Chapter Text
Imogen's footsteps grew louder as she approached with a steaming mug in hand, the aroma of cinnamon and chocolate wafted through the air, a sweet counterpoint to the bitter cold outside. She knelt down beside Selene, her eyes filled with a gentle concern that seemed at odds with her usual cheery demeanor, "Here," she said, pressing the warm mug into Selene's hands, "this should help", she uttered, wiping away a tear from her friends face. Selene's fingers curled around the ceramic, the heat seeping into her frozen skin. She brought the mug to her lips and took a tentative sip, the liquid burning a path down her throat, spreading warmth through her body like liquid gold. The taste was heavenly, a sweet embrace that seemed to kiss away the last of the cold. Constance, her own hands still trembling from the ordeal, scooped Selene into her arms and moved her closer to the roaring fireplace, the flames danced and crackled, casting a warm, flickering glow across Selene's face as she leaned into Constance's embrace. The warmth of the fire kissed Selene's skin, her teeth stopped chattering and the tremors in her body began to ease, replaced by a gentle warmth that grew stronger with each passing second.
Constance, her heart rate finally beginning to return to normal, looked over at Imogen, "Could you come with me for a moment please Miss Drill?" she asked, her voice firm but gentle. The two teachers walked a little way from the main cabin, their breath misting in the air. The moon cast a silver glow over the landscape and the trees stood tall and silent as sentinels. Without a word, Constance embraced Imogen, the suddenness of it took her by surprise but she didn't pull away, instead, she leaned in closer, returning the embrace with a tentative warmth. Imogen had known Constance for many years, had seen her in every kind of situation but this was something new, and it was clearly her own form of a thank you. The stoic women was known to embrace Selene and no other person alive, and yet here she was, holding her colleague in a rare show of affection. They stood there for a moment, the cold air a stark contrast to the warmth of their shared concern, Imogen could feel the tremble in Constance's shoulders, the unspoken fear that had gripped her when Selene had been trapped beneath the ice. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even in a world filled with magic.
Breaking the embrace, Constance took a deep breath of the frigid air, her eyes shimmering, "We need to talk to the students," she said, her voice clear and strong once more, "they need to know the dangers of ignoring their teachers warnings, of playing on ice..." Imogen nodded solemnly, her eyes drifting towards Selene through the cabin's window, "I'll handle it," she said, her voice steady, "you stay with her, she needs you". Constance hesitated but the look of conviction on Imogen's face made her nod and she knew that the PE teacher was right. With one last look at Imogen, she turned, straightening her back as she strode into the cabin. Selene was still sitting by the fire, her eyes closed and the blanket tight around her, sipping the hot chocolate. Constance sat down beside her, pulling Selene closer until their bodies were pressed together, sharing warmth. "How are you feeling maus?" Constance asked, her voice gentle. Selene took another sip of the hot chocolate, feeling the warmth spread through her chest, "Better," she whispered, her voice hoarse from the cold. She leaned into Constance's warmth, her eyes still closed, "thank you mein liebling". Constance kissed Selene's forehead before whispering, "I was afraid I'd lost you," A single tear falling down her cheek, her hand gently stroking Selene's hair, trying to reassure herself as much as Selene.
Selene pulled away slightly, her hands still resting on her lap, but her gaze distant. "I'm sorry, it was silly of me, but you were too far away to get to.. I had to save her Constance, there was no way we could both make it back to shore, she had to be the priority." Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the choice she had made. Constance gently shushed Selene, her voice soothing and tender as she brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. "Maus," she said softly, her thumb tracing over Selene’s cheek, "You did what you thought was best and you undoubtedly saved Cora, I'm just thankful we didn't lose you in the process". Constance kissed Selene gently on the forehead once more, her touch soft and reassuring. She pulled away just enough to look at Selene, her eyes full of care. "Drink" she encouraged, her voice low and comforting. The mug had magically refilled itself, as it always did when Constance enchanted it, a quiet reminder of the comfort and security that surrounded them.
Constance picked her mortal up, as she transfered them both to their shared cabin. The wind outside howled, but inside, the warmth of the hearth and the flickering candlelight made it feel like a peaceful haven. Constance carefully dressed Selene, into her warm soft pajamas, her body still felt heavy from the ordeal but her mind was quieter now, the exhaustion settling in as the warmth of the room and Constance’s presence made everything else fade into the background "All cozy now," Constance murmured with a soft smile, pulling the covers up over Selene once she was settled into bed. The softness of the sheets and the weight of the blankets brought an immediate sense of security. Selene sighed deeply, the first real sense of relief she had felt in hours, Constance smiled down at her, brushing a stray lock of hair from Selene’s forehead as her lover closed her eyes, her breath steadying as the weariness of the day caught up with her. "I love you," she murmured, the warmth of Constance’s presence lulling her into a deep, peaceful sleep.