Iris

It was only after their deal was made that Axel learned that he had already been unconscious for a whole day and night. The news shocked him, since his original estimations saw him passing away from the infection the previous night. His body must have shut down as a self-preservation mechanism. What he didn't understand was how he managed to wake up.

Normally, those who pass out a few days after the virus infects them only wake up as infected. Of course, Axel didn't know that and Elena didn't inform him. She was already shocked about that fact that he did wake up, which is why she argued so passionately with him to maintain hope. No one had ever woken up after they passed out from infection. Although she did question why he had passed out so soon, the fact that he was alive for now spoke volumes.

Axel and Elena walked back down the dark corridor to reach the antique bedroom he was in before. When Axel turned his head to look at her, he ignored the pain running through his body.

"Actually, I don't really feel like going back to sleep. Is there somewhere you can take me that's relatively peaceful?" Axel asked.

Although he would love to spend his final moments with Rae, he had already said his goodbye. Going back inside the room and watching her peaceful face sleep would crumble his will. Instead of not letting her see him suffer in his last few moments, he knew he would stay until the end. He would rather find a quiet place to pass away and prevent himself from turning into another flesh-eating monster. Hopefully, he would be able to write a letter for Rae before then.

Elena looked at Axel and tried to discern his intentions. After a few moments of failing, she turned away to hide her face. God knows if he could see her face process her rampant overthinking.

"Follow me."

Elena led him back to the spiral staircase. However, instead of going down, they went up to the roof. Now that Axel wasn't single-mindedly focused on his body's incessant protests, he admired the beautiful architecture inside. The marble staircase elegantly curved with intricate banisters that seemed to mimic the patterns of a butterfly wing. When they reached the roof, Axel was astounded by the sight of a meticulously organized garden. In the middle of the roof stood a gazebo ornamented with dozens of different flowers that threatened to spill out. With it as the center, various plants and flowers were planted around it in a spiral.

Lilies, carnations, roses, peonies, and marigolds accounted for only half of what Axel saw at first glance. Most of what he saw were completely new flowers to him. Others were wildly expensive flowers that he never would have seen at the small flower shop he used to work in.

As he gazed in awe around him, Elena stood beside him, giggling at his expression. Her giggles quickly brought Axel back to his senses as he scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.

"Sorry about that. I used to work in a flower shop back in high school, so seeing all of this is kinda nostalgic. I also never thought I would ever see a Juliet Rose in person in my life."

Elena let out a small noise of surprise as her mouth was left in a small 'o' shape.

"You used to work in a flower shop? And you know what a Juliet Rose is?" Her eyes and tone expressed her strong disbelief.

"Yeah," Axel laughed. "Can't believe a straight guy would know this?"

"Not really, no."

"Yeah, most people wouldn't. I do love flowers, though. Giving a person a flower can convey a bunch of different meanings depending on the flowers," Axel said, running his fingers through some of the flowers.

"For example, irises." Axel picked out a few. "Blue irises represent faith...and hope."

Axel twirled one in his hand as he met Elena's gaze. The flower reminded him so much of her. He looked away for a second before carefully reaching behind her. The sudden movement caused a gasp to leave Elena's lips.

"And yellow irises represent passion," he whispered, slowly, before tucking it in behind Elena's ear. His hand lingered on her cheek as he leaned in. They locked gazes once again as their bodies grew closer.

After days of ignoring the spark between them, the two began to finally succumb to the fatal attraction they felt since their first encounter. Axel breathed in the sweet scent that wafted into his nose. Even in the middle of a fragrant garden, he could easily recognize Elena's distinct smell.

Elena rested her arms over Axel's shoulders. This gave Axel all the encouragement he needed to wrap his arms around her waist. Their eyes clouded over as they leaned in close to one other, losing themselves to their desires.

As they both closed their eyes in anticipation, the rampant thoughts circling their minds soon began to fade away.

Never had Axel experienced such a strong desire for someone. He had never believed in instant attraction, but he was easily proven wrong in his first meeting with Elena. She might be his first and last, and he was okay with that.

If Axel didn't trust in her so much, he would never have asked her to take care of Rae. Instead, he would have dragged his beaten and broken body wherever it took until he found the right person.

Yet, right as their lips were about to meet, a pang of dizziness struck him. His body faltered slightly, leaving Axel's head to rest on Elena's shoulder. The familiar pain struck his body like dozens of hammers slamming into him, forcing him off his feet.

"Axel?!" Elena exclaimed in surprise.