Heart of a Hero: Somehow I've become the Vampire Queen?!

Chapter 30 - Familiar Strangers

Ambra's eyes flickered open, meeting the dawn's light that streamed through the curtains. She sat up slowly, pushing aside the quilt that covered her. Her hand instinctively moved to her silver hair. It felt real, cold, and slightly luminous to the touch. In her dream, she had reverted to her human form, her hair its original shade of black. But now, she was reminded of the unsettling truth: silver hair, crimson eyes—a vampire, shackled to this existence by Lilith

Lune was already up and bustling around the room, adjusting her silver-lined cloak. "Ah, Sleeping Beauty finally awakens," she jested, locking eyes with Ambra's reflection in the mirror.

Usually, Ambra would have had a witty retort, maybe a joke about how mornings were a conspiracy, but she felt oddly shaken. Her eyes went distant for a moment, recalling the vivid dream from last night—or was it a dream? Lilith, who should've surely been dead had appeared so real, so tangible. The memory of her cold voice and her piercing gaze still resonated in Ambra's soul.

Lune's smile faltered, picking up on Ambra's uncharacteristic silence. "Hey, you okay? Did something happen?"

For a split second, Ambra thought of sharing the unnerving experience. But she hesitated, realizing it would only raise more questions than answers.

"I'm fine, really," she assured, forcing a change in her demeanor. "It's just been a long time since I've slept in a real bed. Forgot how soft pillows could be!"

A genuine smile spread across Lune's face. "Well, Grant's mom made sure we were comfortable apparently. She fixed up the guest room."

As if summoned, the door creaked open and a large-framed woman peeked her head in. "Good morning. Breakfast is ready downstairs."

"Thanks," Lune responded her hands now free from the cloak's intricate clasp. "We'll be down in a moment."

Ambra put on her cloak as both girls went downstairs to the bakery, enveloped by the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries. The wood-paneled walls and plaid tablecloths exuded an old-world charm that felt comforting. Grant's grandmother stood behind the counter, her eyes twinkling like stars.

"Good morning, ladies! Care for some cherry scones? Fresh out of the oven!"

"Those scones sound wonderful," Lune commented before glancing toward Ambra.

"Actually, I'll pass on the scones," Ambra replied, her gaze shifting uncomfortably. Human food was no longer a luxury she could enjoy.

Grant's grandmother chuckled knowingly. "Ah, some of us have unique dietary preferences, don't we? Is there anything I can offer you, reasonably of course?"

"Ah, no thank you," Ambra replied, her eyes meeting Lune's. Despite her inability to partake in the morning meal, her friend's presence offered a different form of sustenance—one of companionship, one she was afraid she'd lost.

As they sat at a corner table, Lune seemed to sense Ambra's lingering disquiet but chose not to press the issue. Lune sipped a herbal tea, Lune slowly devouring her scones while Ambra cradled the smells of the morning in the bakery.

Here, in this humble bakery hosted by people who knew little of their complicated lives, she found a brief respite, a fleeting moment of peace. And sometimes, that was enough to make the world outside seem a little less daunting.

Laura and Grant descended the creaky wooden stairs, their eyes adjusting to the bakery's cozy atmosphere. Laura's welcoming smile appeared first, followed by Grant, who carried a sense of urgency in his demeanor.

"Good morning, you two. I trust you slept well?" Laura inquired, her eyes sweeping from Lune to Ambra.

"We did, thank you," Lune replied, setting down her empty cup. "Your hospitality is unmatched."