The forest was dark, the canopy of trees blocking out even the faintest light of the moon. Adrian moved through the shadows like a ghost, his footsteps soundless against the damp earth.
In his arms, a small bundle stirred, a soft whimper breaking the heavy silence. The baby’s tiny cries tugged at his heart, each sound a reminder of what he was losing.
He paused when he reached the edge of a nearby werewolf pack’s territory. His crimson eyes scanned the area, his heightened senses ensuring that no one was near.
Slowly, he knelt, placing the baby into a basket lined with soft blankets. The little girl’s tiny hands waved in the air, her cries softening as she nestled into the warmth.
Adrian reached into his pocket, pulling out a small piece of paper. On it, he had scrawled a simple message: “Parents died fighting. Please care for her.” His handwriting was unsteady, a reflection of the turmoil raging inside him.
He hesitated for a moment before reaching into his coat and withdrawing a small necklace.
It had once belonged to Misery, the delicate chain glinting faintly in the dim light. He placed it in the basket beside the child, a small piece of her mother to stay with her always.
Adrian lingered, his crimson eyes heavy with sorrow as he looked down at the baby.
“This is the only way,” he whispered, his voice breaking. He reached out, his finger brushing against her soft cheek. “You’ll be safe here. You’ll have a life—a better life.”
For a moment, he couldn’t bring himself to move, the weight of the moment anchoring him in place. But the sound of approaching footsteps forced him into the shadows.
From his concealed position, he watched as a kind-looking woman from the pack discovered the basket. Her gasp was soft, her expression tender as she lifted the baby into her arms.
Adrian stayed hidden, his heart aching as he watched the woman cradle the child and carry her into the safety of the pack. Only when he was certain the baby was in good hands did he turn away, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his decision.
As he made his way back to the King’s court, the shadows of the forest seemed to press closer, a reflection of the darkness now consuming him.
Adrian’s only solace was the knowledge that Misery’s child was safe—for now.