#keira parvais x reader

[loeh]

Afraid

Keira jolted awake from the nightmare, her heart racing and her mind disoriented. For a moment, she thought she might have slipped into the afterlife. But as she gathered her thoughts, one thing became clear—she needed to find you and her brother, Zeke.

Her first thought wasn't fear or confusion; it was a desperate need to see you, the woman who had loved her till the end as if she were your own, despite the harsh whispers and cold stares that had accused you of trying to replace her late mother. Keira had never fully understood the weight of those words until now, and the shame of it pressed heavily on her chest. But that shame only fueled her determination to make things right, to atone for her mistakes.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she burst into the grand hall where you stood, surrounded by maids. The scene was a stark contrast to the hellscape she'd just fled: warm light, soft fabrics, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. There was Zeke, his face alight with excitement as he talked with you.

For a moment, Keira hesitated, her breath catching in her throat. Could she really face you after everything? But then you glanced up, your eyes meeting hers, and in that instant, she knew she was home.

"Keira?"

Without a second thought, Keira dashed toward you and her brother, her voice cracking as she called out your names. The sound of her footsteps and her frantic shouts drew your attention, but nothing prepared you for what came next. As soon as she reached you, she threw her arms around you, holding on tightly as if she never wanted to let go.

Surprised, you gently returned the embrace, still processing the sudden display of affection. It was your stepson, Zeke, who finally broke the silence, his voice filled with concern.

"Sister, what's wrong?"

But what baffled you more was Keira’s response. Her voice was tinged with confusion as she asked,

“Is this the afterlife?”

You chuckled softly, trying to brush off the odd question. "I think you are still a bit drowsy. Maybe you should sleep in for the day. I’ll let His Grace know you’re not feeling well."

You expected her to argue, as she usually did, but to your surprise, she only whispered a quiet agreement. Concerned, you placed your hand on her forehead, checking for a fever, but her skin was cool. Her behavior was strange, but you decided it was just a phase, perhaps a result of the intense dreams she had been having.

As you turned back to the maids, resuming the discussion about the preparations for Zeke’s banquet, you felt a gentle tug on your dress. Keira was standing there, her expression shy and uncertain.

“Can I… can I spend the day with you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The request caught you completely off guard. Your heart swelled with emotion, and for a moment, you felt as though you could die happy. In the ten years since you had become part of this family, this was the first time Keira had ever asked to spend time with you.

“Of course, my dear,” you replied, your voice warm and tender. “I’d love nothing more.”