LUNAFEY

CHAPTER, 4 FACE TO FACE

As I waited to be summoned, my anxiety threatened to overwhelm me. I paced restlessly about the massive room, my footsteps echoing off the walls. Suddenly, three sharp knocks resounded through the chamber. Angus came in without, his expression as inscrutable as ever.

"Master Harbing... I mean, Master Cedric requests your presence immediately in the West Drawing Room," he announced.

My heart sank at the summons. I had hoped for answers, yet meeting Cedric. I knew it was only a matter of time before I would have to face Cedric, but I had wanted to meet the Harbinger, not him. I crossed my arms, a sense of defiance rising within me.

"I do not wish to see Cedric," I said. "I want to see the master of this castle."

Angus replied calmly, "Yes, in due time. But for now, Master Cedric has requested your presence."

I let out a deep sigh and followed him reluctantly down the twisting halls. "What business does he have summoning me so late?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Angus sighed, his expression unreadable. "It is not my place to question the masters. Come, he awaits in the study."

"Only Harbinger can offer the answers I want," I said, my frustration growing. "Cedric is no ally of mine."

Angus's voice remained neutral. "While that may be true, for now he holds sway here. Master Cedric can offer you protection, if nothing else."

I scoffed, my distrust evident. "His type of 'protection' I have no need for. Why must I deal with him at all?"

Angus stopped before a set of ornate doors, the warm glow of light flickering from within. "The master will see you now," he announced, his voice firm but polite. With that, he knocked once and withdrew, leaving me alone to face what lay ahead. I steeled my nerves, took a deep breath, and pushed through the doors.
I entered the drawing room cautiously, my eyes widening as I took in the towering bookshelves that lined the walls on either side. The room was a bibliophile's paradise, with volumes stretching all the way to the ceiling. But what struck me as odd was that almost every wall was also lined with windows, flooding the space with a warm, golden light. They must really love books, I thought, but my wonder was short-lived.

To my surprise, only Cedric sat within, his back to the door as he reclined arrogantly beside the fire. I cleared my throat to announce my presence, and he turned, a cold smile spreading across his face.

"Where is Master Harbinger?" I demanded, keeping my voice steady despite the unease overwhelming me. "I was told I would meet with him."

Cedric's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It seems the good Master has found other matters to attend to," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "For now, you are my...guest."

His words sent a chill coursing through me. I stood stiffly by the door, poised to flee at any moment.

"I have no desire to linger here with you, Cedric," I said, my voice firm. "State your purpose and let me be."

Cedric rose from his chair, his movements fluid and deliberate. He began walking slowly towards me, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. Then, he started circling me, his pace measured and predatory, like a wolf closing in on trapped prey. I fought every instinct to cower, to retreat from his suffocating presence.

"So stubborn, even now," Cedric purred, his voice low and menacing. "I missed that, little bird." He paused, his gaze lingering on me before he continued, "But let's save such discussions for another time."

My pulse racing, I struggled to maintain my composure as Cedric circled me, his predatory gaze sending shivers down my spine. I knew I had to keep my wits about me, to stay one step ahead of his games.