𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
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Liahona pressed Luna against her chest, her heart pounding against the little girl’s fevered skin, a frantic drumbeat in the eerie silence. The cold bit into her bones, a relentless, gnawing chill that seemed to seep into her very soul, but she didn’t care. She rocked her gently, whispering nonsense, fragments of lullabies and stories, anything to break the eerie silence that had settled between them, a silence that felt heavier than any storm.
But Luna did not react.
Not to the wind, a mournful howl that echoed through the skeletal branches of the forest. Not to her sister’s voice, a trembling whisper that was barely audible. Not to the way Liahona’s hands trembled, shaking with a fear that was both icy and burning, as she stroked her tangled brown hair, trying to coax some sign of life from her.
"Luna," Liahona whispered, her voice barely more than a breath, a desperate plea carried on the frigid air. "Luna, please..."
Nothing.
Liahona gritted her teeth, her jaw clenched tight against the rising tide of panic. She had to move. Had to keep going. If she stopped now, if she let the cold settle into her muscles, if she allowed the weariness to claim her, she would never get up again. Her body would become a frozen husk, and Luna… Luna would perish alongside her.
And she had to.
For Luna.
With shaking legs, she forced herself to stand, her muscles screaming in protest, adjusting her sister’s weight in her arms. Luna was small, too small, barely six years old, and light enough that it felt like she was carrying nothing at all, a feather drifting on the wind.
That terrified Liahona more than anything. The emptiness of her sister’s weight, the lack of resistance, was a stark reminder of Luna’s fragility, a chilling premonition of what could be lost.
She stumbled forward, deeper into the forest, her breath escaping in sharp, white puffs, like ghostly apparitions in the darkness. The trees loomed around her, their branches like gnarled fingers reaching out to grasp her, to pull her back into the shadows.
She didn’t know where she was going.
She only knew she could never go back.
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The hours stretched, each one an eternity of pain and fear. The night seemed endless, a vast, impenetrable darkness that swallowed them whole. The forest was merciless, a labyrinth of frozen earth and whispering shadows, a place where the weak perished and the strong barely survived.
Liahona’s feet were raw, the bottoms torn and bloodied from the frozen ground, each step a searing agony. The wind howled through the trees, a mournful dirge that whispered ghostly voices in her ears, taunting her, reminding her of everything she had lost, of the gaping wound in her soul.
Of her mother's voice, once so warm, so full of love, now forever silent, a haunting echo in the chambers of her memory.
Of the blood that had stained her hands when she tried to pull her mother away, but there had been nothing left to save, only the chilling reality of death’s finality.
Of the monster with golden hair and blue eyes, the man who had given them his name but never his love, a predator disguised as a father.
Luke.
He was still out there.
Still alive.
Still breathing.
And if he ever found them…
Liahona tightened her grip on Luna, her knuckles white, her body trembling with a mixture of fear and rage, forcing herself to push forward, to keep moving, to keep breathing.
She wouldn’t let him.
She would die first, her body a shield against his cruelty, her life a sacrifice for her sister’s.
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Days passed, blurring into a nightmarish haze. Liahona didn’t know how many, time losing all meaning in the face of their desperate struggle.
Time blurred, a distorted landscape of pain and exhaustion. Hunger gnawed at her stomach like a wild animal, a ravenous beast tearing at her insides. The cold refused to leave her bones, a constant, icy grip that seeped into her marrow.
Luna remained silent, her small body limp and unresponsive.
She drifted between fevered unconsciousness and eerie wakefulness, her breaths shallow and ragged. Sometimes, she would stare at nothing for hours, her eyes wide and unblinking, lost in a world Liahona couldn’t reach. Other times, she would whisper words too quiet for Liahona to hear, fragments of dreams or memories, lost echoes in the silence.
She never cried.
She never asked for their mother.
She never asked for anything.
That was what scared Liahona the most, the chilling absence of her sister’s voice, the eerie silence that spoke of a soul retreating into itself.
She needed to find help, a sanctuary, a place where they could rest and heal.
But she couldn’t trust anyone.
Not after what Luke had done, the betrayal that had shattered her world.
Not after the way Maria had screamed, a sound that would forever haunt her dreams.
Not after she had seen the kind of monsters that men could be, the darkness that lurked beneath the surface of humanity.
And yet…
If she didn’t, they would die, their bodies succumbing to the cold and the hunger, their lives extinguished like a flickering flame in a storm.
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And then she saw one, a village.
'Welcome to Aethelgard's Lament'
It says, Liahona never wanted to step foot in another town again, the memory of their village a bitter taste in her mouth, a reminder of the life that had been stolen from them. But her body was too weak, her vision too blurry, her heart too heavy to continue.
She stumbled down the dirt road, Luna limp in her arms, their tattered clothes clinging to their frozen skin, their faces pale and gaunt.
The villagers whispered, their eyes wide with curiosity and suspicion.
Some pointed, their fingers like accusing arrows.
No one stepped forward, their fear outweighing their compassion.
Not until an old woman, wrapped in thick furs, her face etched with the lines of time and wisdom, came forward with wary eyes, a flicker of understanding in their depths.
"My God," she murmured, her voice a low, trembling whisper, staring at them with a mixture of pity and concern. "You poor children..."
Liahona’s lips cracked as she tried to speak, her throat burning, raw from thirst and exhaustion. "Help…"
The woman hesitated, her gaze searching Liahona’s face, then reached out, her hand gnarled but gentle.
Liahona flinched, her body tensing, her instincts screaming at her to run, to hide.
The woman sighed, her eyes filled with a quiet sadness. "Come, child. You can’t stay out here. You’ll perish."
Liahona’s body wanted to resist, to scream at the woman, tell her she didn’t trust her, didn’t trust anyone.
But then Luna made a tiny, broken sound, a whimper that was barely audible, a sound that tore at Liahona’s heart.
The first sound she had made since that night, since the darkness had swallowed their world.
And Liahona broke, her resolve crumbling, her fear giving way to a desperate hope.
Luna's fever is still running high, she doesn't know what to do... God Liahona is just a twelve years old girl...
She let the woman take them in, her body surrendering to the weariness that had consumed her.
She let the warmth of a fire thaw her frozen skin, the heat seeping into her bones, a comforting balm against the chill.
She let the food settle into her aching stomach, the broth a warm, soothing comfort.
She let herself believe, if only for a moment, that they were safe, that they had found a sanctuary in the midst of their storm.
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The woman introduce herself, as Brigitte Emberlyn.
Brigitte, was a woman of the earth, her hands calloused from years of toil, her face lined with the wisdom of age. She moved with a grace that belied her years, guiding Liahona and Luna into her modest home, a small cabin nestled at the edge of the village. The walls were adorned with herbs hanging from the rafters, their scents mingling in the air, a comforting balm against the chill that had seeped into Liahona’s bones.
“Sit here,” Brigitte instructed gently, leading them to a worn but inviting hearth. The fire crackled, sending flickering shadows dancing across the walls. Liahona lowered herself onto a thick, woolen blanket, cradling Luna against her chest, feeling the heat radiating from the flames, a warmth that seemed to seep into her very soul.
“Luna,” Liahona whispered, brushing a damp strand of hair from her sister’s forehead. “Please, wake up. Just a little longer.”
Brigitte knelt beside them, her eyes scanning Luna’s pale face. “She’s burning up,” she murmured, her voice low and steady. “We need to cool her down. I have some herbs that can help.”
Liahona’s heart raced. “No! I don’t want to leave her. I can’t…”
“dear,” Brigitte said softly, placing a hand on Liahona’s shoulder. “You must trust me. I will not harm her. I promise.”
Liahona hesitated, the weight of her sister’s life pressing down on her. She had spent too long running, too long hiding, and the thought of letting someone else take charge felt like a betrayal. But as she looked down at Luna, her heart aching with fear and desperation, she knew she had to make a choice.
“Okay,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Just… be careful.”
Brigitte nodded, her expression serious. She moved with purpose, gathering dried herbs from the shelves, her hands deftly mixing them into a small bowl. Liahona watched, her heart pounding, as the woman prepared a poultice and a cool compress.
“Keep her close,” Brigitte instructed, returning to them with the poultice. “This will help bring her fever down. I need you to trust me, dear.”
With a shaky breath, Liahona nodded, her resolve hardening. She would do anything to save her sister. Brigitte applied the poultice to Luna’s forehead, her touch gentle and practiced. Liahona held her breath, praying for a miracle.
As the minutes passed, Luna’s breathing began to steady, the fever slowly retreating under the care of the old woman. Liahona felt a flicker of hope ignite within her, a fragile flame that she dared not extinguish.
“Now, we need to get some food into her,” Brigitte said, rising to prepare a broth. “It will help her regain her strength.”
Liahona watched as Brigitte moved about the kitchen, her hands working with a rhythm that spoke of years of experience.
The warmth of the fire seeped into her skin, and for the first time in days, Liahona felt a semblance of safety. But the shadows of her past loomed large, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that danger was still lurking just beyond the door.
“Why did you help us?” Liahona asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t even know us.”
Brigitte paused, glancing back at her with a knowing look. “Because I see you, kid. I see the strength in you, the love you have for your sister. I’ve seen too many children suffer in silence. I won’t let that happen on my watch.”
Liahona’s heart swelled with gratitude, but the weight of her circumstances pressed heavily on her chest. “We... really can’t stay here long. And, we need to keep moving.”
Brigitte’s expression softened. “You’re safe here for now. But if you wish to leave, I will help you prepare. Just know that you don’t have to face this alone.”
Liahona looked down at Luna, her sister’s fragile form nestled against her. She wanted to believe that they could find safety, that they could escape the horrors of their past. But the specter of her father, loomed large in her mind, a reminder that danger was never far away.
“Thank you,” Liahona said finally, her voice steadying. “For everything.”
Brigitte smiled, a warmth in her eyes that made Liahona feel seen for the first time in a long while. “You’re stronger than you know, my dear. And together, we will find a way to keep you both safe.”
As the fire crackled and the scent of broth filled the air, Liahona allowed herself a moment of peace. She held Luna close, feeling the warmth of the hearth seep into her bones, and for the first time in days, she dared to hope. Hope that maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to survive. That they could outrun the shadows of their past and carve out a future where they could be free.
But the peace was fleeting.
As the night deepened, Liahona’s mind began to wander, replaying the horrors she had witnessed. The image of Maria’s lifeless body, the sound of her screams, the cold, calculating gaze of Luke Conti—it all haunted her like a relentless storm. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms, as if the pain could ground her, keep her from spiraling into the abyss of her memories.
Luna stirred in her arms, her small body trembling. Liahona’s heart leapt, and she leaned down, pressing her lips to her sister’s forehead. “Luna?” she whispered, her voice trembling with hope. “Can you hear me?”
Luna’s eyelids fluttered, and for a moment, Liahona thought she might wake. But then her sister’s breathing evened out again, and she slipped back into unconsciousness. Liahona’s chest tightened, a mix of relief and frustration swirling within her. At least Luna was resting, but she needed her to wake up, to be okay.
Brigitte returned with a steaming bowl of broth, the rich aroma filling the small cabin. “Here,” she said, handing it to Liahona. “You need to eat too. You’re no good to her if you’re weak.”
Liahona hesitated, her stomach growling in protest, but her hands shook as she took the bowl. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until the scent of the broth hit her. She took a tentative sip, the warmth spreading through her, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of strength return.
“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice hoarse. “I… I don’t know how to repay you.”
Brigitte waved a hand dismissively. “There’s no need for repayment. Just focus on getting your strength back. Both of you.” she said, "well, now, can I at least know your name and your little sister's?" She Asked,
Liahona hesitate, and finally, "I'm... I'm Liahona, and this is my sister Luna."
Brigitte nodded, "and can I ask how old are you and your sister?" She asked again,
"I'm twelve and Luna is six." she said, Brigitte frown at that, and nodded, she felt pity for the siblings.
"It's fine now, dear, you and your sister can stay here." She explained, with a soft smile.
Liahona only nodded, her throat tightening with emotion. She wanted to say more, to express the depth of her gratitude, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she focused on the broth, savoring each sip, letting it fortify her for whatever lay ahead.
As the night wore on, Brigitte busied herself with preparing a bed for them, layering thick blankets on a cot near the fire. “You’ll sleep here,” she said, gesturing to the cot. “It’s warm, and you’ll be close to the fire.”
Liahona hesitated, glancing at Luna. “What about you?”
Brigitte smiled softly. “I’ll be fine. I’ve slept in worse places. You two need the rest more than I do.”
Liahona wanted to argue, to insist that Brigitte take the bed, but exhaustion weighed heavily on her. Her body ached, her mind was foggy, and the thought of lying down, even for a moment, was too tempting to resist.
Carefully, she laid Luna down on the cot, tucking the blankets around her. Her sister’s face was still pale, but her breathing was steady, and the fever seemed to have lessened. Liahona knelt beside her, brushing a hand over her hair, her heart aching with love and fear.
“I’ll protect you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “No matter what, I’ll keep you safe.”
She climbed onto the cot beside Luna, curling her body around her sister’s, as if she could shield her from the world. The warmth of the fire and the softness of the blankets enveloped her, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Liahona allowed herself to close her eyes.
But sleep did not come easily.
Every sound, every creak of the cabin, made her tense, her instincts screaming at her to stay alert. She couldn’t shake the feeling that danger was still out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
And then there was Luke.
The man who had taken everything from them. The man who had destroyed their family.
Liahona’s fists clenched at the thought, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and rage. She didn’t know how, but she would make him pay. She would protect Luna, no matter the cost.
As the fire crackled and the wind howled outside, Liahona’s mind drifted, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind of fear, determination, and hope. She didn’t know what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain:
She would never stop fighting.
For Luna.
For herself.
For the chance to be free.
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Liahona lay beside Luna, her body tense, her mind racing. Sleep evaded her, replaced by a relentless stream of memories and anxieties. The warmth of the fire couldn't penetrate the icy grip of fear that held her captive. Every creak of the cabin, every rustle of leaves outside, sent a jolt of adrenaline through her veins. She couldn't shake the feeling that Luke was out there, hunting them, his presence a dark cloud hanging over their fragile hope.
She closed her eyes, trying to block out the images that haunted her: Maria's lifeless body, the crimson stain in the snow, the sound of her screams echoing in her ears. A wave of grief washed over her, threatening to drown her in its depths. But she pushed it down, forcing herself to focus on Luna, on the small, warm body nestled beside her. Luna was all that mattered now. She was Liahona's responsibility, her reason to keep fighting.
A soft snore escaped Luna's lips, a gentle sound that brought a faint smile to Liahona's face. She reached out, her fingers tracing the delicate curve of her sister's cheek. Even in sleep, Luna's brow was furrowed, her expression troubled. Liahona wished she could take away her pain, erase the memories of the violence they had witnessed. But all she could do was offer her protection, her unwavering love.
She thought of Brigitte, the old woman who had taken them in, her eyes filled with a mixture of pity and strength. Liahona didn't trust easily, but there was something about Brigitte that inspired a flicker of hope. Her kindness felt genuine, her touch gentle and reassuring. Perhaps, just perhaps, they had found a safe haven, a place where they could begin to heal.
But even as she clung to that hope, a voice inside her whispered doubts. Could they ever truly escape Luke's shadow? Could they ever truly be free? The memory of his face, contorted with rage, his blue eyes burning with a cruel light, sent a shiver down her spine. He was a monster, a force of nature, and she didn't know if she was strong enough to defeat him.
She thought of her mother, of the sacrifices she had made, the love she had shown. Maria had been a beacon of strength, a source of unwavering support. And now she was gone, leaving Liahona to navigate this treacherous world alone. A tear escaped Liahona's eye, tracing a path down her cheek. She missed her mother with an ache that was almost unbearable.
But she knew she couldn't give in to despair. She had to be strong, for Luna's sake. She had to honor her mother's memory by fighting for their survival. She wiped away the tear, her jaw set with determination. She would not let Luke win. She would not let him destroy their lives.
As the first rays of dawn peeked through the cracks in the cabin walls, Liahona stirred, her body stiff and sore. She glanced at Luna, who was still sleeping soundly, her face relaxed, her breathing even. Carefully, she slipped out of the cot, trying not to disturb her sister. Before she moved away however, she leaned down, and softly began to sing.
"Hush little one, don't you cry,
Mama's watching from the sky.
Stars are shining, soft and bright,
Keeping you safe through the night.
Shadows dance, and winds may blow,
But love's warm starts to glow.
Close your eyes, and dream so deep,
While, angels watch you sleep."
Her voice was a soft, trembling melody, a tender offering against the harsh reality of their situation. When she finished, she touched Luna's hair one last time, and then moved towards the hearth, where the embers of the fire still glowed.
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Brigitte was already awake, sitting in a rocking chair, her eyes closed, her hands folded in her lap. She looked peaceful, her face serene.
Liahona hesitated, then spoke, her voice barely a whisper. "Brigitte?"
The old woman's eyes fluttered open, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Good morning, dear, Liahona. Did you sleep well?"
Liahona shook her head, unable to lie. "Not really. I... I can't stop thinking about..."
Brigitte nodded, understanding in her eyes. "I know, dear. It takes time to heal. But you will. You are stronger than you think."
Liahona looked down at her hands, her fingers calloused and bruised. She didn't feel strong. She felt broken, lost, afraid.
"What are we going to do?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. "We can't stay here forever. He'll find us."
Brigitte rose from her chair, her movements slow but steady. She walked over to Liahona, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure it out, my dear. Together. For now, focus on getting your strength back. And on taking care of your sister. That's all that matters."
Liahona looked up at her, hope flickering in her eyes. "You really think we can be safe?"
Brigitte smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. "I know you can be. You have a strength inside you, Liahona. A fire that will never be extinguished. You just have to believe in it."
Liahona nodded, her heart filled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew she wasn't alone. She had Luna, and she had Brigitte. And that was enough. For now.
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