Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 6

Charlotte eventually moved on, as any child in her position must. She grieved for her mother, came to terms with her loss, and learned to find happiness in life once more. After a few years, her father remarried.

Eisheth was her name—a proud, arrogant, and greedy woman who had married Lucifer solely for his wealth. A masterful actress, she convinced him and everyone in the village that she was a poor widow seeking a second chance at family for herself and her daughter, Lute.

One day, as Lucifer prepared to leave, he spoke to Eisheth, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "I'll be away for a few days. There's much to be done, and I can't leave things unattended." He glanced around their home, noting the clutter that had accumulated since their marriage. "The roof needs mending, and the pantry could use restocking. I trust you to keep things in order while I'm gone. Please hire some good help."

Eisheth, her face a perfect mask of concern, nodded eagerly. "Of course, my dear. You can count on me." Her voice dripped with the kind of affection that had easily won Lucifer over. She stepped closer, placing a delicate hand on his arm, her eyes sparkling with feigned sincerity. "And what of Charlotte? She's still so young, and I wouldn't want her to feel abandoned while you're away."

Lucifer's expression softened at the mention of his daughter. "I know she'll miss me, but I need you to look after her. She's been through so much, and I want her to feel safe and loved in our home." He paused, searching Eisheth's face for any sign of hesitation. "Can you do that for me?"

"Absolutely," Eisheth replied, her smile unwavering. "I'll make sure she's well cared for. We'll spend time together, and she and Lute can help me with some cooking. After all, a happy home is what we both want, isn't it?"

"Indeed," Lucifer said, his heart swelling with a mixture of hope and trust. He had felt so lonely since his first wife's passing, and Eisheth's presence had filled a void he thought would never heal. "I'll be back before you know it. Just keep an eye on her, and don't hesitate to call on the neighbors if you need anything."

As he turned to gather his belongings, he knelt beside Charlotte to bid her farewell.

"Will you be back soon, Papa?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"Of course, my dear," he reassured her. "I have to take care of some things, but I'll be back before you know it. Eisheth and Lute will be here to keep you company. You'll be in good hands."

Charlotte nodded, though her expression suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. "Will she really take care of me? I mean, she's nice, but... I don't know her like I knew Mama."

Lucifer brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know it's different, but she cares about you. She wants to help us build a happy home together. Just give her a chance, okay?"

Charlotte hesitated, her heart heavy with the weight of change. "I'll try, Papa. But I miss Mama. I wish she was here."

"I do too, sweetheart," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But we have to keep moving forward. Your mother would want us to be happy. And I promise, I'll be back soon. Just remember, you're never alone."

As he stood to leave, Charlotte hugged him tightly, her small arms wrapping around him as if trying to hold onto the moment forever. "Be safe, Papa," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shoulder.

"I will," he promised, squeezing her gently before stepping back. "Take care of yourself. I'll be back before you know it."

With a final nod, Lucifer stepped out into the crisp evening air, the door closing softly behind him. The moment it clicked shut, Elsheath's demeanor shifted like the wind. Her sweet smile vanished, replaced by a scowl that could freeze the very air around her.