The first rays of sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains of Lucy's room, casting a soft golden glow over the delicate features of the young girl lying still in her bed. Alaric sat by her side, his large hand gently holding hers, the warmth of his touch a stark contrast to the coolness of her skin. Her once vibrant energy now seemed drained, leaving her fragile and pale, her breaths shallow and weak.
Alaric's heart clenched with every rise and fall of her chest. He could barely reconcile this fragile child with the spirited girl who had always been full of life and laughter. The curse that had befallen her was cruel and relentless, and every passing hour felt like a countdown, a ticking clock that threatened to steal her away from him forever.
