𝔚𝔥𝔦𝔰𝔭𝔢𝔯 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔥𝔞𝔡𝔬𝔴𝔰

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔰𝔦𝔵 ~ ℭ𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔲𝔪𝔢

The gentle rays of dawn streamed through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow upon the room. I stirred, my eyes fluttering open as i stretched and yawned. The events of the previous night lingered in my mind like a vivid dream—conversations, laughter, and a sense of belonging that i had never experienced before. Today was a new day, and i was eager to embrace it.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, i rose from my slumber. I dressed in my customary attire—a mask to conceal my features and a dark outfit that matched those of the ghouls. Stepping out of my room, i made my way down the dimly lit corridor towards the dining hall.

The dining hall was adorned with an air of elegance, from the intricately designed chandeliers to the ornate tapestries that adorned the walls. Ghouls sat around the long wooden table, their masked faces giving them an enigmatic presence. I hesitated at the entrance, my heart racing as i caught sight of Emeritus at the head of the table. His presence commanded attention, and i felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. I hesitated for a moment before finding my seat near papa's spot.

As i settled into my seat, my gaze inadvertently met Emeritus's for a fleeting moment. His eyes, one white and one dark, held an intensity that left me momentarily breathless. I quickly averted my gaze, focusing on the platter of food before me. The meal passed in a blur, a mixture of flavors and fleeting glances exchanged with the ghouls around me. Despite my efforts to blend in, i couldn't help but feel a sense of unease in Emeritus's presence.

Moments later, the sliding of a door caught my attention, and i turned to find Cumulus and Cirrus making their way towards me. Their masks concealed their expressions, but their voices carried a warmth that immediately put me at ease.

Papa had already left the table, he inquired that he had to do something for a woman called 'sister Imperator'.

"Morning, Eclipse!" Cumulus greeted cheerfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Good morning," i replied, my lips curling into a smile as I saw them sit down in front of me.

"So, what are your thoughts on papa?" Cirrus inquired, her voice gentle and inviting.

I recounted my experience, sharing my nervousness and the surreal feeling of being in Emeritus's presence. Cumulus and Cirrus listened intently, nodding in understanding.

"He can be quite intimidating at first, but he's really just a kind-hearted person," Cirrus reassured, her eyes reflecting a sense of camaraderie.

"Yeah, don't worry too much about it. You'll get used to it, just like we all did," Cumulus added with a wink.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me as i realized that my feelings were not unique. The support of Cumulus and Cirrus was invaluable, and i knew that i was slowly but surely finding my place among the ghouls and Copia.

The tranquil ambiance of the dining room was interrupted by a sudden commotion from the direction of where the other ghouls sat. I turned my head to see Swiss and Sodo engaged in a heated exchange. Swiss's annoyed gestures contrasted starkly with Sodo's fiery anger, resulting in a spectacle that drew the attention of the other ghouls.

"Give it back, you little thief!" Swiss exclaimed, his voice carrying a mixture of frustration and amusement.

"I didn't take your food, you overgrown peacock!" Sodo retorted, his own anger evident as he stood his ground.

I exchanged amused glances with Cumulus and Cirrus, watching the spectacle unfold with a mixture of amusement and fascination. It was clear that despite their differences, the ghouls shared a bond that transcended their disagreements.

As the argument continued, me and my companions decided to leave the dining hall, making our way to the garden. The morning sun cast a warm glow upon the surroundings as they settled on a bench near a cluster of flowers.

Our conversation flowed naturally, ranging from lighthearted anecdotes to deeper musings about life and our experiences. I found myself opening up to Cumulus and Cirrus, sharing my hopes, fears, and aspirations. In return, they shared their own stories, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and genuine connections.

Amidst our laughter and heartfelt discussions, my gaze drifted to a corner of the garden where Phantom, Rain, and Mountain had gathered. Their masked faces were engaged in an intense discussion, their gestures and expressions reflecting a range of emotions. I couldn't help but be curious about their interaction, the dynamics of their relationships intriguing me.

"I wonder what they're talking about," i mused aloud, my gaze fixed on the trio.

Cumulus and Cirrus exchanged knowing glances before sharing a brief chuckle.

"Ah, that's just Phantom, Rain, and Mountain being themselves," Cirrus explained. "They may have their disagreements, but at the end of the day, they're like family."

"They're probably debating about something trivial, like the best way to tend to the garden or the proper way to brew coffee," Cumulus added with a grin.

I nodded, a sense of camaraderie settling within me. Despite their differences and occasional clashes, the ghouls shared a bond that was unbreakable—a bond that was slowly but surely extending its reach to include me.

As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, i felt a newfound sense of belonging among the ghouls. The mask-clad faces that surrounded her had become more than just enigmatic figures; they were friends, allies, and confidants. With each passing moment, i grew closer to Cumulus, Cirrus, and the other ghouls, forging connections that were as unbreakable as the shadows themselves.