Chapter 15: A Peaceful Morning
Alex awoke before Wanda, his gaze immediately drifting to the girl lying in his arms. Her hair was a cascade of dark waves, splayed across the pillow like a curtain of night. The soft, rhythmic sound of her breathing was the only noise in the room, a peaceful melody that settled his mind. For a moment, Alex just watched her, taking in the sight of her, the way her face softened in sleep, the calmness that radiated from her.
He had been through so much, fought battles, faced dangers, and yet, now, in this quiet moment, it all seemed distant. With Wanda in his arms, he felt a peace he hadn't known in years. His heart swelled as he marveled at the woman beside him. Wanda was his blessing—something he didn't deserve, but something he would protect with every ounce of his being. He knew deep in his heart that she had been sent to him, a gift from God, to heal the wounds of his past and make him whole again.
As the morning light began to filter through the windows, casting soft golden hues across the room, Alex's thoughts wandered. He had never allowed himself to be truly vulnerable, never truly believed he could find someone like Wanda. But now, with her in his life, everything felt right. She had filled a void in his heart, and the love he felt for her was unlike anything he had ever known.
He couldn't help but smile as he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. She was so beautiful, both inside and out. She had the kind of beauty that went beyond appearances—it was the way she carried herself, the kindness she radiated, and the strength in her eyes. She was a force of nature, and yet, with him, she was soft and tender. He was captivated by her in every way imaginable.
Suddenly, Wanda stirred in her sleep, her eyes fluttering open. The moment she saw Alex, her face softened, and a small, sleepy smile curled on her lips. She blinked a few times, clearly still adjusting to the new day.
"Good morning," she whispered, her voice still thick with sleep.
"Good morning," Alex replied, his voice full of warmth. He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently, savoring the closeness.
Wanda stretched, the slight movement making her body shift in his arms. She gave a soft yawn before looking up at him again, her eyes shining.
"I'm hungry," she said, a small laugh escaping her lips. "Do you mind getting something to eat?"
Alex blinked in surprise. He had been so focused on the emotional connection between them, on their first night together, that he hadn't even thought about food or anything else. It wasn't that he didn't care about her needs—it was simply that his mind had been consumed with her presence.
"Uh… sure," he said, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "I hadn't really thought about that."
Wanda chuckled softly, her laughter music to his ears. "It's okay," she said, rolling out of bed. "Let's go get something."
As she stood up and walked toward the window, the cool morning breeze ruffled her hair, giving her an ethereal look. Alex stood up as well, trying to gather his thoughts. He quickly realized the practicalities he hadn't considered. They didn't have money in this country, and he had no idea how to acquire food. He had lived off the land and used his powers to survive, but now, with Wanda by his side, it was time to live in the world again, to rejoin society.
As Alex began to pace around the room, feeling a bit helpless, Wanda looked back at him, sensing his unease. "What's wrong?"
Alex paused, looking at her. "Well, the thing is, I didn't think about food, and I don't exactly have any currency here."
Wanda smiled knowingly. "You're used to being independent, aren't you?" she teased gently, but Alex could see the concern in her eyes. "It's okay. Let's go to a nearby town. We can figure it out."
He nodded, relieved that she wasn't upset with him. Together, they left the warmth of the castle, stepping out into the cold Antarctic air. Despite the chill, there was something exhilarating about the adventure ahead. Alex could feel the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders, but at the same time, he felt a sense of hope. With Wanda by his side, everything felt possible.
They took to the skies, Alex effortlessly flying them toward the nearest county. The landscape below was vast and white, a stunning expanse of snow and ice, but as they neared the small village, a sense of normalcy returned to Alex's thoughts. The town was humble, a quiet place that seemed untouched by the chaos of the world. It was the perfect place to find food and rest.
They landed in the center of the village, where a small shop caught their attention. The sign read "Local Goods" in faded letters, and the warm glow of light from within beckoned them inside. Alex and Wanda made their way in, and immediately, the shop owner—a friendly older man with a weathered face—greeted them.
"Well, well," the man said, peering at them with a smile. "You folks must be new around here. Welcome! What can I get you?"
Alex opened his mouth to speak but quickly realized he had no way to pay. He hesitated, unsure of what to do.
The shop owner, noticing his moment of uncertainty, gave him a knowing smile. "Don't worry about it. I've got plenty to share with folks in need." He paused, glancing at Alex and Wanda's worn clothes. "Looks like you two could use a good meal. No charge."
Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Are you sure?"
The man nodded, giving them a kind smile. "It's on the house. You've probably had a rough time getting here. Don't worry about the money. Just take what you need."
Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had been so focused on the logistics of everyday life that he hadn't even considered the kindness of strangers. It was a reminder that, even in a world filled with conflict, there was still goodness and generosity to be found.
"Thank you," Alex said, his voice filled with gratitude. "That's incredibly kind of you."
The shopkeeper waved off the thanks with a chuckle. "No need for thanks, young man. Just make sure you take care of each other, alright?"
With a full stomach and a grateful heart, Alex and Wanda left the shop, carrying the food back to the castle. As they flew back, the day felt lighter, more full of possibilities. They had their meal, they had each other, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt right.
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End of Chapter 15