Chapter 51: The Omen of Shadows

The Omen of Shadows

Seraphina's breathing had finally evened out, her small body warm against mine. For the first time in weeks, she looked at peace, wrapped in the comfort of my arms. But I knew better.

The shadows of our past still clung to her—to both of us. No amount of whispered reassurances would erase the horrors we had endured. But I would try.

I gently brushed her curls away from her face, taking in her delicate features. The sharp cheekbones that hadn't been so defined before, the way her lips pressed together as if she were holding back words.

She had changed.

Time had stolen the soft innocence she once carried so easily.

The silence stretched between us, heavy and unspoken, until she shifted slightly, tilting her head up to look at me.

"There's something I need to tell you," she murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

I stiffened.