Chapter 2: Lighthaven Family

In the moonlit night, a figure cloaked in shadows silently made its way through the grand gates of the imposing castle. The guards, though vigilant, seemed to overlook this mysterious presence. Clutched in the figure's arms was something wrapped carefully, concealed from prying eyes.

As the figure hovered outside a particular window of the castle, a symphony of screams pierced the air, accompanied by the reassuring voices of those attending to the pained soul within.

"Push! My lady, the baby is almost out! Be patient!" urged one voice, while another encouraged, "It's going to be alright. Just a little more!"

After moments that felt like an eternity, the room resounded with the heartwarming cry of a newborn baby. The figure outside the window remained motionless, a silent observer of the profound moment taking place within.

As the commotion settled and the maids left the room, leaving the mother and her newborn in a tender moment of solitude, the mysterious figure glided through the open window.

The dim light in the room revealed a scene of exhaustion and relief. The mother lay on the bed, her eyes closed, cradling a newborn baby girl in her arms. The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of joy and fatigue.

The figure, its presence still hidden, cast a careful glance at the sleeping mother and the tiny, fragile form of the newborn. Then, with deliberate grace, it revealed what it had been carrying.

Nestled in its arms was another infant, a baby boy, no more than a week old. The figure gently placed the boy beside the newborn girl, creating a tableau of innocence and serenity.

The newborns lay side by side, one just entering the world and the other having already taken its first breaths. The figure watched over them with a mysterious solemnity, pity, and regret.

"I hope you will have a good life..." The figure spoke. "Your new family is kind after all."

The figure lingered in the moonlit room, its enigmatic presence weaving into the shadows like a specter bound by a solemn duty. As the night waned and the first light of dawn painted the sky, the room retained an air of serenity.

The next morning, as the sun began to cast its gentle rays across the castle, the mother, Lady Eleanora stirred from her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. As her gaze shifted to the tiny form cradled beside her, confusion etched across her face.

"What...?" Lady Eleanora murmured, her voice a mix of astonishment and uncertainty. She carefully picked up the slumbering baby boy, examining his peaceful countenance.

"How did you get here?" she wondered aloud, searching her memories for any explanation. Yet, the events of the previous night felt like a distant dream.

Summoning her maid, Margery, Lady Eleanora's voice echoed through the chambers, "Margery, please come at once."

The maid hurried into the room, her eyes widening at the sight of the additional child. "My Lady, what... Eh? Who is this baby?" Margery asked, her bewilderment mirroring Lady Eleanora's own.

"I was hoping you could tell me, Margery," Lady Eleanora replied, her brows furrowed. "I woke up, and he was here. I don't recall giving birth to a boy."

Margery, usually composed and quick to respond, seemed at a loss for words. "I... I have no idea, My Lady. I swear! N-No one entered the room during the night as well!"

"Hmm..." Lady Eleanora continued to cradle the newborn boy, a mix of emotions playing on her features. "It's almost as if he appeared out of thin air. But why would someone leave a baby here?"

The room was filled with an air of bewilderment as she and Margery exchanged uncertain glances.

"My Lady, what are we going to do?" Margery asked, her voice a hushed whisper.

Lady Eleanora fell into a deep thought, wondering what to do now. Should she hand over the child to an orphanage or... let one of the maids adopt him?

"No..." Lady Eleanora muttered, her maternal instincts kicking in as she looked at the peaceful sleeping face of the boy. "We can't do that to him... It seems fate has brought this child to us. I am going to care for him as my own."

Margery's eyes widened, reflecting a mix of surprise and concern. "B-But, My Lady, what will we tell Lord Harry when he returns? He will surely be puzzled by the sudden appearance of another child in our household."

Lady Eleanora pondered for a moment, her gaze fixed on the innocent face of the newborn. "Don't worry, I will just tell him the truth," she decided. "That the child arrived mysteriously, and I want to care for him as if he is my own. Harry is kind and understanding, I'm sure he won't object..."

Margery hesitated, uncertainty etched on her face. "My Lady, what if My Lord questions further? What if he suspects something?"

"He believes in me, and I believe in him." A soft determination filled Lady Eleanora's eyes. "I will say that it was a miracle. Sometimes, life brings us unexpected blessings. I'm sure he will embrace this as a gift."

With a gentle smile, Lady Eleanora continued, "As for the baby, he will be regarded as my daughter's twin brother. We will raise them together, showering them with love and care."

Margery, though still uncertain, nodded in understanding. "But, My Lady, what about the maids and the servants? What if they find out the truth?"

Lady Eleanora took a deep breath. "Margery, we will keep this a secret. No one must know the truth about this. I trust you, and I need you to keep this a secret."

Margery hesitated for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "I swear on my loyalty, My Lady. Your secret is safe with me. I will take it to my grave."

With the matter settled, Lady Eleanora cradled the newborn boy, gazing down at him with a newfound warmth. "Welcome to our family, little one. You shall be loved just as much as my own daughter."

As the morning sun cast its golden glow across the castle, Lady Eleanora embraced her newfound role as a mother to two children, determined to provide a loving home for the expected and the unexpected additions to their Lighthaven family.

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(Author Note: The beginning chapters will be mainly prologue till the real story begins. Sёarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

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