Chapter 161: Nightmares and Secrets
After their intimate encounter, Galatea lay in Alaric’s arms, her body still tingling from the experience. She was out of breath, and the dampness on her skin made her feel as if she needed another shower.
“I feel like I need another shower after this,” Galatea said with a playful tone, though her voice was still heavy with exhaustion.
Alaric chuckled, the warmth of the moment lingering. “If you want, I can join you for another shower.”
She shook her head, still trying to regain her composure. “I don’t want to now. I’m completely drained.”
A sudden thought crossed her mind, and she turned to him, her voice more serious. “Do you have any contraceptives here?”
Alaric blinked, surprised by her question. “I don’t have any here. You said it was the safe period, so you shouldn’t need them.”
“The safe period isn’t foolproof,” Galatea replied, a hint of anxiety creeping into her voice. “I’m worried I might get pregnant.”
Alaric was taken aback, then sighed, helpless. “Why are you so afraid of getting pregnant?”
“You’re the curious one, not me,” Galatea retorted, kicking him lightly. “Just go out and buy them now.”
“Alright, alright,” Alaric agreed reluctantly, getting up and dressing quickly. “You’re a doctor—you should know contraceptives aren’t great for your health.”
“Since you know that, then take precautions next time, okay?” Galatea shot back, half teasing, half serious.
“Okay,” he said, nodding with a slight smile. Then he left to buy the contraceptives, leaving Galatea to reflect on the events.
She smiled shyly to herself, her face heating up as she thought back to their intimate moment. So this is what it feels like… she mused. She had never experienced anything like it before, and the thought made her blush even more. “Galatea, stop thinking nonsense,” she muttered under her breath, forcing herself to close her eyes.
By the time Alaric returned, she had already fallen asleep, her face peaceful and relaxed.
Alaric couldn’t help but smile indulgently at her. Quietly, he climbed into bed beside her, wrapping her in his arms. He kissed her forehead gently and whispered, “Rest assured, Galatea. I’ll protect you. You won’t end up like Rowena.”
With that, Alaric closed his eyes, drifting into sleep beside her.
Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Harry lay in bed, unable to sleep. His eyes flickered toward the bed Mrs. Marigold had set up next to his, the idea of her staying in the same room making him uncomfortable.
“Grandma,” Harry finally spoke, glancing at her, “are you really planning to sleep in here tonight?”
Mrs. Marigold’s gaze never wavered, full of an almost overwhelming doting. “Of course. Your father, Alaric, said he’s been too busy with work to come back, so it’s up to me to take care of you. What if you feel unwell and there’s no one around? I can’t leave you alone.”
“Grandma, I’m not a child. If something happens, I’ll call for help. I’m not mute, nor am I a fool.”
“You’re a genius, my dear, and you’re not a fool. I just want to make sure you’re properly cared for,” she said, her voice warm but firm. “Don’t worry, I won’t disturb your sleep.”
Harry sighed, a sense of helplessness settling over him. Who will save me from this?
“No room for negotiation?” he asked, half in jest.
“When you’re completely better, I promise I won’t sleep here anymore,” Mrs. Marigold said, giving him a reassuring smile.
With another sigh, Harry resigned himself. “Alright, I’m going to sleep now. Goodnight, Grandma.”
“Goodnight, my dear,” Mrs. Marigold replied softly.
Harry buried himself under the covers, hoping for some peace and quiet, but sleep seemed distant.
As the room fell silent, Mrs. Marigold lay down next to him, turning off the light. But sleep didn’t come easily for her. Her mind churned, and before long, she was lost in a nightmare.
In her dream, Stellan Storm appeared, covered in blood. His eyes were full of accusation as he reached out to her, his hands stained red. “Mom, you have a cruel heart. I didn’t deceive you, but you wronged me, causing me to lose my life in vain. I called you ‘Mom,’ but you wanted my life. Give it back. Give me back my life!”
From behind him, two children emerged, also drenched in blood. Their cries filled the air. “Grandma, we are your grandchildren, but you caused our deaths. We didn’t even get to see the world. We’re so pitiful. Give us back our life!”
“Grandma, I feel so painful, Grandma!” Their voices were a chorus of grief.
“Ah!” Mrs. Marigold screamed, waking suddenly, drenched in sweat, her heart pounding in terror.
Harry shot up in bed, his eyes wide with alarm. He quickly turned on the bedside lamp, his gaze falling on Mrs. Marigold, who was still trembling, her face pale with fear.
“You said you wouldn’t disturb my sleep,” Harry said, his voice dry. “But you nearly gave me a heart attack.”
Mrs. Marigold didn’t seem to hear him. She was still lost in her nightmare, her breathing shallow and uneven.
Harry blinked, confused. Was she really just dreaming, or… is she possessed?
Slowly, he got out of bed and approached her, gently calling, “Grandma?”
“Ah!” Mrs. Marigold’s eyes snapped open, her fear palpable as she recoiled from him.
Harry froze, his heart racing. “Doctor! Doctor!” he shouted, panic creeping into his voice.
A doctor on standby rushed into the room, looking concerned. “What’s wrong, Mr. Knight Junior? Is your wound hurting?”
“No, it’s not me,” Harry said quickly, pointing at Mrs. Marigold. “It’s her. Check if she’s been possessed by a ghost. She screamed so loudly.”
The doctor didn’t know how to respond, but after a quick glance at Mrs. Marigold, he turned to leave. “Understood. I’ll let you know if anything changes.”
Mrs. Marigold was already starting to regain some composure, realizing it had just been a nightmare.
“No need to check anything,” she snapped irritably, waving him off. “Just leave.”
The doctor, looking both confused and concerned, exited the room, leaving Harry and Mrs. Marigold alone.
Harry gave her a long look. “Caspian, did I scare you?”
“Yes,” Harry admitted, his voice dry. “You did.”
“It’s alright, it’s alright,” Mrs. Marigold murmured, comforting herself as much as him. “It was just a nightmare.”
“But what kind of nightmare could scare you like that?” Harry asked, his curiosity piqued. “They say if you haven’t done anything wrong, you won’t be afraid when evil knocks on your door. But you—Grandma, what happened? What did you do wrong?”
The question hung in the air as Mrs. Marigold’s eyes darkened, her thoughts hidden behind a veil of secrecy.