Sunlit Secret Story with Images 3D Render, Digital Artwork by DustRider

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Sunlit Secret (Story with Images)

3D Render by DustRider

Image series and corresponding story.

Leena wandered the echoing halls of the abandoned castle like it was her second skin. Time seemed to slow among the dust-laced tapestries and cracked stone corridors, and she welcomed the hush with open arms. Here, there were no expectations, no eyes watching her—just the soft creak of aged wood and the wind's whisper through broken windows. It was in this forgotten fortress that she found clarity, her thoughts breathing freely among the shadows.

Her favorite place lay at the heart of the castle: a chamber open to the sky where the noon sun pours through like molten gold. She loves to stand at the center, the warmth wrapping around her as she sheds her clothing to let the sunlight kiss her skin. In that moment, she feels reborn—neither hidden nor exposed but embraced by light. The stone beneath her feet held stories, but the sun above whispered peace.

Unseen by Leena, the castle was not entirely empty. A quiet presence lingered in the corners she never stepped, one that had dwelled in silence for decades. He watched with gentleness, keeping to the shadows as she explored. He bore no name, but his purpose was clear: to guard the one soul who found grace in the ruins. Whenever she arrived, he stirred—not to interfere, but to ensure that no harm ever reached her sanctuary.

Long before Leena ever stepped through the rusting gates, the castle was alive with voices and music, its halls echoing with joy. Among the dwellers was a quiet steward named Aurelian—devoted not to grandeur, but to the structure itself. He repaired cracks with care and spoke to the walls like old friends. When tragedy emptied the castle and silence fell, Aurelian remained, his loyalty transforming into something more enduring. Over time, flesh gave way to spirit, and the castle—wounded but proud—held him within as a watchful presence.

Leena's arrival awakened memories long buried beneath stone and dust. She reminded Aurelian of the light that once poured through the windows, of laughter in the courtyard and warmth by the hearth. Her footsteps stirred echoes, but more than that, she rekindled purpose. In her solitude, he saw beauty—not sadness—and vowed quietly to protect her peace, guarding her moments of vulnerability from the world beyond the walls.

Though she never saw him, Leena felt something. A subtle pull, like gravity, leading her safely through broken stairwells and forgotten chambers. In her dreams, she sometimes glimpsed a kind face in the golden light—someone who seemed familiar, yet unnamed. As her bond with the castle deepened, so did the spirit’s silent devotion, woven through time and stone, steady as the sunbeam that welcomed her each day.

I did the story and images a couple of months ago, then I wasn't as happy with it as I thought I would be. Today I looked at the images again and wasn't sure what I didn't like. So I thought I may as well post everything because someone else might enjoy it. The character is E3D Leena for Genesis 8 (with additional morphs and slight shader tweaks) from RenderHub, the clothes (and first pose) are Zero One from AeonSoul at DAZ3D and the environment is Dark Corridor by 3DLabs at DAZ3D. The lighting uses the lighting in the environment plus a light set from AeonSoul, and some spotlights I added.

The scenes were setup in DAZ Studio Pro, and rendered using Iray. Post work was done using Gimp.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed it.