Chapter 165 - A Granddaughter's Query, A Legacy of Love

The garden bloomed with late summer roses, their scent heavy in the afternoon air. I sat on our favorite wrought iron bench, my weathered hand tucked comfortably within Alaric's larger one. Though age had bent our frames and silvered our hair, his touch still sent warmth through my veins.

"Grandpapa! Grandmama! Look what I found!" Our youngest granddaughter, little Bella—named after me—came racing across the lawn, her dark curls bouncing with each step. At eight years old, she was all curiosity and energy, reminding me so much of our Mariella at that age.

Alaric chuckled beside me. "What treasure have you discovered now, little one?"

Bella skidded to a stop before us, something clutched carefully in her small hands. Her eyes, dark like mine but with the same piercing quality as her grandfather's, sparkled with excitement.

"I was playing in the attic room—where all the old trunks are—and I found this!" She held out her hands, revealing an object that made my breath catch.