Inside My Head (Silent Moment Series: Book 6)

Chapter 14

 As I wandered through Sanctum, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider peering into a world completely foreign to me. Everywhere I looked, people were buzzing with excitement, draped in vibrant colors, setting up decorations that fluttered in the gentle breeze. The air was filled with the aroma of cooking and the sound of laughter, yet it all felt surreal, like a scene from a story rather than reality. Despite being granted permission to stay, nowhere in Sanctum felt truly comfortable to me, except perhaps the tavern. Delilah's family, especially her father, had shown us nothing but kindness since our arrival. It was a stark contrast to the guarded welcome we'd received from Sanctum's leaders.

I found myself drawn to watching Delilah's father as he decorated a cake. His hands moved with practiced precision, creating intricate patterns that seemed to tell a story of their own. The cake was unlike anything I had seen before – layers upon layers adorned with edible flowers and vibrant icings. His concentration was a quiet reminder of the normalcy that existed here, in this hidden corner of the universe. It was a simple moment, but in it, I found a strange sense of peace. It was a welcome respite from the constant vigilance and uncertainty that had become my life. For a brief moment, as I watched the cake take shape under the skilled hands of Delilah's father, I allowed myself to just be, to observe and appreciate the beauty of a life so different from my own.

"That's beautiful," I commented, admiring the intricately decorated cake as I approached Delilah's father.

"Without you, none of this would've been possible today," he replied with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting genuine gratitude.

He carefully instructed his assistant to take the cake to the great hall. "Quickly. And be careful, that's Simone's favorite," he added, indicating the importance of the cake in the day's festivities.

"What's going on?" Madi asked curiously, her steps slowing as she descended the stairs towards us.

"I think it's some sort of celebration," I answered, just as Delilah's father turned to us with a beaming smile.

"What's going on? It's Naming Day, and you're the guests of honor," he announced, his voice filled with excitement.

He offered Madi a cookie from a plate, and she looked to me hesitantly. I nodded, and her hand shot out to grab one. As she bit into it, her eyes lit up with wonder and delight. It was a simple pleasure, a stark contrast to the hardships we'd known.

"Ha, ha, ha. A good cookie can change your life," the man laughed heartily, watching Madi's reaction.

As Delilah and Jordan made their way down the stairs, a round of applause echoed through the hall, marking their entrance with a sense of celebration. Jordan, beaming with a goofy grin, reminded me so much of Monty in moments like these. It was comforting and bittersweet – a reminder of what we'd lost and what we still had. Jordan's enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile at his evident happiness. He had quickly become a part of Delilah's world in Sanctum, and it was clear he was smitten. It was good to see him finding his own path, making connections beyond the shadows of the past.

I caught myself reminiscing about Monty and the many moments we shared, each marked by that same joyous expression now mirrored on his son's face. It was a poignant reminder of the legacy Monty left behind, embodied in Jordan. My thoughts were interrupted when Delilah's gaze met mine. Her smile was warm and genuine, a silent acknowledgment of the friendship that had begun to form between us. It was a welcome feeling amidst the unfamiliarity of Sanctum, a reminder that connections could still be made, even in the most unexpected places. In that moment, surrounded by the applause and the buzz of Naming Day preparations, I felt a sense of belonging, however fleeting, in this new world we were trying to understand.