the sun in the storm

Chapter Four

"These look lovely Risa, thank you." Cordelia said as she grabbed a lemon tart off a metal tray that was seated on the wooden and glass coffee table that was set in front of the sofa where both Alastair and Cordelia were residing. Risa inclined her head politely as she finished setting down the various trays of sweets before exiting the parlor. Scones, sandwiches, and cookies of all types laid before them, much more than either of them would be able to consume on their own. Alastair reached for a glass of lemonade, that contained much more sugar than he would've liked, while eyeing his sister suspiciously. "Oh, Alastair, do eat. You have become remarkably thin."

Alastair sighed and grabbed a small cucumber sandwich and forced himself to take a bite. As soon as he swallowed, he felt it sink in his abdomen as if his stomach might reject it. He knew his sister was right, his bones were poking out underneath his skin in an unpleasant manner and his face had become more hollowed. "Layla, why must we have tea? What is it that you want?" Alastair said before taking another difficult bite of his sandwich.

"To talk is all." Cordelia said with a cheerful smile, her eyes innocent. "It has been so long since we have chatted." Alastair sighed and set the remaining half of his sandwich on a napkin, which caused his sister to frown, as he leaned back into the sofa. His body was now turned to face Cordelia and he was eyeing her carefully. He knew she was only worried about him, rightfully so after what had happened a few nights prior. But Alastair was in no mood to speak to Cordelia about his issues, which all happened to revolve around one her good friends. "You have been gone quite often during the nights, Alastair." Cordelia said as she twisted her hands in her lap, not looking at her brother. "Who is it that you have been seeing?"

"No one, Cordelia," Alastair said flatly. "I have been seeing no one."

"Is it that you are visiting Charles? Is that why you will not tell me?" Cordelia looked up worriedly at her brother as she spoke.

Alastair scoffed and shook his head. "I can assure you I have not seen or written to Charles in weeks, Layla." His sister looked unconvinced as she reached over and grabbed her cup of tea.

"Then what is it that you are doing? I presume you do not go about your nights partaking in the same activities as you did some nights ago. I certainly would have noticed if you had been." Alastair knew what she was referencing, his idiotic behavior that got him nearly killed by a pack of Ravener demons. Alastair sighed as he recalled what had happened that night and shook his head once more.

"No, Layla," he turned his head towards the window as he spoke. "I guarantee you that that was a onetime thing." Cordelia gazed at him and nodded slightly before reaching to grab a finger sandwich, taking delicate bites out of the corners. They sat in silence for some moments before Alastair continued. "I only go on walks during the night, I find I have a hard time sleeping."

"And why is that?" Cordelia inquired further.

"So many questions, Layla." Alastair said as he reached for a jam cookie. He looked over at his sister who had her brow furrowed.