Karl moved through the shadows, silent as a whisper in the wind. The wedding was taking place in a vast garden, surrounded by golden lanterns and flowers in full bloom. The laughter of the guests blended with the soft music drifting through the air, and the scent of roses and lilies wrapped around him like an invisible veil. It was a perfect night, almost magical… but his attention was not on the bride or the ceremony.

She walked lightly along the path of petals, her pale dress billowing gently in the night breeze. A little girl, with rosy cheeks and soft curls cascading over her shoulders. Her smile was innocent, her delicate hands releasing the petals with an almost rehearsed grace. But it wasn’t just her beauty that caught Karl’s eye. It was the way she seemed not to fully belong to that place, the way her pure joy stood out amidst the noise of the distracted adults.

"I finally found you." His voice was quiet, almost reverent, as he stepped closer. "You look beautiful, just like your mother."

No one was watching her closely. No one noticed when her steps strayed from the petal-covered path, when her curious eyes wandered toward the trees beyond the warm glow of the lanterns. And when the night breeze stirred her dress and made her pause for just a second, Karl was already behind her.

There was no sound. No warning. Just a fleeting moment of innocent unawareness before her small figure vanished into the shadows, like a rose plucked from the garden before anyone could notice.

"Shh... it’s alright. I’ve got you." He held her close, securing her in his arms before disappearing into the shadows.