The sun cast a warm golden glow over the lush gardens behind the castle walls, filling the air with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Gerard's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as he approached Delilah, who stood near a vibrant bed of roses, her eyes fixed on the swaying petals as if lost in her own thoughts.
He took a moment to admire her, her beauty undiminished by time. Her dark hair cascaded in gentle waves around her shoulders, framing her delicate features. Yet, there was a hint of sadness etched upon her face, a weariness that weighed her down.
As Gerard drew nearer, the sound of his footsteps on the cobblestone path caught Delilah's attention. Startled, Delilah's gaze shifted towards him, her eyes widening in disbelief. She studied his face as if searching for any sign of deception.
"Gerard?" she whispered, her voice trembling with a fragile mixture of longing and despair. "Oh, have the Gods robbed me of my sanity as well?"