Valencia Esmeray

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 - V : Echoes Of Forgotten Love

Valencia stood in her workroom, staring at the dress she had created for Prince Ian. After a month of relentless labor, juggling her time between caring for her two adopted twins and crafting this intricate piece, she finally felt a sense of accomplishment. The dress, a striking gothic ensemble adorned with delicate red roses, perfectly captured the essence of her unique style. It was an outfit that would turn heads and whisper of intrigue and elegance.

As she packed the dress for delivery, a sense of exhilaration coursed through her. "Now I'm free to spend all day with my children," she murmured to herself, glancing at the two infants playing on a plush blanket in the corner. But as she watched them giggle and reach for their toys, a thought crossed her mind-they would be happier if they had a father.

Her thoughts drifted to Cassian, the vampire who had once been her slave but also the only man to touch her heart. She recalled the tender moments they had shared, moments that now felt like a bittersweet memory. How he would surprise her with wildflowers, delicate and fragrant, each one a small testament to his affection. The memory of him kneeling before her, presenting a bouquet of daisies, still warmed her heart. "For you, my lady," he had said, his voice low and sincere. She could almost hear it echoing in the stillness of the room.

A pang of longing struck her, and she wondered what it would have been like if things had been different. Cassian's gentle touch haunted her thoughts-how he would brush her hair back from her face and tuck it behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin. The soft brush of his lips against hers had ignited a fire within her that she could no longer ignore. They had kissed under the pale light of the moon, the world outside forgotten. In those moments, he was not just her slave; he was her companion, her lover.

As she recalled the way they had spent countless nights entwined in each other's arms, sharing whispers and secrets, she felt a deep ache in her chest. They would lay together, their bodies pressed close, his heartbeat steady against her ear. She could remember the way he would wrap his arms around her, holding her tightly, as if he feared she would slip away. Those nights had been filled with laughter and whispered promises, each moment a reminder of what could have been.

Cassian had been so delicate with her, his kisses gentle yet fervent, igniting a passion within her that was both thrilling and terrifying. She had wanted him for the sake of the vampire blood she used in her potions, but there had been moments when her feelings had evolved into something deeper, something more profound than mere desire. She had often found herself staring into his eyes, lost in the depths of his gaze, wishing she could lose herself in him entirely.

During one moonlit night, they had shared a moment that lingered in her memory like a fragrant blossom. Cassian had held her close, their foreheads pressed together, and whispered, "You are my light in the darkness." Those words had struck her deeply, weaving into the fabric of her heart. The way he had looked at her, with those molten eyes filled with desire and something more, had left her breathless. The sensation of his warm breath against her skin, paired with the warmth of his body, had created a cocoon of intimacy that felt safe and exhilarating.

Now, a deep sigh escaped her lips as she forced herself to focus. But if she revived him, she would have to ensure that he understood their dynamic had changed. He would not be her slave again; they would have a different kind of relationship, one that would keep her from the scrutiny of the nobility. It had to be different this time.

With meticulous care, she prepared the ingredients for the potion, pouring them into a small vial. Each component was essential, a carefully measured step toward her goal. As she worked, her mind lingered on memories of Cassian, the taste of his lips still fresh in her memory.

When the potion was complete, she climbed the stairs to the attic, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The door creaked open, revealing the dusty room filled with shadows and memories. In the center stood the coffin that held Cassian's lifeless body.

She approached him, her breath hitching at the sight of his still form. He looked so peaceful, the moonlight casting soft shadows across his features. For a moment, she hesitated, the weight of her decision settling heavily upon her. Could she really go through with this? But the thought of the twins, of providing them with the father figure they deserved, spurred her on.

Valencia unscrewed the vial and tilted it toward Cassian's slightly parted lips. A drop fell onto his mouth, glistening in the dim light. It felt like a small act of hope, a promise of things yet to come. But as she prepared to administer the full contents of the potion, a loud knock interrupted her concentration, echoing through the attic and jolting her from her thoughts.

Startled, she looked toward the door. Who could possibly be visiting at this hour? Her heart raced as she realized she had completely forgotten about the drop that had fallen into Cassian's mouth.

"Who is it?" she called out, her voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in her chest.

She quickly set the vial aside, momentarily distracted. As she made her way to the door, her mind raced with possibilities, her heart pounding in sync with each step. Would it be a friend or foe? A member of the nobility, perhaps? Or even someone who had heard rumors about her peculiar life and decided to pay her a visit?

Valencia opened the door slightly, her pulse quickening as she prepared to confront whatever awaited her on the other side. Her heart ached for the warmth of Cassian's presence, the way he would hold her close and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. She remembered the nights they had spent together, the laughter they had shared, and the tears they had shed.

But she had no time for those thoughts now. She needed to focus on the present. The knock had startled her, but it had also stirred a sense of urgency within her. She had to know who was on the other side of that door.

As she stood there, her mind still clouded with memories of Cassian and their intimate moments, she steeled herself for the confrontation ahead. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open, ready to face whatever awaited her, unaware of the implications of the potion already resting on Cassian's lips.

"Who is it?" she called out, her voice a blend of curiosity and anxiety, her heart racing with anticipation.