Chapter 14: First Night Together
The night had fallen over Antarctica, casting a blanket of darkness over the ice and snow. Inside the castle, the warmth of the fire crackled in the hearth, and soft light flickered across the room. Alex and Wanda were alone, the world outside a distant memory. It had been a long, tumultuous journey, but now they were here, in a place of safety, away from the chaos of the world.
Wanda, her body still adjusting to the new, peaceful surroundings, couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion. She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her clothes. The castle was magnificent, but it wasn't the walls or the towering spires that occupied her thoughts right now—it was Alex.
Alex had always been there for her, from the moment they met, to the battles they fought side by side. He had protected her, cared for her, and had proven to her that she was worth more than the pain and loss she had endured in her life. Tonight, something felt different. Tonight was about more than just safety—it was about trust. It was about the next step in their relationship, a deeper bond that she wasn't sure she was ready for but knew, in her heart, was inevitable.
Wanda had never been in a relationship like this before. The connection they shared was unlike anything she had ever experienced. The love, the understanding, and the raw emotion between them had always been evident, but tonight, it felt like they were crossing a new threshold.
Alex stood across from her, his figure framed by the flickering light from the fire. His gaze softened as he watched her. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes, the mix of emotions that she was holding back. His heart ached for her; he knew that this wasn't easy for her, that she had been through too much to feel completely at peace. But he also knew that this moment, this night, was something they needed.
He slowly walked toward her, his steps quiet on the cold stone floor. When he reached her, he knelt down, gently cupping her face in his hands.
"Wanda," he whispered softly, his voice full of warmth and reassurance. "I'm here. Always."
Her eyes met his, the vulnerability and trust in them so raw it almost took his breath away. Wanda had always been strong, always been the one who fought for others, but right now, she was letting herself be seen, fully and completely. And Alex knew, deep down, that this was something she had never allowed herself to do before.
Alex carefully brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch tender. "You're safe here. You can trust me, Wanda. You don't have to be afraid."
Wanda's eyes fluttered closed, the weight of her past, of everything she had endured, pressing on her chest. She inhaled deeply, trying to calm the racing of her heart. And then, she nodded, almost imperceptibly. She had been afraid, so afraid of the pain that intimacy might bring, but Alex had always been patient with her, always understanding.
"Okay," she whispered, her voice shaky.
Without another word, Alex leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a slow, tender kiss. It was a kiss that held promises—of comfort, of protection, and of the love that had blossomed between them. The kiss deepened, and the room seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of them, caught in this intimate moment.
As the kiss broke, Wanda's breath was shaky, her heart racing. She felt a sense of vulnerability she had never known before, but it wasn't fear that she felt—it was something else. Something she had longed for, but had never allowed herself to fully embrace.
"Wanda…" Alex whispered again, his voice thick with emotion. "You're so beautiful. You have no idea just how beautiful you are to me."
Wanda's breath hitched at his words. Her heart swelled with a mixture of happiness and sadness. She had never felt truly beautiful before, not in the way Alex saw her. But now, as he looked at her with such admiration, she began to see herself in a new light.
Alex's eyes traced over her face, lingering on every detail—her soft, porcelain skin, the way her lashes brushed against her cheeks when she closed her eyes, the gentle curve of her lips. But it wasn't just her physical beauty that captivated him. It was the strength in her eyes, the resilience in her spirit, and the kindness that radiated from her every gesture. To him, Wanda was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
He gently took her hands in his, guiding her to lie back on the bed. Wanda's heartbeat quickened, a mixture of nerves and anticipation filling her chest. This was it—the moment they had both been circling, the moment that would bind them together in a way they had never been before.
As Alex lay beside her, he kissed her forehead softly, his hands tracing the lines of her body with a gentleness that contrasted with the burning desire he felt. Wanda's breath hitched as he moved closer, his lips ghosting over her skin in a delicate, teasing touch. Her body tensed, the unfamiliar sensation of intimacy flooding her senses, but Alex's touch was steady, his presence grounding her.
"Alex…" Wanda whispered, her voice trembling as she spoke his name.
"I'm here, Wanda," he whispered back, his voice thick with emotion. "You're not alone."
But as their bodies finally joined, Wanda felt a sharp pain—an overwhelming sensation that made her gasp. Her hands clenched at the sheets, her tears welling up as the pain consumed her. It was too much. Too new. Too overwhelming.
Alex immediately pulled back, panic flooding his chest. "Wanda, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you."
But Wanda shook her head, her tears slipping down her cheeks. "No, Alex… I'm okay," she whispered through the pain. "It's just… it's just my first time. It's… it hurts."
Alex's heart broke at the sound of her voice, the vulnerability and pain in it. He pulled her into his arms, his hands smoothing her hair back as he whispered gentle words of comfort.
"I'm so sorry," he murmured, kissing her forehead tenderly. "We don't have to do anything, Wanda. We can take it slow. I just want you to feel safe."
Wanda's body trembled in his embrace, but the warmth of his arms around her made her feel a little better. She had always been afraid of this moment—afraid of the vulnerability that came with intimacy. But with Alex, it was different. She didn't feel pressured. She felt loved.
"I know, Alex," she whispered, her voice soft and shaky. "I trust you. I want this… with you."
And so, they stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms. As the night went on, the pain gradually subsided, replaced by a growing warmth between them. Wanda's tears eventually stopped, and a sense of peace began to settle in her heart. She wasn't alone anymore.
Alex was there, always.
---
End of Chapter 14