In the Shadows of a Legacy // A Sebastian Sallow story

Chapter 36-The past

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile-life's been crazy😭😂 I started writing this as an ADHD fueled fixation. Then I was in hospital, was doing student teaching and now am I about to be traveling internationally for a month for my destination wedding/honeymoon. I have the storyline outlined, I just am trying to find the time and passion to continue. Im hoping to continue and finish the story💓

Sebastian and I made our way back to Eowyn, mounting her once again as we prepared for the journey back to my home. We soared through the sky for a few more hours, the sun gradually sinking lower on the horizon. With the darkness encroaching, we decided it was safer to land in the woods just beyond my house, where we dismounted and began walking along the familiar trails.

As we approached the clearing that led to my backyard, a wave of horror washed over me. My heart sank as my eyes beheld the sight of the ashen ruins that once stood as my home. The cottage, once filled with warmth and memories, now lay in ruins, reduced to nothing more than a pile of charred wood and broken remnants.

A gasp escaped my lips, and I instinctively took a step forward, drawn to the wreckage by a mix of despair and determination. Thoughts of Poppy, who shared that home with me, filled my mind, and I prayed fervently that she had escaped unscathed. With trembling hands, I began sifting through the rubble, searching desperately for any salvageable fragments.

Among the debris, I noticed fragments that had miraculously survived the inferno, although severely scorched. My gaze locked onto what remained of my room, and I focused my efforts on locating my bedside table. Summoning my wand, I directed its magic towards the crumbling wall, carefully lifting the debris to reveal the scorched but intact piece of furniture.

A surge of relief coursed through me as I delved into the drawers of the bedside table, my fingers trembling in anticipation. And there, nestled within the chaos, I found what I had been searching for—a small velvet box, containing one of my most treasured possessions. I opened the box slowly, revealing a gleaming gold ring adorned with a striking black onyx stone, delicately suspended on a chain.

Tears welled in my eyes as I clutched the cherished item. "You still have that?" Sebastian's soft voice broke the silence, his arms coming from behind and encircling my waist, and kissing me on the cheek.

"Of course," I murmured.

Sebastian grabbed the chain and clasped it around my neck. The cold metal sending tingles throughout my body.

"Why are you here, Ophelia?" Sebastian's voice pierced through the stillness of the night, filled with concern and worry. The late hour accentuated his distress. "It's nearly 3 a.m., and I've been worried sick about you."

My gaze remained fixed on the cold stone before me, tears streaming down my face, as I knelt in front of the grave. I couldn't bring myself to face Sebastian. The weight of guilt in my heart felt unbearable. I had foolishly believed I could protect those I cared for, my chosen family, yet here I was, sitting at the resting place of the only man who had ever been a father to me. I saved Hogwarts, but lost everything in return.

"Go away," I whispered, my voice laced with anger.

Sebastian approached cautiously, stepping closer to me. "You need rest, my darling," he cooed softly.

I turned around abruptly, my eyes burning with intensity as I glared at him. "I'm fine," I retorted.

He sat beside me, despite my protests and wrapped his arms protectively around my shoulders, "I'm sorry," He murmured.

Allowing myself to be drawn into his comforting presence, I leaned into him, my tears staining his chest as I couldn't stop them from flowing. The weight of guilt and grief overwhelmed me, making it difficult to catch my breath. "It's my fault," I whispered, my voice choked with sorrow. "He would still be alive if I hadn't... if I..."