Cradle Novels & Stories

Isla squirms like an eel in Serena’s arms, and Noah tries to scale my shoulder like I’m a damn jungle gym. By the time we finally get them back into their cribs, Serena and I are completely disheveled. She slumps against the doorframe, out of breath. “We have to fix this. Now.” I nod, equally wrecked. “We need… a plan.” We both turn to G****e, frantically searching: “How to stop toddlers from escaping cribs.” Serena groans, scrolling. “We need crib tents.” “What the hell is a crib tent?” She holds up her phone. “It’s like… a little canopy that goes over the crib so they can’t climb out.”

But first, we had to survive the night. I leaned my head against the window, watching the moon rise higher in the sky—full and bright and beautiful. A blood moon, I realized. How fitting. The battle for Crestfall had truly begun. And I had the sinking feeling that before this was over, a lot more blood would be spilled. To be continued...

The shared vision of the cradle hung in the air of the Astropheles, a silent, radiant promise that changed everything and nothing at all. Our work at the First Library continued, but it was now tinged with a new, profound anticipation. We were no longer just maintaining the endless conversation; we were preparing the nursery for a new kind of speaker.

"The rumor concerning CRUZ company...you didn't hear it?" "CRUZ company? I didn't hear about that, what was it about?" "CRUZ company was accused of producing fake designs and forging other companies' designs of paintings. It was all over the news, Clara." There was a hint of shock and surprise in Ella's voice.

I look at the door before I shift my gaze back to my screen, then I open the text. ARA: Held up? ME: I’m sorry. I don’t think I can make it tonight. Family emergencies. Tomorrow? There’s no response immediately, and I let out a sigh before I slide my phone into my pocket. I turn to Zack and cross my arms to my chest. "Amanda Hazard. Who exactly is she?" He smiles. "I thought you might ask about that. So she’s the daughter of Tyler Hazard. Tyler was the CEO of Hazard Enterprises before that title was passed down to Amanda."

The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, a touch Alexa had added to make the house feel like home. Carrying her baby, Rahilla, in her arms, Alexa made her way to the nursery. The room was bright and cheerful, with walls painted in soft pastel colors. A cradle adorned with delicate patterns stood by the window, overlooking a small backyard filled with wildflowers. Above the cradle, a mobile of soft toys spun gently in the breeze, its tinkling melody soothing both mother and child.

Chris was touched by her message, his heart filled with happiness at knowing he had brought joy to Zelda's life. As time went by, the baby crib became a cherished centerpiece in Zelda's nursery. It served as a constant reminder of the friendship and support she had received from Chris and the special bond they shared. Each time Zelda gazed at the crib, she felt a profound sense of connection and gratitude. When the day finally arrived for Zelda's baby to enter the world, the crib stood ready, patiently awaiting its tiny occupant. It was a moment of sheer wonder and awe as Zelda placed her precious newborn into the crib, marveling at the new life she had brought into the world.

“Doctors said we can see the baby first while Linda is still asleep” Brendan led them to the NICU and there she saw the tiniest creature she has ever seen. “He’s so tiny” she blurted out not noticing her tears. She saw Brendan shedding happy tears when the baby yawned. How could a simple action from a tiny human being trigger so much emotions? “Can we touch him?” she asked Brendan. “Not yet, Celine. Maybe after a week once he recovers. Just a little bit more” Brendan chuckled.

Azrael finally spoke to which it only made Cris shrug. “I mean, she did call you ‘mom’.” this only made Anna howl in laughter, much more if the laughter from earlier could beat that. Anna slightly slapped Cris’ hand and looked at him, still laughing a bit. “Do you think a 14 years old would get out of her womb?” she asked, but went silent when her hand was still on his arm. Damn, he’s jack! Cris could only laugh awkwardly at his dumb accusations. “Uh, I though wolves grow quickly?” he explained but it made both the females face palmed.

I sighed. “But then, where did you get it? Was it from an antique store? I shouldn’t be surprised if it’s an antique with that fine detail of craftsmanship. They don’t build such quality products nowadays.” Elaine sighed. I could hear Connie laughing in the background. “It’s not an antique. Donald is being modest, Elaine. He made it. He made the crib I’ve used for each of my children. And the cradle Leah has used for her kids. That’s why you can’t find it in a store, and it’s one of a kind. It’s a Donald Hunter original.” Connie explained.