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Nonetheless, I was grateful for everything she had been doing for us. Her presence was like a beacon of hope in the impending darkness. As the night deepened and we delved more deeply into our conversation, which remained equally puzzling, I still managed to find strength and determination that this was the place where Lilith would be safe. Evangeline would not let anyone come near her.
I got up and bid her good night, after she showed me where I could sleep. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to, but the moment my head laid on the pillow and I closed my eyes, sleep took over. I felt completely knocked out, sleeping for hours, without stirring. I was certain that was because of the fact that we were truly safe here, safer than anywhere else in the whole world.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Lilith
When I opened my eyes, it was still dark. I couldn’t believe it. Was it possible that I had slept through the entire day and woke up when it was dark once again?
Maybe that didn’t matter. What mattered was that I woke up refreshed. My body thanked me for this rest. I only wished that my mind and heart were in the same state of relaxation. I got up and walked through the cottage. Adrian was asleep on a small couch in the corner, which was made into a comfortable-looking bed. The witch was nowhere to be seen.
I decided to go out for some fresh air. In front of the witch’s cottage, a dense forest stretched out, enshrouded in the obscurity of the night. The moon’s silvery rays fell upon the tree branches, casting ethereal patterns on the forest floor. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and pine. A gentle breeze blew through my hair. I closed my eyes, allowing it to caress my face.
The woods seemed to hold secrets of its own, whispering ancient tales to those who dared to listen. Shadows danced playfully among the trees, weaving a tapestry of darkness and light. The rustling leaves seemed to murmur softly, a lullaby to the nocturnal creatures that called this place their home.
But despite the dark beauty that reigned around me, my heart weighed heavy with sorrow. My emotions seemed to mirror the somber atmosphere that surrounded me. The loss of my sister still lingered like a haunting specter, filling my entire being with profound sadness. I couldn’t stop thinking about her alone in the crypt, sleeping forever more.
I inhaled deeply, allowing the sorrow to wash over me. A sense of utter isolation took over, and everything from the distant calls of owls and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, only seemed to enhance this sensation of loneliness. I was but a small speck of nothingness in this vast expanse of nature, small and vulnerable, like a fragile leaf. I hoped I could be carried away by the wind, far away, where all my troubles would cease to exist. But I knew such a thing wasn’t possible.
The feeling was too heavy to bear. My eyes glistened with unshed tears. I didn’t think I had anymore, but they kept coming. They seemed to mirror the shimmering moonlight above me. Each tree looked as if it was somehow magically turned to face me, standing as a silent witness to my grief. I felt as if they were telling me of all the other creatures they had seen crying under the weight of a heavy burden. Their ancient wisdom was vast. Only they knew that Nature went on. Nature did not dwell on what was happening now. It had a future to think about, while we, the small and insignificant were so invested in the here and now, because our future was indefinite.
I missed everyone so much. I missed Cass’ laughter. I missed that familiar warmth of my father’s hug. I missed that feeling of knowing that everything would be alright, because right now, I felt exactly the opposite. My grief felt like a heavy burden that was weighing me down.
With a heavy sigh, I turned my gaze back to the witch’s cottage. I had to dig deep down to find the strength to go on without Cass, but I had to. I hoped that the enigmatic woman we came to would be able to offer some guidance and solace. But for now, I had to grieve. I felt as if the woods themselves listened, offering a quiet sanctuary for my sorrow.
At that moment, by the dim light of the moon, Adrian emerged from the cottage and approached me with tender concern in his eyes.
“How are you?” he asked, then scoffed. “What a stupid question.”
I almost smiled at this. His very presence was enough to make me a little bit better.
“I don’t know how I am, honestly,” I admitted. “I’m sad. I’m angry. I’m afraid. I’m burdened by guilt. Just name any negative emotion, and I’m sure it’s in me somewhere.”
He lifted his gaze to me. “Those are a lot of negative emotions for one mind.”
I shrugged. “I like to overachieve.”
I couldn’t believe that this time, I actually smiled. He smiled back.
“But I feel mostly sad,” I admitted, looking down at my feet. “I can’t help but feel guilty about Cass’ death. I feel as if I’ve failed her somehow.”
“It is easy to get lost in self-blame,” he said with a sigh. “Trust me, I know. And losing someone you love is never easy. In fact, it is the most difficult thing you could think of. But you can’t blame yourself for what happened. Sometimes, fate plays a hand that we can’t control.”
I looked at him. “You’re speaking like the witch now.”
He grinned. “Maybe it’s rubbing off on me.”
“You’d make a good warlock,” I pointed out, enjoying this slight digression from what we’d just been talking about.
“You think so?” he wondered.
“I’m sure of it,” I nodded. “You already sound like her. Just start dressing a little more… magical.”
“Magical?” he chuckled. “I don’t think so.”
He was now standing next to me, both of us staring into the woods. We lingered in that silence for a few moments, then I continued, because guilt lingered like a shadow in my heart.
“I can’t shake the feeling that I could have done something to prevent it.”
