Nightmares and Night Confessions
Red was in a terrifying nightmare, a mixture of memories and deep fears. She was back in Wonderland, in her mother's throne room. The walls were decorated with portraits of the Queen of Hearts, and the atmosphere was heavy with tension, almost suffocating. Red, still a child, was watching an execution. A man, accused of treason, was kneeling before the throne. The Queen of Hearts, with a cruel smile, ordered: "Off with his head!" Red, helpless, watched the scene unfold in horror. The executioner raised his axe, and the man's head rolled to the ground, leaving a trail of blood. The little girl she had been then cowered in terror, but the Queen of Hearts forced her to watch. "You must learn, Red. This is how one rules. »
The nightmare continued, each execution following another, each face blending into a whirlwind of blood and tears. Red grew older, but the terror remained the same. The screams of the condemned echoed in her ears, and the metallic smell of blood permeated the air. Then, the scene changed. She found herself facing Maddox, kneeling before the throne, his hands bound. The Queen of Hearts, as merciless as ever, ordered again: "Off with his head!"
Red screamed, trying to run towards him, but his legs refused to move, as if they were chained. The executioner raised his axe, and as the blade was about to fall, Red woke with a start, screaming in terror.
Chloe, alerted by the scream, woke with a start. She saw Red panicking in his bed, his eyes wide with fear, his breath short. "Red, are you okay?" " she asked, approaching slowly, her voice trembling with worry.
But when she tried to touch Red, the latter panicked even more, struggling like a trapped animal. Chloe understood immediately that Red was having an anxiety attack following a nightmare. She then remembered a technique that her mother had taught her.
“Red, I’m going to touch you gently, okay?” she said in a soothing voice. She gently placed her hand on Red’s forearm and began to tap gently with her fingertips, mimicking the steady beat of a heart. “Breathe with me, Red. Follow the rhythm.”
Red, still agitated, felt the steady tapping and tried to match her breathing to it. Slowly, her breathing became less choppy, and she began to calm down. Chloe continued to tap gently, whispering soothing words. “Breathe deeply, Red. It’s okay. I’m here.”
Eventually, Red calmed down completely, her tears silently streaming down her cheeks. “Thank you,” she whispered awkwardly, grateful for Chloe’s help.
Chloe smiled softly. “Do you want to talk about it?” »
Red hesitated for a moment, but Chloe's kindness made her open up. "I... I'm the daughter of the Queen of Hearts."
Chloe blanched, feeling a wave of shock and compassion wash over her. Her heart clenched as she imagined the suffering Red must have endured. She knew the Queen of Hearts' ruthless reputation and couldn't imagine what it meant to Red. "Oh, Red... I'm so sorry."
Red noticed Chloe's reaction and tried sarcasm to lighten the mood. "Yeah, I know, not exactly the kind of parent you dream of having."
Chloe cracked a smile, but her gaze remained filled with compassion and sadness. She took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Red, you are incredibly brave. What you've been through... it's unimaginable. But you're not alone now. »
Red, realizing that talking felt good, continued. She talked about how Uma's letter had changed everything, giving her a chance to escape. She explained her hasty escape, which explained why she didn't have a single belonging when she arrived in Auradon. She talked about Maddox, her letter, and finally, her nightmare.
Chloe listened intently, her eyes filled with compassion, comforting Red as best she could. "You are incredibly brave, Red. I can't imagine what you've been through, but know that I'm here for you."
Red, exhausted by her emotions, let herself talk, finding unexpected comfort in Chloe's words. Chloe's soft, soothing voice, along with her tender caresses, allowed her to release the tension that kept her awake. Chloe watched over her until she fell back asleep, whispering soothing words and gently stroking her hair.
The next morning, Red woke up to find Chloe had been watching over her all night. Chloe was asleep in her chair, her head resting on the edge of Red's bed. This display of genuine, uncalculated affection touched Red deeply. She didn't know what to feel in the face of such kindness. For the first time in a long time, she felt enveloped in a sense of security and warmth. A shy smile appeared on her lips as she watched Chloe sleep peacefully, her gratitude growing.