Chapter Text
"Are you tired from painting? You don't look so good." Charles wraps up the fiery flame lilies Rafayel chose and hands them over. "Are these also a gift? I think they suit you more."
"Great." Rafayel takes the bouquet. "I'm thinking of giving them to someone."
"Are you giving yourself away?"
Rafayel never mentioned it, but Charles had a hunch a long time ago. There must be someone in his heart that he didn't want to mention.
"My garden is always open to you."
He pats Rafayel's shoulder, then sees him and his flame lilies off.
The flowers are light, their weight in his hand almost nonexistent.
He walks for a long time after leaving the garden, but he still hasn't decided whether or not he should give this bouquet away. He hasn't come up with a good excuse either.
"When your own heart is devouring you, is there anything that can pull you back?" He remembers the question Talia once asked and avoids the underlying meaning.
Can this flame lily bouquet become his anchor? He's not sure.
Under the night sky, the black waves haven't fully rolled in. For now, he still has a chance to get a good sleep.
Until he must face the never-ending tsunami in his dreams alone.