LUNAFEY

CHAPTER, 3 Awake

As I slowly regained consciousness, I found myself lying in a grand, canopied bed, enveloped in silken sheets softer than any I had ever known. The pale moonlight filtering through the towering windows illuminated a chamber larger than the house I once called home. As the dimly lit room came into focus, I realized that the moon was rising, which only added to my confusion - hadn't the sun risen earlier? Questions swirled in my mind as I tried to piece together what had transpired while I was asleep. Was I asleep all day? And, most pressing of all, why had I encountered Cedric of all people here? The memory of his unexpected presence and his timely rescue from the vampire resurfaced, intensifying my bewilderment. What could have led him to be in this place, at this time? Our history was far from amiable, making his sudden appearance all the more perplexing.

As I sat up, the weight of unanswered questions pressed upon me, compelling me up. I decided to explore the castle, determined to uncover the secrets surrounding Cedric's presence and the dangers that had pursued me. I stepped out into the grand hallway, where polished oak floors stretched endlessly, adorned with ornamented rugs that faded to black at the edges of the walls. My journey led me to a door that opened into a magnificent library, with bookshelves climbing two stories, laden with leather-bound and age-worn volumes. I was astonished to discover this treasure trove of knowledge right outside the room where I had been sleeping. A warm fire crackled in the hearth opposite the bookshelves, casting flickering light across the ebony and ivory furnishings. As I gazed around the room, I realized it was a spacious sitting area, complete with plush black couches and a sturdy oak table positioned in front of the fireplace.
This was no ordinary dwelling, but a place of opulence and secrets beyond my wildest imagination. "This Harbinger is truly wealthy," I thought to myself, awestruck by the grandeur surrounding me. As I took in the elegance, memories resurfaced - the forest, my pursuers, and collapsing at the castle gates. The fear of my earlier encounter still lingered, I shook myself back to reality, reminding myself that the wealth of this place was not my concern at the moment. More pressing questions loomed: where were the inhabitants of this castle, and, more importantly, where was Cedric? My thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Angus, carrying a tray and bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort to this strange and foreboding place.

I was startled from my thoughts when the familiar figure of Angus entered, carrying a tray laden with a steaming tea and freshly made pie. Though his presence offered some comfort in this strange place, I remained wary, uncertain of the Harbingers' true motivations.

"I brought you some tea," Angus said calmly, placing the tray on a table at the center of a plush settee.I thought you might be awake, considering you've been asleep all day. I'll bring dinner shortly." My mind racing, "Please, sit and make yourself comfortable, Miss Luna."

As he handed me a delicate porcelain cup and a slice of pie, I decided to probe further. "Is this the master Harbinger's office?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"No, this is just one of the library wings," Angus replied. "The Harbinger's private study is elsewhere in the castle."

I nodded, sipping the fragrant tea as I gathered my thoughts.

I couldn't help but ask the question that burned in my mind, despite my better judgment. "Is Cedric here too?"

Angus, ever the loyal attendant, responded smoothly, "Master Cedric is attending to guests below."

My unease only grew at his words. Was this truly the Harbinger castle as I had been told? And what business did Cedric, of all people, have in meeting with unknown visitors within these walls?

Gathering my courage, I pressed the butler further. "And where is the Master Harbinger in all of this?"

Angus' reply was equally cryptic, "Attending to matters as always," before making his way to the door.

"You've been asleep all day since the early hours of the morning we found you," Angus revealed, peeking through the door. "Return to your chambers and rest until you're summoned. Just ring a bell in any room if you need anything."
I nodded, taking in Angus' words with a mix of confusion and unease. "I've been asleep all day?" I murmured, more to myself than to him.

The revelation that I had lost an entire day sent my mind reeling. What could have transpired within these castle walls while I lay unconscious and oblivious? The thought unsettled me greatly.

And Cedric's presence only compounded my concerns. As Angus had said, the enigmatic man was attending to "guests" below - a detail that piqued my curiosity and suspicion in equal measure. What business did he have meeting with unknown individuals in the Harbingers' domain?

"Very well," I responded, doing my best to maintain a calm demeanor. "I shall return to my room and rest as you've suggested. But I expect to be summoned soon, Angus. There are too many unanswered questions for me to simply sit idle."

The butler nodded, a faint hint of a smile playing on his lips. "As you wish, my lady. I shall inform the master of your request."

With that, he took his leave, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts. I had little faith in Cedric's motives, but I knew I had no choice but to trust in the Harbingers' protection - at least for now.

With that I picked up my tray of tea and pie returned back to the lavish bedchamber.