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Usually, the days blend into each other, marked only by the shifting shadows cast by the sun as it journeys across the sky. Time seems to stretch on endlessly, each moment an eternity as I stand sentinel upon my stone perch.

But this is different.

Today, there is a stirring in the air, a subtle shift that sets my heart pounding within my stony chest. A new inhabitant has arrived alongside the Lord of the Manor, their presence a whisper on the late afternoon breeze.

Restlessness gnaws at my core, urging me to break free from the confines of my stone prison and venture forth to greet the newcomer. Will they be happy here? Or will they fall victim to the malediction of this estate?

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting the world in hues of fiery red and gold, exhilaration courses through my veins. With a mighty heave, I push against the weight of centuries, willing my stony form to yield to my command.

Slowly, agonisingly, the bonds of my curse begin to loosen, the stone around me crumbling away like dust upon the wind. With a triumphant roar, I break free from my prison, spreading my wings wide as I take to the night sky.

The world unfolds beneath me, a tapestry of shadows and new secrets waiting to be uncovered. I soar through the darkness, my senses heightened by the thrill of my nightly freedom. Below, the estate sprawls out in all its ruined grandeur, its ancient halls and forgotten chambers calling out to me like a siren's song.

With each beat of my wings, I draw closer to the heart of the estate, my curiosity driving me ever onward. And as I alight upon the windowsill of the newest inhabitant's chamber, I'm almost trembling with anticipation.

She's perfect.

Arianwen.

Her hair is like spun silver, fanning out on her pillow, framing her delicate features. It needs some bursts of colour, flowers maybe. Perhaps I could weave her a flower crown.

I frown as she tosses and turns, face twisted in pain, the urge to soothe her pushing me forward as my claws tap against the window pane.

There is something about her.

I know it, just as I know the sky is blue and the sun is warm.

Maybe this time will be different.

Maybe she's the one to finally break our curse.

Our missing piece.