in her eyes.
He moved closer, taking her hand gently. “You’re not alone,” he said. “Whatever happens, I’m right here.”
She let herself lean into him, resting her head on his shoulder. For a moment, she allowed herself to just breathe, to feel safe, to forget everything else.
“Breakfast?” he asked after a pause, though there was a teasing softness in his tone.
She nodded, lifting herself from the bed. “I need to get ready. I… I don’t want to be late.”
“Okay, dear.. Let's get ready,” he whispered, picking her from the bed to the bathroom.
His presence quiet but strong, a steadying force as she dressed. The day demanded her courage, but with him near, it felt just a little more possible.
As she glanced at the mirror, smoothing her hair, she caught her own reflection. She looked nervous, yes, but there was determination too. She had to do this… for her mother, for herself, for the memory of the life she had been robbed of.
Darius came up behind her again, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. “You look beautiful,” he murmured. “My brave little warrior.”
Her chest warmed at the words. She gave him a small smile, holding his hand for a brief moment before letting go to face the day.
Together, they walked down the grand staircase. Outside, the sun reflected off the sea, casting light across the mansion’s drive.
She had to be there for Valen too. The thought of her brother made her stomach twist, a mix of guilt and relief, but Darius’s steady grip on her hand reminded her she wasn’t facing this alone.
Amara drew in a deep breath, bracing herself. Today was going to be hard. Today, she would stand in the shadow of the past. But she wouldn’t face it alone.
Darius’s thumb brushed over hers once, a silent promise. She squeezed his hand back. Together, they stepped into the car, and the drive toward the Dervino mansion felt long and quiet, heavy with memories.
She closed her eyes briefly, letting herself imagine her mother, her arms warm and welcoming. She would carry that memory through the day. She had to.
And when they reached the gates, the house looming ahead, she felt a hand tighten over hers. Darius leaned down slightly, his voice low in her ear.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “All the way.”
Amara nodded, bracing herself for the day.
The car slowed as it pulled up to the mansion, the familiar gates looming ahead. Amara’s chest tightened.
Every brick, every column, every window seemed to watch her, judging her. Memories of her mother, of whispered lies, of her father’s cold eyes, his abuse.. crowded in all at once.
Darius squeezed her hand, his gaze steady on hers. “Fuck! I hate this place… We’re here,” he said quietly. “You ready?”
Amara swallowed hard. “I think so.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but Darius heard it. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. “Then let’s go,” he murmured.
She drew a shaky breath and opened the car door. The air hit her… familiar, heavy, and oppressive. The Dervino mansion had always felt like a cage, and today it felt more suffocating. Darius stayed close, his presence a shield, as she stepped onto the marble driveway.
Valen appeared at the front steps, his expression serious. Seeing him made her chest ache in relief. “Hey,” he said softly, his voice low, almost protective. “I’m glad you came.”
“I… I had to,” she said, her throat tight. “For Mom… for us”
The doors opened, and the sight of her father waiting inside made her stomach twist.
Don Matteo’s expression was cold, calculating, but his eyes flicked over her in hate and anger.
Darius’s hand was firm on her lower back as they entered. She felt the heat of his body, the reassurance of his presence, and for a moment, her fear lessened.
Her father’s gaze shifted between Darius and her. “Amara,” he said slowly, his voice carrying that familiar edge of control. “I see you’ve brought… company.”
Amara’s jaw tightened. “Darius is family to me now… And today is for mom.”
Don Matteo’s eyes narrowed, but before he could speak again, Valen stepped forward. “Now is not the time Dad, Darius is family” he said. His tone was firm but calm, trying to diffuse the tension.
Amara felt a spark of courage seeing her brother stand beside her. She lifted her chin slightly, the weight of the past pressing down, but also the strength she hadn’t realized she still had.
Darius stayed beside her, his arm brushing hers lightly, a quiet reminder that she wasn’t alone. He gave her hand a small squeeze, and she felt her resolve solidify.
“This day,” Amara said softly, yet with steady confidence, “is about remembering her. To honour her… that's why I'm here.. It would be wise to remember that.”
Her father’s lips pressed into a thin line, his anger simmering beneath the surface. But he didn’t interrupt. He knew the moment was hers.
Darius’s eyes met hers, dark and intense, and in that look, she found the courage to face him.