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Chapter 8

                                          { First Day Of Winter }

{ Sora's POV }

The news about Lucio coming back as a ghost was told to Nadia. Asra and I were at the palace, sitting in the salon, close to each other as we all talked about how Lucio could have possibly come back. I decided I needed some time for myself and excused myself, pulling my cloak on. As I walked out the salon, I made my way to the library and sat down, pulling a random book out and sat on the window seat. As I read, I slowly realized I got more and more distracted. I snapped the book shut and shivered, pulling the cloak around me closer as I walked out of the library. I slowly made my way out of the palace and stood at the balcony. I glanced back and saw everyone in the salon. Asra glanced at me and saw me. I watched as he excused himself and made his way to the balcony. I looked ahead of myself and sighed. I then felt Asra's presence behind me as Asra placed his hand on my lower back. His touch made me feel warm instantly and I leaned against him.

' What's going on in that beautiful mind of yours? ' Asra's words came out simply.

" A lot of things. The upcoming festival, Lucio being back, my studies in magic.. " My voice trailed off slowly. Asra rubbed my arm lightly, then we sparked conversation. Eventually, Asra left. Before he did, he kissed my nose lightly and walked back in.

...

Hours has passed. I was still outside, standing at the fountain. It was iced over. I leaned against the tree and sunk to the ground. My wings wrapped around me as I stared at the snowy sky. I heard rustling and saw Faust. I held my wing out and the snake curled up in my cloak.

' Friend upset? ' Faust questioned.

" No.. just.. troubled. "

' Tell. '

" ..I feel like I don't belong here. Hell, I ran away and ended up here... but, I feel like I'm missing something, Faust. I don't.. know what it is. I wish I kn- "

' ....Him. '

" F-Faust.. "

' Asra. '

" What...? "

' Past. '

Suddenly, it clicked. What I was missing was with me all along. I heard footsteps and whirled around, my hair whipping over my face. My eyes widened in shock and I let out a shriek of fear.

{ Asra's POV }

As soon as I heard Sora scream, I sprinted to the fountain and saw her standing there, her hand to her mouth.

' ...Sora? ' I whispered.  

As soon as Sora heard my voice, she threw her arms around me and sobbed into my shoulder. I slowly hugged her back and coaxed her.

" Asra. It was Lucio. "

My body stiffened and I tightened my grip on Sora.

' Let's go inside. '

Sora nodded and we walked to our room together. She sat on the bed next to me, silent. I slightly glanced at Sora and watched her stand and take her cloak off. I averted my gaze as she changed into a sweatshirt and pants. When she sat next to me, she placed her head on my chest. I slowly pulled her on top of me as I laid back.

' You're safe, Sora. '

" ..I know.. it just threw me for a loop. "

I sighed and crawled under the covers, then opened my arms for Sora. She laid down next to me. I placed a hand on her chest lightly, her leaning into my touch. I slowly started a breathing exercise and she followed along with it. I closed my eyes with her and we fell into a slumber.