THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

A grand cathedral stood proudly in the gentle embrace of the evening, its towering spires piercing the sky, catching the final golden rays of the setting sun. The twilight bathed the ancient stone structure in a warm, ethereal glow, casting long, elegant shadows along the cobblestone path that led to its grand, arched entrance.

The detailed stonework of the cathedral, with its centuries-old carvings and statues, seemed to come alive in the dying light, their features softened by the encroaching dusk. As the sun dipped lower, the church's magnificent stained glass windows began to shimmer with a soft, inner light. The vibrant hues of blues, reds, and golds deepened, reflecting the fading daylight, creating a mosaic of colours that seemed to dance on the cathedral walls and spill out onto the surrounding grounds.

Around the cathedral, towering trees, still warm from the day's sun, rustled gently in the evening breeze. Their branches, like the arms of ancient guardians, reached out, forming a protective canopy over the church and the small graveyard hidden behind it. The scene was both serene and powerful, as the cathedral stood steadfast between the end of the day and the arrival of night, a symbol of timeless grace and enduring faith in the twilight hour.

Beyond the cathedral's imposing structure, a small graveyard lay nestled among the trees, a place where time seemed to stand still. The headstones, worn and weathered by countless seasons, rose from the earth like silent sentinels, each one a testament to a life once lived. The air here was different—still, almost reverent, as if the very ground beneath their feet held its breath in quiet respect.

Vivian stood before one of the headstones, her hands clasped tightly around her chest, her eyes closed as she took a moment to gather her thoughts. The stillness of the graveyard surrounded her, the silence broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind through the trees.

David, who stood quietly beside her, watched her with a mix of curiosity and concern. He had followed her here without question, trusting her judgment, but now he wondered why Vivian had chosen this place as their final destination, this silent resting ground where words seemed unnecessary.

The air was thick with unspoken emotions as David's eyes wandered over the gravestones, each one marking a story long since ended. His gaze returned to Vivian, who remained deep in thought, her expression unreadable. The tranquillity of the graveyard, coupled with the cathedral's soft glow, created an atmosphere heavy with meaning, as if the very air was charged with the weight of their unspoken conversation.

David's thoughts swirled with questions, yet he respected the silence that had taken root between them. He sensed that this place held significance for Vivian, something she was not yet ready to share. He waited patiently, knowing that when the time was right, she would speak, and perhaps then he would understand the importance of this sacred ground and why she had brought him here after their meal, without a word of explanation.

Suddenly, the silence was gently broken by Vivian's soft, trembling voice. "I'm sorry, little brother, for not visiting sooner," she murmured, her words heavy with the weight of unspoken grief and regret. The air around them thickened with emotion, each syllable carrying the sorrow she had long held inside. David, sensing the depth of her pain, instinctively took a step back, intending to give her the space she needed, but Vivian reached out, her hand finding his. "Stay, please," she requested, her voice barely above a whisper.

David nodded, his heart aching for her, and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, staying by her side as she faced the headstone. The connection between them deepened in that moment, the silent understanding that sometimes words weren't enough to fill the void left by loss.

"I know words can't bring you back... I really tried to find a cure," she breathed out, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. Each word was a confession, a plea for forgiveness from the brother she had lost too soon. "I know you wouldn't want me to blame myself, but I can't help it. Please, forgive me," she whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of her sorrow. Speaking to him, even in death, brought a semblance of peace to her troubled heart, as if by sharing her pain, she could finally begin to heal.

With a deep breath, she continued, introducing David as though her brother could still hear her. "This is David," she said, her voice softening as she spoke his name. "The person who wants me to be theirs. Please, look over us, brother," she added, her fingers wiping away a stray tear that had escaped down her cheek. She then turned to face David, her eyes filled with a new resolve.

"Young Master," she began, gathering her courage, "I accept your proposal to be more than just a maid in your service. I am in your care," she confessed, her voice tinged with both vulnerability and newfound strength. The weight of her words hung in the air, a confession that marked the beginning of something new between them.

Without hesitation, David pulled her into his arms, holding her close as he gently brushed his fingers through her crimson hair. "I promise you that I'll love and adore you," he whispered, his voice soft and full of unwavering assurance. The sincerity in his words made Vivian's heart swell, almost bursting with the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She melted into his embrace, resting her head on his chest, finding solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Just as they settled into the warmth of the moment, a sudden chill swept through the air, causing David to tense. His instincts flared, and he almost called out to Luna, his ever-watchful guardian hidden in the shadows. But something caught his eye at the headstone, freezing him in place.

There, where Vivian's brother rested, he saw a figure—faint, ethereal, yet unmistakably smiling. The apparition lingered for only a moment before dissolving into a warm breeze that brushed past them. A sense of peace washed over David as he realized what had just happened—a spirit's silent blessing, a brother's acknowledgement from beyond the grave.

Smiling softly, David held Vivian a little tighter, feeling as though they had been given a silent approval, not just from the world of the living, but from the afterlife as well.

****

As the night deepened, the small room they occupied became a haven of intimacy and warmth. Soft moonlight filtered through the delicate curtains, casting a gentle glow that highlighted the quiet passion simmering between them. Beneath the silken sheets, David lay atop Vivian, their bodies entwined in the aftermath of their shared fervor.

Vivian, her breath still ragged, felt the world slowly return to her as she gazed up at David with eyes heavy with drowsy longing. Her crimson hair fanned out across the pillows, a wild cascade that framed her flushed face. The strands, like molten silk, contrasted beautifully against the pale linens, giving her an otherworldly glow. Her chest rose and fell with each uneven breath, her entire being enveloped in the heady aftermath of their love.

David, his own breath steadying, looked down at her with a mixture of adoration and desire. Her beauty, so raw and unguarded in this moment, captivated him entirely. He could see the lingering traces of passion in her gaze, the soft curve of her lips that still held the taste of their shared kisses. Her eyes, half-lidded and dark with the remnants of their desire, beckoned him closer, and he could not resist.

Leaning in, David began to place gentle kisses along her forehead, his lips tender as they brushed against her skin. He trailed down the side of her face, his breath warm against her temple, then to the soft curve of her cheek. Each kiss was a promise, a tender declaration of the depth of his feelings for her. He could feel her trembling slightly beneath him, her body still humming with the aftershocks of their earlier passion.

When his lips finally found hers, he kissed her slowly, deeply, savouring the taste of her. Vivian responded with a soft, contented sigh, her hand instinctively reaching up to tangle in his hair, holding him close. The kiss was languid, unhurried, as if they had all the time in the world.

Breaking the kiss, David lingered close, his breath mingling with hers as he whispered, "Don't fall asleep just yet, my love." His voice was low, a velvet murmur that sent a shiver down Vivian's spine. "The night is still young, and I want to spend every moment with you."

Vivian's drowsy eyes fluttered open fully, her gaze locking with his. The exhaustion she felt was overpowered by the longing in his voice, the desire to continue sharing this night with him. A soft smile curved her lips, and she nodded, her fingers brushing tenderly against his cheek.

"As you wish, my lord," she whispered back, her voice a breathy echo of his own.

David smiled in response, his heart swelling with affection. He leaned down once more, kissing her again—this time with renewed passion, a promise that the night would indeed hold more moments like this. Beneath the moonlight and the soft whispers of the sheets around them, they lost themselves in each other once more, the night stretching endlessly before them.

****

A/N: Expect lemons in the next chapter.

Oh, you wondering why I'm dragging the anticipated chapter, this author is sad you're not giving him more Powerstones, more tickets and gifts.. 'ahem' just joking, please support me guys.

happy reading.

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