Winterlock || Rafe Cameron||

.
.
.

Here weeeeeeee goooooooooo
.
.
The night stretched endlessly before them, moonlight casting silvery threads across the yacht's polished deck. Rafe's footsteps echoed hollow against the wooden planks as he carried Amelia's limp form through the narrow hallway, her body weightless in his arms. The violent waves crashed against the hull, sending tremors through the vessel that matched the trembling in his heart.

"Just a little walk, melia," he whispered a , his voice barely audible above the wind. "The fresh air will do you good." He could feel her consciousness, trapped within her paralyzed body, aware of every step that brought them closer to the deck. Her skin was warm against his chest, a stark contrast to the bitter cold that awaited below.

The yacht pitched forward, and Rafe tightened his grip. "Beautiful night, isn't it? The moon's so bright." His words tumbled out faster now, desperate to fill the silence. "You can probably feel the breeze already. It's refreshing, right? Like a cleansing breath."

Amelia's fingers twitched against his shirt – the smallest movement, but enough to betray her terror. Rafe's stride faltered, and he pressed her closer, as if the gesture could somehow comfort her. "Don't worry, I've got you. You're safe with me, you know? We're just getting some air, that's all. You've been below deck too long."

The door to the outer deck creaked open, and the full force of the wind hit them. Amelia's hair slid around her face, and Rafe noticed a tear sliding from beneath her closed eyelids. His chest tightened.

He's dumped bodies before, why was this difficult.

"See? Just like I promised – fresh air." His voice cracked slightly. "The stars are incredible tonight. Wish you could see them. Maybe... maybe in a little while, when you're feeling stronger, you'll be able to open your eyes." He knew she wouldn't believe him, but he couldn't stop the words from spilling out.

Though it sounded like he was reassuring her, it was really reassuring himself .

Each step toward the railing felt heavier than the last. "The sea air is good for the soul, that's what they say. Cleanses everything away." His arms began to shake, though not from her weight. "I'm taking good care of you, aren't I? Making sure you get your exercise, even if you can't walk yourself. I bet Kyle never treated you with this much consideration, did he?" He attempted a distraction.

The waves crashed louder now, their roar almost drowning out his increasingly frantic reassurances. "Just a few more steps, then we'll turn around. Back to our cabin. I'll read to you maybe? would you like that? I brought some books. Good ones." He lies.

Amelia's face twitched, another tear escaping. Rafe pretended not to notice, but his voice grew more desperate. "The moon makes everything look silver out here. Like another world. Peaceful, really. Nothing to be scared of. I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you. This is just a walk. Just a simple walk."

They reached the railing, and Rafe stopped. The metal was cold against his stomach as he stood there, Amelia cradled in his arms. The waves below were black, flecked with moonlight, reaching up like hungry fingers toward the deck. His hands trembled.

"Beautiful view from here," he whispered, but his voice shook too much to sound convincing anymore. "You can smell the salt in the air. Clean. Pure." He shifted his weight, adjusting his grip. "Don't be afraid. Please don't be afraid. I promised you a walk, remember? Just a walk under the stars."

The wind howled around them, and Amelia's body shuddered involuntarily. Rafe could feel her racing heart against his chest, betraying the terror her paralyzed body couldn't express. His own heart hammered in response, and he found himself swaying slightly, caught between purpose and doubt.