After a few passing days, Noor returned to her estate that night, greeted by the familiar sight of her staff lined up at the grand entrance, each bowing respectfully as she stepped through the ornate doors. The estate, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, stood like a silent sentinel, a fortress of grandeur and solitude. As Noor walked through the marble corridors, the sound of her footsteps echoed softly, her usual calm demeanor masking the storm raging within.
As Noor walked through the marble corridors, her footsteps echoed softly, and her gaze remained forward, distant. Maya, always observant, followed her mistress up the sweeping staircase, feeling a gnawing worry in her chest. Tonight, Noor's sadness was palpable, almost as if she was gravely wounded by something unseen. The stoic mask Noor wore could fool most, but not Maya.
When they reached the door of Noor's private chambers, Maya hesitated, her hand halfway raised to offer some comfort. But the words died in her throat when Noor turned to her, her expression unreadable. "Leave ." Noor said, her voice as calm and controlled as ever. Maya, though she longed to stay, simply nodded, bowing her head. "Yes, ma'am," she whispered before turning to leave, knowing that whatever was troubling Noor, it was something she needed to face alone.
Once the door closed behind her, Noor stood in silence for a moment, taking in the dimly lit room. It was a place of solace, her sanctuary, yet tonight, even here, she could find no peace. Her gaze swept over the luxurious furnishings, the silk drapes, and the flickering candlelight, but none of it offered any comfort. The heaviness in her chest only deepened, and she could feel the walls closing in on her.
With deliberate movements, Noor began to remove the elaborate dress she had worn throughout the day, replacing it with a simple, somber white gown. The fabric was soft and flowed around her like a whisper, covering her from neck to toe. It was a garment of purity and modesty, a reflection of the humility she felt in her heart.
Noor walked to her prayer mat, lighting the candles that surrounded it. The flames flickered, casting long shadows across the room, and she knelt down, bowing her head as she began to pray. But tonight, something was different. As soon as the familiar words of prayer left her lips, tears began to well up in her eyes, spilling over and tracing silent paths down her cheeks.
These tears were not born of pain or fear, but of a profound, overwhelming emotion that she could no longer contain. The ache in her heart, the longing that had been buried deep within her for so long, now surged to the surface with a force that left her breathless. The walls she had built around herself crumbled, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Noor allowed herself to feel.
Her voice trembled as she spoke to herself,her words raw and unfiltered. "How long has it been?" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "The trials I must endure—I shall, if it is Your will. But if this is the path You have chosen for me, grant me the strength to see it through."
The tears fell faster now, her hands trembling as she clasped them in front of her. " I do not ask for anything, only that he finds happiness, that in this lifetime he lives in peace. Do not let me be his nightmare again. He has suffered enough. Let him find his true peace this time."
As she bowed her head on the prayer mat, the silence in her mind was deafening. "How long must I carry this weight, my Lord?" she thought, her voice trembling in her head. "Have I not done enough? Have I not sacrificed everything—my heart, my dreams, my peace—for the sake of others?"
The familiar words of prayer came to her lips, but they felt hollow tonight, echoing against the cavernous emptiness in her chest. Her fingers trembled as she clasped them tighter. "He is free, and that is enough. I cannot let my love be his burden. But Why do I still yearn for what cannot have?"
---
After Noor's prayer ended, she sat still on the mat, her tears having dried but her eyes reflecting the storm within. With a deep breath, she rang the small bell beside her again.
Zeyla appeared moments later, bowing respectfully. "Ma'am, the bath is ready," she said softly. Noor nodded, rising to her feet. Her movements were slow, deliberate, as though the weight of her emotions had seeped into her very being.
Without a word, she walked through the quiet halls, Zeyla trailing behind her. The path to the spring was shrouded in shadows, the moonlight filtering through the trees, casting ethereal patterns on the ground. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of the herbs already prepared for the bath.
When they reached the edge of the spring, Zeyla stepped forward to help Noor remove the white gown she wore, folding it neatly before retreating a few steps to give her mistress privacy. Noor stepped into the steaming water, her body wincing slightly at the cold water . She sank slowly into the spring, letting the coolness embrace her, the fire of the herbal mix searing into her skin and awakening the pain of her old wounds.
Zeyla stood silently at the edge, watching her mistress with a mixture of awe and sorrow. Noor leaned back against the smooth rocks, closing her eyes as the steam swirled around her, blurring the world into nothingness.
And then, breaking the quiet of the night, Noor began to sing.
Her voice was low and tender at first, like a whisper carried by the breeze. Zeyla's breath caught, her heart tightening as she heard the melody, a song she had never known her mistress to sing before.
"Where the rivers meet, I left my soul,
Beneath the skies that watched us whole.
In your gaze, I found my home,
Yet now, my heart walks alone."
The words carried the weight of a thousand emotions—grief, longing, and a love so deep it felt infinite. Noor's voice grew stronger, resonating through the trees as though the forest itself listened.
"Do you remember the vow we swore,
When time was kind, and the world gave more?
Yet here I stand, a shadow of grace,
Yearning for you in this empty space."
Zeyla felt tears prick at her eyes, unable to look away from the sight of Noor bathed in moonlight and mist, her voice a lament that seemed to echo across time.
The melody shifted, carrying with it an ache so profound it was almost unbearable.
"A thousand suns, a thousand nights,
Could never dim your soul's bright light.
Yet fate has turned, a cruel disguise,
Leaving it to drown in silent cries."
Noor opened her eyes, gazing at the stars as though seeking answers from the heavens. Her voice trembled but did not falter.
"Though memory fades, though hearts may part,
Your name is carved into my heart.
For even if the world forgets,
This love will burn through life's regrets."
As the final note lingered in the air, the forest seemed to hold its breath. Noor's voice had pierced through the night, reaching a place far beyond the estate, far beyond the physical realm.
Zeyla blinked rapidly, trying to compose herself as Noor turned her head slightly, her gaze falling on her. "Leave me," Noor said softly, her voice calm despite the rawness of her emotions.
Zeyla hesitated, wanting to say something, anything, but knew better. Bowing deeply, she turned and left, leaving Noor alone with her thoughts and the faint echoes of her song that still hung in the air.
Noor leaned back into the water, her body sinking deeper into the spring. The heat of herbs dulled the ache in her muscles, but the ache in her heart remained, as eternal and unyielding as the stars above.
-------
The melody she sang carried the weight of years, her voice trembling as memories surfaced unbidden. Noor had first recited these words to herself during a sleepless night when she had watched Sanlang from afar, his silhouette bathed in golden light.The lines were a confession she could never make aloud, a prayer for a love that was too sacred, too distant, to ever be realized.
---
Maya stood at the window, frozen as Noor's voice filled the night. The haunting melody wrapped itself around her heart, stirring emotions she couldn't name. She gripped the windowsill, her breath hitching as tears stung her eyes. "She hides so much," Maya thought, her chest aching. "And yet, even in her sorrow, she gives us this—her beauty, her strength. Does she not see how deeply she is loved?"
Maya turned her gaze to the spring, where the mist curled like ghostly tendrils around Noor's figure. The song reached its crescendo, and Maya felt an overwhelming urge to rush to her, to hold her, to tell her she wasn't alone. But she knew Noor would never allow it. She was a fortress, and no one could breach it.
---
As the searing water enveloped her, Noor's breath hitched, and for a moment, she felt as though she was drowning—not in water, but in the memories that came rushing back. The night Sanlang had first smiled at her, the way his eyes had lit up when he spoke her name, the way he had clung to her when she saved him.
And then, the betrayal. The day..... the blank look in his eyes when he turned away, as if the love they had shared had been a mere figment of her imagination. The coolness of the water felt like punishment, each sting a reminder of her failure to protect him—from the world.
Her fingers clenched against the smooth rocks lining the spring, her nails digging into the surface. "This pain is mine to bear," she thought, the words a mantra. "I will endure it, just as I always have.For you... I would endure anything."
---
When the song faded, and the only sound left was the gentle bubbling of the spring, Noor closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the rocks. The mist swirled around her, a ghostly embrace that felt both comforting and suffocating. She stayed there for a long time, her mind quiet, her heart heavy.
Finally, she rose from the water, wrapping herself in a white silk robe that clung to her damp skin. As she walked back to her chambers, her steps slow and deliberate, she felt a strange calm settle over her. The storm within her had not passed, but she had weathered it once more.
Standing by the window of her room, Noor looked out at the moonlit estate, her expression unreadable. "If this is the path You have chosen for me," she whispered into the night, "then so be it." Her voice was steady, but her eyes shone with unshed tears. "But grant me the strength to bear it, for I fear I am growing weak."
---
The moon hung low in the sky, its silver glow casting a soft light over Noor's estate. She stood by the window, her slender frame draped in a robe of deep emerald silk. The world beyond the glass seemed tranquil, the gardens awash in moonlight, their blossoms swaying gently in the cool night breeze. Yet within her heart, a storm raged—one born of memories that refused to fade.
Her fingers brushed the cold surface of the windowpane as her eyes lingered on the horizon. The stillness of the night reminded her of another time—a moment from what felt like an eternity ago. Noor closed her eyes, letting the faint scent of jasmine in the air pull her back into the past.
---
She spoke to herself as she dwelled deeper."It was a night much like this one." The air had been fragrant with the blooms of spring, and the distant murmur of the river had filled the air with a melody only nature could compose. Noor had stood in a courtyard bathed in candlelight, her laughter soft yet unrestrained, a rare sound that had captivated everyone present.
Someone, watching her from across the courtyard, his gaze never wavering. He had been so young then, his smile bright with the unburdened joy of a man who thought he had all the time in the world. Noor remembered the way he had approached her, his steps hesitant yet determined, as if afraid she might vanish like a dream.
"You promised to dance with me," he had said, his voice carrying a hint of playful challenge.
Noor had smiled, tilting her head as she looked up at him. "I did, didn't I? And yet you took your time claiming it. Were you afraid I'd say no?"
"I was afraid I'd forget how to breathe the moment you looked at me," he admitted, his honesty catching her off guard.
For a moment, they had simply stood there, the night alive around them, and then, without a word, he had extended his hand. Noor had taken it, allowing herself to be pulled into his embrace as the musicians began to play.
She could still feel the warmth of his touch, the way his arm had wrapped protectively around her waist while their hands intertwined. The world had fallen away then, leaving only the two of them, swaying under the stars. She had been so acutely aware of his presence—the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the soft murmurs of his breath as he whispered words meant only for her.
The memory shifted, becoming sharper, as if her mind refused to let her linger in that happiness for too long.
---
Noor opened her eyes, her breath catching as she gazed out into the darkened gardens. That night had been perfect, but it had also marked the beginning of her undoing. What had followed was a love so intense, so consuming, that it had rewritten the very fabric of her existence.
Yet, like the petals of a flower caught in the wind, it had been torn from her grasp.
She could still see the look in his eyes the last time they had been together—confusion, pain, and the haunting absence of recognition.
She had made sure of it, wiping away the traces of her existence from his world. It was the only way to protect him, to ensure that he would not be burdened by the scars that she carried.
A soft breeze stirred the curtains, and Noor's gaze shifted to the flute resting on the sill. It had been gift , she held through lifetimes.He had told her that its music reminded him of her voice—melodic, enchanting, and impossible to forget.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for it, but she stopped short. Playing it now would only deepen the ache in her chest.
Noor turned away from the window, the weight of the past pressing heavily on her shoulders. It was a burden she had carried for so long, yet it felt no lighter with time.
Her footsteps were silent as she moved toward the fire burning low in the hearth. She sank into a nearby chair, her head bowing as she clasped her hands together.
---------
The sound of soft footsteps echoed down the dimly lit corridor, where the faint scent of lilies hung in the air. Maya moved briskly, her clipboard in hand, her expression sharp and focused. She approached the main hall, where the staff had gathered in a subdued murmur. Zeyla stood nearby, directing a group of housekeepers who were setting the tables for the next day's banquet.
"Is the east wing ready for the guests arriving tomorrow?" Maya asked, her tone curt but not unkind as she addressed the group.
"Yes, ma'am," one of the housekeepers replied. "All rooms have been prepared as per Lady Noor's specifications. The flowers were arranged this evening, and fresh linens have been placed."
"Good. And the library? Did you ensure the restoration work on the tapestries was completed?" Maya's eyes scanned the list before her.
"The restoration team finished earlier today," another housekeeper replied. "The tapestries have been rehung, and the area has been cleaned."
Maya gave a quick nod of approval. "Excellent. I need the menu finalized with the chef by tonight. And remind the florists that the arrangements in the main hall must match the ones in the garden—no exceptions."
The housekeepers murmured their affirmations and hurried off to carry out her instructions. Only Zeyla lingered, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she watched Maya with quiet intensity.
As the last of the staff departed, Maya exhaled and turned to Zeyla. "You've been quiet tonight," she remarked, her tone softening. "Everything all right?"
Zeyla hesitated, her eyes darting toward the grand staircase that led to Noor's chambers. "It's been... a long day," she said finally, her voice low.
Maya studied her, sensing the tension in her posture. She gestured toward the corner of the hall where they could speak more privately. "Come on. Let's talk."
They moved away from the bustling corridor, settling near the window that overlooked the moonlit garden. Maya leaned against the sill, crossing her arms. "You're not telling me something. What is it?"
Zeyla's gaze dropped to the floor. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, a rare sign of unease. "It's Lady Noor," she said after a long pause.
"What about her?" Maya asked, her brow furrowing.
"I don't know how she does it," Zeyla murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "Every day, she carries so much. The way she looks at the world, it's like she's seeing something we can't. And tonight... she seemed different. More distant than usual."
Maya's expression softened, though her voice remained firm. "Zeyla, we've both seen Lady Noor carry burdens that would break anyone else. She doesn't let us see her weakness. If she's distant, it's because she doesn't want us to worry."
"But she's human," Zeyla whispered, her voice barely audible. "Even she must feel the weight of it all. I just—" Her words faltered, and she pressed her lips together, trying to hold back the emotions welling up inside her.
Maya sighed, reaching out to place a hand on Zeyla's shoulder. "I know it's hard to watch. We all feel helpless sometimes. But the best thing we can do for her is to make sure everything runs smoothly. That's what she needs from us."
Zeyla nodded, though the pain in her eyes remained. "I wish there was more we could do," she admitted.
Maya's voice softened further. "Sometimes, just being here is enough. She may not say it, but she values us. She needs us to stay strong for her."
For a moment, they stood in silence, the faint hum of the household's nightly activities continuing in the background. The moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating Zeyla's face as she turned to look at Maya.
"I just hope..." Zeyla began but stopped herself, shaking her head. "Never mind. It doesn't matter."
Maya frowned, sensing there was more Zeyla wasn't saying, but she didn't press further. Instead, she squeezed Zeyla's shoulder gently. "Go get some rest. Tomorrow's another long day."
Zeyla nodded again, offering a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You should rest too," she said quietly before turning and walking away, leaving Maya alone by the window.
Maya watched her retreating figure, a wave of unease settling in her chest. She turned back to the moonlit garden, her thoughts drifting to Noor. Despite her words to Zeyla, she couldn't shake the feeling that the weight Noor carried was growing heavier with each passing day.