Written for a lyric prompt:

Are you fighting to find what's left when there's nothing here but agony? / One by One - As Lions

Alecto runs her fingers through Bellatrix's hair. Bellatrix sleeps fitfully. Azkaban took its toll on them both, and while Narcissa heals their bodies, she cannot heal their minds.

Bellatrix whimpers. "Alecto…"

Alecto kisses her forehead. "They can't touch you here."

Bellatrix calms. Awake, Bellatrix's hard edges make even Narcissa bleed. Asleep, she can no longer hide the pain under anger.

Bellatrix was never soft, but she wasn't this either. Alecto holds her close and understands the constant agony of Azkaban's festering wounds. They aren't who they used to be, but Alecto knows they are still there under all the scars.