Chapter 8 - warm feeling

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Y/N pov

Sonya and Paula, their faces filled with urgency, swiftly vanish from the room, leaving the rest of us behind. Sensing the imminent departure, Lucas rises from his seat, preparing to follow suit, but I seize the opportunity to halt him in his tracks.

"There must be a reason why you're still here, isn't there?" I interject, causing Lucas to turn toward me, his expression beckoning me to continue.

"You've spent nine long years within these confines, and it seems like you have no intention of leaving anytime soon. Our group has chosen to maintain a low profile, and some members have been here for years. You mentioned discovering a note in Minerva's shelter that contained the coordinates leading us here. Does that note hold any significance to your decision to stay?" Lucas nods in agreement, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, it does. I've always questioned Minerva's motives for bringing us here. Did he want to ensure our trust before ultimately leading us to our demise? Was he an adversary from the very beginning? Could this all be an elaborate trap? I'm left with countless uncertainties. However, the girl from the windmill saved me from certain death and directed me to a hiding place where they couldn't find me. I eventually stumbled upon the place I was seeking, and to my surprise, I discovered a hidden passage that connects the windmill to the forest. At the end of the corridor lies a closed door, intensifying my doubts. What were Minerva's true intentions? Decoding the Morse code reveals the word 'pen.' Yet, Yuugo was the last one known to possess it."

"Does this uncertainty prevent you from leaving? Is it merely a lack of knowledge?" I inquire, prompting a swift nod from Lucas.

"Catch," I interject once more, swiftly tossing something in Lucas's direction. He barely manages to catch it with one hand, the same hand that holds his cane. His gaze oscillates between the object in his palm and my face, a look of astonishment etched upon his features.

"How...?" he stammers, glancing back at the item I just presented to him.

I grin mischievously, responding, "I can't guarantee that the pen works exactly as intended. It's an ancient model that has been passed down among mothers for decades. So, don't raise your hopes too high, but make of it what you will."

A grateful and genuine smile spreads across Lucas's lips. "Thank you."

Just then, Sonya and Paula reenter the room, carrying black pants and an oversized sweater for me.

"You're welcome," Sonya smiles warmly as she hands over the clothing. I express my gratitude, and Oliver, standing nearby, appears somewhat hesitant. Clearing his throat, he speaks up. "Are you ready to go?"

I nod eagerly, falling into step beside him. We exit the windmill and traverse the deserted village together.

Once again, silence envelops us. Apart from the soothing cadence of our footsteps, it feels as if I have just awoken in this place. The village's charm captivates me, its vibrant hues reminiscent of a joyous childhood—unburdened and sheltered within a loving family. As the sun descends, casting a golden glow upon the village, it exudes a comforting aura, as if its very existence assures us, "Do not lose hope. This place is a sanctuary."

Suddenly, Oliver comes to a halt, catching me off guard and causing me to bump into him. Realizing my mistake, I swiftly apologize, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"We've arrived," he says, his voice gentle as he offers me a reassuring smile. We ascend the narrow staircase, and he graciously allows me to enter the house first.

The interior of the house is humble and unpretentious. It boasts simple furnishings—a small desk adorned with cluttered notes, two beds placed on opposite sides of the room, each accompanied by a modest bedside table, and another door beckoning further exploration. Stray beams of sunlight filter through the window, casting a warm glow upon the disorderly desk, creating an inviting atmosphere despite its disarray.

"I usually sleep here," Oliver informs me, gesturing toward one of the beds. "But if you prefer, we can switch places. It doesn't matter to me which side of the room I sleep on."

"Oh, no, no," I quickly respond, a smile lighting up my face. "Thank you for letting me stay here."

"I thought it would be more convenient for you to have someone nearby whom you could turn to for assistance," he explains, his eyes meeting mine. "And now that we find ourselves in the same situation, it wouldn't hurt to get to know each other better. Oh, and by the way," he adds, pointing toward the other door, "that leads to the bathroom."

"Thanks. I'll go change and wash off the dirt," I reply, my gratitude evident as he nods and settles himself onto his own bed.

I gather my h/c hair into a loose tie and proceed to remove my soiled clothes. As the water cascades down my body, carrying away the blood and grime, I relish in the comforting sensation it provides. The water's familiarity offers solace and reassurance in some inexplicable way.

However, mindful of conserving water, I reluctantly conclude my cleansing ritual sooner than I would have liked.

I catch a glimpse of my tired e/c eyes in the small mirror. Yes, today has been exhausting, but amidst the weariness, one more question lingers in my mind—an inquiry I could pose to Oliver. I slip into the clothes Sonya provided, allowing my h/c hair to cascade gracefully over my shoulders once again.

"Oliver?" I call out softly, closing the bathroom door behind me. He emits a gentle hum, assuring me that he is still awake and open to my inquiry. "When is the next hunt scheduled?"

"In five to seven days. They typically take place in the morning, which caught us off guard today," he responds, his voice laced with a hint of weariness.

"Alright. Do you have a plan for tomorrow?" I inquire further, awaiting his sleepy-sounding reply. "We should rise early in the morning to secure some nourishment. Afterward, we'll return to the windmill, where the current plan will be thoroughly explained to you. It might take a few hours, but afterwards, we should have some respite."

"You sound tired," I remark, easing myself onto the comfort of my bed.

"I only managed to sleep for three hours last night," he confesses, his voice taking on a deeper, fatigued tone.

"I won't keep you awake any longer, then. So... good night," I bid him, a hint of concern lacing my words.

A soft chuckle escapes him before he responds, "Good night."

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