Crowning Fables 4: A collection of one short stories

Roses at Midnight

In the enchanting town of Moonvale, where the moon's gentle glow illuminated the cobblestone streets, lived a young woman named Lily. Her love for flowers was as radiant as the sun, and she tended to the most beautiful garden in all of Moonvale.

One night, as the moon shone bright, casting a silvery glow over the town, Lily was drawn to her garden by an ethereal melody that seemed to dance through the night air. As she approached, she noticed a mysterious figure among the roses, plucking each delicate blossom with utmost care.

Intrigued and cautious, Lily hid behind a tree, her heart pounding with curiosity. The figure was a young man with midnight-black hair and eyes that sparkled like stars. He was dressed in clothes that seemed to belong to another era, exuding an air of timelessness.

With each rose he plucked, he whispered a soft apology, as if he were tenderly parting with cherished memories. Lily couldn't help but be captivated by the sight, her curiosity overcoming her initial hesitation.

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Lily stepped out from behind the tree, her eyes meeting the young man's for the first time. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice a mix of wonder and apprehension.

The young man looked up, his eyes locking with Lily's. "I am Asher," he replied, his voice as soft and haunting as the midnight breeze. "I apologize for intruding upon your garden. These roses hold special memories, and I wanted to preserve their beauty before they fade away."

Lily felt a deep sense of empathy for Asher and his mysterious mission. "These roses are my life's work," she said, a touch of sadness in her voice. "Each one holds a special place in my heart, just like yours."

As the night wore on, Lily and Asher found themselves wandering through the garden, sharing their stories under the moon's watchful gaze. Asher spoke of a time long past, of love and loss that had bound him to these roses for centuries.

"I am bound to this garden by a forgotten promise," Asher confessed. "I must gather these roses every midnight until I find the key to breaking the curse that holds me here."

Lily's heart ached for Asher, and a spark of determination ignited within her. "I will help you find the key," she said, her voice resolute. "No one should be trapped in the past. Together, we will search for a way to set you free."

As the days turned into nights, Lily and Asher embarked on a quest to unlock the mysteries of Moonvale's past. They combed through ancient books and sought the guidance of wise elders, all while their bond grew stronger with every passing moment.

One night, beneath a full moon, Lily discovered a long-forgotten tale of love and sacrifice that held the key to Asher's freedom. With newfound hope, they followed the clues, leading them to a hidden chamber beneath the garden.

In the heart of the chamber lay an enchanted amulet, the source of Asher's curse. With trembling hands, Lily held the amulet, the roses around them shimmering with anticipation. She recited the ancient incantation she had uncovered, her voice steady and unwavering.

As the final words left her lips, a gentle breeze swept through the chamber, and the amulet glowed with a soft, iridescent light. The curse that bound Asher to the garden began to lift, and the roses seemed to rejoice in the moonlit celebration.

With tears in his eyes, Asher embraced Lily, his heart overflowing with gratitude. "You have freed me from a prison of time," he whispered, his voice filled with wonder. "Thank you for seeing the beauty in my midnight roses and helping me find the key to my freedom."

As the first rays of dawn graced the horizon, Asher and Lily stood hand in hand, surrounded by the roses that had brought them together. They knew that their love was as timeless as the moon above, and that their journey had just begun.

And so, in the heart of Moonvale, where the roses bloomed at midnight, a tale of love and sacrifice became a legend. Lily and Asher's story echoed through the ages, a testament to the power of empathy, determination, and the magic of finding love in the most unexpected places.