After almost two hours in a total silence where the two women stayed in each other presence one working and thinking, the other just sitting there feeling the beauty around her.
A sound was heard before Benoit emerged from the winding path at their left not far from their spot, his eyes cast downward, fixed on the dusty ground. The warm sunlight filtering through the lush greenery above cast dappled shadows on his face, accentuating the turmoil etched on his features.
His dark hair was mussed, and his usual bright smile was nowhere to be found, replaced by a look of profound sadness. He looked like a black and white version of himself, drained of color and vitality.
He wore a faded white shirt, its sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and worn jeans that seemed to hang loosely on his frail frame. His feet were clad in scuffed sneakers, the laces untied, giving him a disheveled appearance. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass, but Benoit's presence seemed to draw the beauty out of the surroundings, leaving only a sense of desolation.
When he finally looked up, his eyes locked onto the two women standing before him. Katiandra's piercing gaze narrowed, her lips pinched into a strained line. She recalled her earlier conversation with Norman, explicitly stating that she wanted no one on this side of the house. Lorelei, on the other hand, seemed to flinch at the sight of Benoit, her eyes clouding over with a mix of concern and confusion.
"Hey, guys," Benoit said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. The sound seemed to carry on the gentle breeze, laden with vulnerability.
At the sound of his voice, Lorelei visibly flinched, her eyes widening as she grasped the gravity of the situation. Katiandra's heart hurt to see any for of suffering coming from her soulmate. Doing all she could to breathe normally her posture hardened, her eyes almost closing as she directed her attention toward Benoit's frail body wondering what had happened.
Lorelei jaws clenched, a silent accusation aimed at herself for his state. No wonder he brave Katia order to see no one that concerned even her daughters. ' I should have check on him' she thought The air seemed to vibrate with tension, heavy with unspoken words the young man caught directly.
"I, huh, I know it was not allowed to... huh, I, no one stopped me, I... am sorry for disturbing you..." Benoit's words trailed off, his apology hanging in the air like not sure of where he stood. It also came as a challenge so fire in his eyes daring them to tell him off.
Lorelei stepped forward, her voice firm but gentle. "You know how it works, Benoit. If no one stops you, that means you can go everywhere. This is your place. Everywhere that belongs to me belongs to you. If you need me, I'll always be there for you, you know that, right? You are my brother."
Without missing a beat, Benoit nodded, looking less lost. Katiandra's head nodded in agreement thanking the universe the man was not a bad root at how much Lorelei was spoiling him.
He loosened his grip on his fists, plunging his hands into his hair in a total mess that suited him. He breathed in, relieved by Lorelei's words. The tension in his body seemed to ease, his shoulders sagging slightly as he exhaled.
"Dear, what's going on? You look like you've lost your soul," Katiandra said, stepping into the conversation. Her voice was laced with concern, her eyes filled with a deep empathy.
The older woman seemed to surrender inwardly to the situation, knowing there were things best left unfought. She had clearly understood Lorelei's earlier words were directed at her, and she knew how her partner felt about Benoit. The air seemed to vibrate with unspoken understanding, the silence between them heavy with emotion.
Benoit's lips curled into a faint, appreciative smile at Katiandra's attempt to lighten the mood with humor, despite her initial displeasure at his interruption. Lorelei's lips pulled into a simple, knowing smile, observing the older woman's unexpected display of warmth. It felt surreal to see Katiandra showing concern for the young man, when she could have easily pushed him away by one of her curt word. That she had not spare even to Alicia when she had disturb them in a moment she had asked not to.
"Just a rough night, that's all," Benoit replied, his gaze wandering in awe over the new section of the garden. His features different, now he fit in the space, it was clear even for the bodyguard looking at them through the CCTV. "Couldn't sleep."Â He finished his eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and fatigue.
Lorelei's expression turned empathetic, meeting his troubled gaze. "Nightmares again?" she inquired, wondering what she could do to help him shake off the recurring terror that had been plaguing him since they had met.
Benoit nodded, his eyes clouding over like a stormy sky. Katiandra's gaze softened, her voice filled with compassion. "Come on, Benoit, let's take your mind off things. We'll play some chess, and I'll do you the favor of introducing you to real chess play, though I am sure Lorelei did right with you."
A faint chuckle escaped Benoit's lips at Katiandra's attempt to connect with him on his level. His head made that peculiar movement Lorelei knew all too well â a sign that his analytical mind was struggling to override his emotions.
It took a long, poignant moment for Benoit to make up his mind. Lorelei's heart swelled with gratitude, observing how Katiandra gave him all the space he needed to process his decision. Finally, he nodded, his eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement, like a young boy eager to please.
"You're on, Your Majesty," Benoit said, a hint of playfulness creeping into his voice. "Though you'll have to take it slow with me."
Katiandra nodded firmly, her gloved hand gesturing toward the chessboard for them to wait her there. While they followed her directives, she disappeared into a small, hidden alcove behind a cascade of flowers to clean herself.
Arms linked they approached the chessboard, Lorelei squeezed the arm that was hooked with Benoit's, nudging his shoulder with hers. She caressed his soft, manly arm, her touch warm and reassuring. Her eyes shone with tenderness as she smiled at him.
"We've got your back, Benoit. Always," she whispered, her voice a gentle breeze that soothed his frayed nerves.
Benoit leaned into her, his body losing its rigidity as he let out a soft sigh. Lorelei's gaze probed his, searching for answers. "What was it this time?" she asked, her tone gentle but insistent.
Benoit shrugged, his eyes downcast, trying to downplay the horror he'd faced. But Lorelei knew him too well; she could read the turmoil beneath his surface. "Don't do that," she murmured. "It's important, and you're important."
Benoit's voice trembled as he spoke, the words tumbling out in a rush. "It's been... different. I kept seeing the same old thing, you know. You... throwing me away, telling me I'm not worthy of anything you know the usual. Just this THIS time it was YOU. My head told me it's not possible, but... but..." His voice cracked, the pain and fear evident in his eyes.
Lorelei's expression turned solemn, her eyes burning with intensity. "But your heart is afraid. It's understandable. Listen to me carefully, Benoit. This is a trick that can destabilize you if you're not aware of it. What you see most of the time is only true if you believe in it."
Benoit's gaze locked onto Lorelei's, his eyes wide with wonder. He scanned her face, his focus unnervingly intense. Lorelei met his gaze, her own eyes burning with a similar intensity. They stood there, suspended in a moment of deep understanding, their connection palpable.
"The same applies to visions, or what they called prophecy." Lorelei continued, her voice low and hypnotic. "Take them as potential realities that will manifest if you're not careful to refuse or accept them. The bad ones are like viruses â for humans bodies or machine, it's your responsibility to decide whether to let them control you."
Lorelei's hand patted Benoit's arm, a reassuring touch that seemed to anchor him. His eyes never left hers, drinking in her words like a parched traveler at an oasis. Katiandra watched them from where she stood, her attention riveted on the pair, her hands drying from the hand sanitizer she'd used.
"Love is the only thing that can keep you grounded in what's true," Lorelei kept going saying, her voice filled with conviction. "I love you, Benoit. You belong here, near me. Even if you wake up one day and tell me you're fed up with me, I won't let you go. Never. We're stuck together like two souls from the same womb. Get it right, dear Benoit: I love you. Whenever those nightmares come again, say it aloud for them to hear: 'It's a lie! Satan, evil , whatever you use to bring me down, is useless! You're a liar!' Because this is the truth. I am loved and I belongs."
Benoit's eyes remained fixed on Lorelei's, drinking in her words like a thirsty plant. Her gaze burned with an inner fire, illuminating the path ahead.
"You've seen me on that bed not long ago," Lorelei continued. "Nothing woke me but the power that brought us all here. You know how I lived daily, this is a perpetual walk of love. And believe me, its opposite exists. Think of us like this ... We're divine works of art, created to heal and uplift. But our art is sometimes in danger because of the harshness we're subjected to. You do not go in this world thinking you will be free of attacks."
Benoit's brows knitted in concentration, but he remained silent knowing she was teaching him how to fish rather than just consoling him like one would do for a child.
"We're like stabilizers, for this world." Lorelei said. "You, through your incredible games and creative cooking, that bring balance and joy. You're amazing, Benoit. But there's one thing you need to do: answer this question honestly."
"What are we here to stabilize? Why?" Lorelei asked, her eyes probing Benoit's very soul.
Benoit opened his mouth to respond, but Katiandra's arrival had him closing it. A small frown appeared on his forehead, a testament to his intense thinking. In all her grace she reemerged after leaving them much time, her expression serene, ready to begin their game.
Katiandra settled into her seat beside Lorelei, surveying the situation. She was aware of Benoit's emotional struggles, which sometimes disrupted his life. Doing her best to be normal around them she smile broadly at him putting all her charm in it, which had in result the young man copying the action with a blush.
Without a word, she began to play chess, beckoning him to follow with a gentle hand gesture.
The three of them sat around the chessboard, enveloped in silence for a moment. The tension in Benoit's body slowly eased as they began to play. Lorelei's words echoed in his mind, soothing his frazzled nerves. The soft click of the chess pieces across the board created a calming melody, while the beauty of the garden wrapped around them like a protective refuge.
After sometimes, the game progressed, the atmosphere around the chessboard transformed into a peaceful moment. The warm sunlight filtering through the garden's lush foliage cast a golden glow on the trio, imbuing the scene with a sense of tranquility.
Katiandra''s fingers moved deftly over the chess pieces, her eyes sparkling with a gentle intensity as she contemplated her next move. Lorelei, seated beside her, observed the game with a quiet interest, her hands clasped together in her lap. Benoit, across from them, focused intently on the board, his brow furrowed in concentration.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of the flowers and the soft chirping of birds, creating a soothing background melody. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, casting dappled shadows across the garden path.
The tension in Benoit's body continued to ease, his movements became more fluid, his thoughts clearer. The chess game became a form of meditation, allowing him to quiet his mind and focus on the present moment.
Lorelei glanced up at Benoit, a warm smile spreading across her face. "You're getting better at this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Benoit's lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes never leaving the board. "Thanks to you," he replied, his voice low and husky but it's normal self.
Katiandra's gaze shifted from the game to Benoit's face, her expression softening, he was really a good opponent, really trained to win.
Proud of him, Lorelei reached out, her hand brushing against Benoit's arm, offering a gentle, reassuring touch that made him smile, for the second time it reached his eyes.
The three of them sat there, enveloped in the peaceful atmosphere of the garden, lost in the simple joy of the chess game. Time seemed to stand still, and for a fleeting moment, all seemed right with the world.