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She bolted upright, sweat beading her forehead. Her shirt clung to her as she worked to control her breathing.
“It’s alright, Mari. Just a dream,” Adrien murmured in her ear, his arms wrapping tighter around her waist. “Try to sleep. We’ll figure it out in the morning.”
He’d been saying that for the past few weeks. They hadn’t figured out anything. Nothing would change the fact Hawk Moth knew. He knew and their families were in danger.
Fleeing had been their only answer, silent prayers for their families’ safety.
Needing to stretch and think, she slid out of the bed, padding toward the large window. Drawing back the curtain, she took in the first rays of the new day. The motel’s grimy pool glistened with a sickly green glow that churned her stomach.
“He hasn’t attacked,” she mumbled. “Why hasn’t he attacked? No akumas. Nothing. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Mari, come back to bed. You need to sleep.” Adrien rubbed at his eyes, the shadows beneath proof he hadn’t been sleeping either.
She stayed where she was, her hand gripping the curtain tighter. “I can’t. All I see is his face. He knows, and he’s biding his time until he strikes. I know it. I just don’t know why he hasn’t attacked yet.”
Soft footfalls sounded behind her, warm arms circling her waist once more. He rested his chin on her shoulder and peered out the window. The short stubble he sported scratched at her skin, but she didn’t mind, his presence soothing her.
Their accidental reveals hadn’t been opportune, but they’d happened. A fact she couldn’t change if she’d wanted. If only Hawk Moth hadn’t seen their reveals, too, then she could know if her family was safe. She wished they could call someone, anyone, to ask, but the risk was too great.
“I’m not sure how or when, my Lady, but we are going to figure this out.” His arms tightened around her. “He won’t win. We won’t let him.”
She leaned her head against his, a shadow of a smile peeking out. “You always sound so sure we’ll be victorious.”
“I know we will, because you’re amazing, Marinette. You always find your way out of every sticky situation. Why wouldn’t you do the same this time? We just have to find that opening you need. When we do, there’ll be no stopping us.”
He pulled away, his footsteps growing softer with the distance between them.
She heard a drawer scrap open as he rummaged for some clean clothing. When he grunted, she knew their few things would need cleaning that day.
Turning to face him, she smiled at the way his nose wrinkled at the small pile of wrinkled clothing. Biting back a giggle, she approached and took up his pile and hers to launder.
“Let’s get some breakfast before we head to the laundromat across the street.” She shoved their clothes into a small bag, content to wear the clothing she’d slept in.
A knock on the door froze her in place, her eyes widening as she glanced at him. He appeared equally confused, not expecting any visitors.
He called Plagg and transformed, stepping in front of her. “Who is it?”
“Your father, Adrien. Open the door.” The immaculate and cultured tone of Gabriel Agreste came through the door with little difficulty.
Adrien reached out.
“Wait.”
It was too late.
He opened the door.
Hawk Moth stood on the other side.