Shadows Of Roses

As night dissolved into dawn and the sun set, Seraphina slowly awakened from her restorative sleep. The room was bathed in a dim, tranquil light, the moon's gentle glow filtering through the curtains and casting soft shadows across the wooden floor. "I see you are finally awake, miss," came a voice to her left. Turning, Seraphina saw an elderly man, leaning on a cane in one hand. "Where is my child?"

Her voice was urgent, hoarse from sleep, as she pushed herself upright despite the muscle pain that ensnared her body. The elderly man paused at her bedside, his features softening with concern, the moonlight reflecting in his eyes, creating a serene halo around his gentle expression. "Your child is safe," he reassured her, his voice steady and calm. "I will bring her to you, but you must be careful. You are still very weak. "Seraphina nodded, a weak but relieved smile crossing her face.

"Please," she whispered, the urgency in her voice softened by her overwhelming need to see her child. With a compassionate smile, the elderly man turned and left the room. His cane echoed softly down the hall, a reassuring sound that faded as he went to retrieve her child. Alone, Seraphina lay back against the pillows, her breaths shallow, mingling with the cool night air that drifted through the slightly open window.

The moonlight cast a silvery sheen across her face, highlighting the lines of worry that marked her brow. Time seemed to stretch into an eternity until at last, the sound of soft footsteps heralded his return. The elderly man appeared in the doorway, a small bundle cradled in his arms. Seraphina's eyes brightened immediately as he carefully handed her the baby, wrapped in a soft, warm blanket.The baby, sensing her mother's presence, cooed softly, her tiny fingers reaching out. Seraphina held her daughter close, her lips brushing against the baby's forehead in a gentle, loving kiss.

Tears welled in her eyes, not from pain, but from a surge of overwhelming love and relief. "I was so afraid I wouldn't see you again, my light," she murmured, her voice a soothing whisper to her child.The elderly man watched them for a moment, his face reflecting a tender joy. "You needn't worry anymore," he said quietly. "You both are safe here, for as long as you need to be."Gratitude filled Seraphina's eyes as she looked up at him. "Thank you," she breathed, her attention returning to her daughter, the room enveloped in a peaceful silence broken only by the soft sighs of her contented child.

The following morning, the room was illuminated by a bright, clear light as the sun took over the night's watch, casting a warm golden glow through the curtains. Seraphina woke from a light, restful sleep to this change, her daughter nestled safely in the crook of her arm, still deep in slumber, untouched by the shifting light.Watching her child's peaceful face, Seraphina's thoughts drifted to their future. Where would they go? What would happen to them? Cassian probably believed she was dead—a thought that brought a bittersweet relief.

With a tender smile reserved for a mother's love, she silently thanked the heavens for preserving her daughter's life.A knock at the door pulled her gaze away. It opened to reveal the elderly man, his face wearing a kind expression. "Good morning," he greeted with a soft smile.

"I thought you might like some breakfast after such a long rest." In his hand, he held a tray with some fruit.The unexpected kindness from this stranger who had saved her and her daughter without a second thought overwhelmed Seraphina. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at him. "Thank you, sir, thank you so much," she sobbed, the tears streaming down her cheeks as gratitude overwhelmed her.With a gentle chuckle, the old man approached, extending the fruit towards her. "Miss, no need for tears. Eat this, you need your strength," he said, his smile warm and reassuring.As she accepted the fruit, her heart filled with immense gratitude.

"Sir, you have saved my life and my daughter's, and I do not even know your name.""Well, the same could be said for you. I do not know yours nor your child's," he replied with a hearty laugh. "My name is Adolphus."His name seemed to suit him perfectly, echoing the nobility of his actions. "My name is Sera, and the little one sleeping there is called Alina," she responded, a soft smile touching her lips.Adolphus took one of Sera's hands in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sera," he said warmly, solidifying the bond that had formed between them, forged by circumstance and kindred spirits.