Midnight Surrender-Chapter 83 Frangrance of Love (AVOT)

Daisy sensed the multitude of questions swirling within her mother’s mind, questions that would need answers in due course. However, they both knew that immediate action was required, so they set about preparing a room for Lucas and Lily and ensuring they had a warm bath to wash away the rain’s chill.

Helena proved adept at swiftly organizing things, and before long, the children were ready to bathe, and Daisy and Helena were busy making the beds. It was during this brief moment alone that Helena’s curiosity surged, and the questions she had been holding back spilled forth in hushed whispers.

Daisy briefly explained the situation to her mother and a flicker of anger flashed across Helena’s face upon hearing the unfortunate events that had befallen the young siblings.

"It’s good you brought them here, but... Rhain?" Helena questioned, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Daisy nodded, understanding her mother’s reservations. "It was actually his idea to visit them."

Helena considered this for a moment, her brow furrowing. "They’re afraid, Daisy. They might grow attached to this place and then be disappointed later."

Daisy paused, grappling with how to convey her decision. She had not yet informed her mother that vampires couldn’t conceive, and she didn’t feel ready to reveal that aspect of Rhain’s condition just yet.

"Well," Daisy began hesitantly, "they will stay here."

Helena raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Stay here?"

Daisy sought to clarify her intentions. "Yes, we want to raise them."

Helena’s eyes widened, "Raise them?"

"Yes," Daisy confirmed. "Rhain has enough wealth, and we have this big house all to ourselves." She paused, searching for words that wouldn’t reveal Rhain’s sterility. "We can provide them with a loving home."

"Oh," was all Helena managed to say, her mind working through the implications. She nodded slowly and said no more.

As they finished preparing the room and making the bed, Rhain arrived with wood to fill the fireplace and kindled a warm fire. Helena, perhaps still processing the idea, left to prepare dinner.

Daisy couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that Tiberius was here, spending time with her mother. Things finally seemed to be falling into place, even if the circumstances were unconventional.

Meanwhile Lucas and Lily came into the room after they had freshened up. They observed their surroundings but made no comments.

"It may seem a bit dull now, but we’ll add more color with time," Daisy reassured Lucas and Lily as they settled into their new room. "I hope you find your beds comfortable, at least."

The siblings remained quiet, their apprehension palpable. Daisy glanced over at Rhain, but he didn’t indulge in sweet talk. Instead, he took a straightforward approach. "Let’s go have dinner," he stated and walked out, expecting them to follow.

Lucas and Lily obediently followed him in silence, and Daisy trailed right behind. At the dinner table, Daisy could tell that they were famished, yet their manners remained impeccable. She had a strong urge to fill their plates to the brim, but she sensed that her eagerness might be making them uncomfortable.

It became evident that they seemed more at ease with Rhain’s stoic approach, finding his lack of friendliness less intimidating. Daisy couldn’t help but wonder if her enthusiasm came across as insincere.

Deciding to take a step back, she observed for a while, noticing how Lucas keenly observed that Rhain had barely touched his own plate. The boy’s attentiveness didn’t go unnoticed.

Rhain offered Lucas a knowing smile, "The scent of food makes me full," he explained.

Lucas still offered no reply and resumed eating, and Lily followed suit. After they had all finished their meal, Daisy allowed Rhain to take the lead. He led them back to their room, pausing in front of his own.

"Here is where Daisy and I sleep, in case you need anything. You can come and knock anytime," Rhain offered.

Then he continued to guide them to their room, motioning for them to get into bed. He waited patiently until they were safely under the covers before blowing out a few candles. "Sleep well. Good night."

"Good night," Daisy whispered softly, and this time, Lucas and Lily replied in kind. "Good night."

Daisy couldn’t help but smile as they left the room and closed the door behind them. As they walked down the hallway, she couldn’t contain her thoughts any longer. "I think I make them uncomfortable," she confessed to Rhain just as they arrived in front of their own room.

Stepping inside, Rhain immediately began to remove his vest, hinting at the discomfort he had likely felt throughout the day.

"Kindness makes them uncomfortable because in their world, it often comes with a price," he explained as he shed his shoes as well. "It’s not you; it’s just... crushed hope hurts a lot."

Daisy frowned, sensing that Rhain was speaking from personal experience. She took a step closer, concern evident in her eyes. "Then what should I do?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine uncertainty.

"Just let it take time," he advised, his gaze distant as he recalled memories from his own past. "I know you feel like doing a lot, but what they need most is consistency, not extravagance."

Daisy frowned, watching him intently as he recalled some of his childhood memories. He looked away from her probing gaze. Lucas reminded him too much of himself.

As he was about to remove his shirt, Daisy’s arms encircled him from behind, gently grasping his shoulders and resting her head on his back. "Was it like that for you as well?" she asked softly, her voice filled with empathy.

Rhain remained silent, grappling with emotions he had long buried.

Daisy hugged him tighter. "I want to do a lot for you. A lot. Consistently," she whispered, her sincerity evident in every word. "Just tell me anything you need."

Rhain swallowed the painful lump in his throat then placed his hand on hers. "All I need is you, Daisy. All I want is you."

He turned around, cupping her face tenderly, caressing her cheek with affectionate fingers. "Daisy," he murmured, his voice filled with deep emotion, "you are a rare bloom in a garden of ordinary. You are the fragrance of love, the eternal springtime of my heart."

Daisy’s soft smile reached her eyes. "Rhain," she breathed moving closer. "I love you."

He grabbed her chin and kissed her while a rain of emotions poured over him. This woman’s love was enough to make eternity seem inadequate.

******

A/N

Hello everyone. We have now come very close to the end. Only a few Chapters left. This has been my favorite story to write without any doubt. This shorter format for stories made me feel free in so many ways and I enjoyed every moment of it. I almost regret publishing it here because I will never be able to publish it anywhere else. Anyways, I really hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and we will have more shorter stories after this one. Thank you for all your support.