A Lullaby of Blood and Grief

137 12 3
                                    

130 AC

Alyssa, enveloped in the soft, ethereal hues of her nightgown, a delicate shade of blue reminiscent of the twilight sky, guided her cherubic children, Jaehaera and Jaehaerys, with gentle hands toward their cosy twin beds. These beds lay snugly nestled beneath the warm embrace of thick, feathered duvets, their surfaces invitingly rumpled as if beckoning the children into their warm sanctuary. The room exuded an atmosphere of peace and safety, accented by the soft light of the flickering hearth that adorned the spacious chamber, casting gentle shadows that danced playfully along the walls. Hidden away in his parents' chamber, a small cradle held Maelor, still too young to comprehend the night's hidden dangers. He slumbered peacefully alongside his father, his tiny form nestled against the pillows, blissfully adrift in a haze of sweet dreams, utterly unaware of the chaotic storms that lurked just beyond the comforting shadows.

Alyssa's heart swelled with fondness as she tucked each child into their beds, noting Jaehaera's bright eyes dancing with innocence, alight with wonder as she voiced her nightly demand—a tender ritual that had become as much a part of their bedtime routine as the very act of sleeping itself. Alyssa turned, her face breaking into a playful smile that lit up the room around them, and she bent down to shower her daughter with a multitude of kisses. Each kiss was imbued with an abundance of motherly love and warmth, creating a symphony of affection that filled the air with an indescribable joy. In contrast, Jaehaerys, a child of quieter temperament, wriggled into the snug cocoon of the duvet wrapped tightly around him, his gentle features serene as he savoured the comforting embrace of warmth. He expressed his craving for the serenity that was soon to come with the warm cup of milk his mother hurried to fetch for him. She placed the cup gently on the bedside table, ensuring that everything he needed for a restful night was within reach, a silent promise of security enveloping her sleepy treasures.

Once both children eventually succumbed to the sweet embrace of slumber, lulled by the safety of their sanctuary, Alyssa found solace in a comfortably cushioned chair positioned near the flickering hearth. The fire crackled softly, casting a warm and inviting glow that danced across the walls, providing a cosy backdrop as she retrieved a cherished piece of fabric from a nearby basket. With deft and practised hands, she began embroidery, her needle weaving intricate patterns into the cloth, as she lost herself in a world that felt more like a tapestry of dreams than mere fabric. Each movement ignited flickers of creativity within her spirit, a gentle reminder of her own identity amidst the tumult of motherhood. All the while, she periodically stole glances at her sleeping children, her heart swelling with maternal pride, wishing to preserve the tranquil scene and protect their dreams from unwelcome nightmares that might invade the soft cocoon of their slumber.

As the gentle melody of a lullaby slipped softly from her lips, it mingled harmoniously with the soft snores of Jaehaerys and the rhythmic and deeper breaths of Jaehaera, the tender notes painting a serene picture within the confines of their home. Alyssa, consumed by a rare moment of tranquillity that enveloped the room, wished to linger in their dream-filled world just a little longer, to hold onto the happiness that felt so fragile against the backdrop of their lives. However, as if fate conspired against her soft reverie, that heavy silence was suddenly fractured by the gentle but ominous creak of the door, slicing through the warmth with unexpected chill.

Assuming it was her mother come to bid goodnight to her beloved grandchildren, Alyssa looked up, her heart skipping with anticipation, a cascade of yearning for comfort and familiarity. But instead of the familiar face she hoped for, she found a figure cloaked in darkness, standing ominously at the threshold, an unsettling shadow that threatened to mar the fragile peace. The intruder's silhouette writhed in the flickering light, casting sinister shadows across the room, and her heart raced as she stood abruptly, instinctively reaching for something—anything—to defend herself, her maternal instincts clashing violently with the confusion that gripped her. But the assailant was too quick; he closed the distance with alarming swiftness, a sharp blade glinting menacingly as it pressed against her throat with a cold, iron determination.

You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: 6 days ago ⏰

Add this story to your Library to get notified about new parts!

Whispered SerenadeWhere stories live. Discover now