Fate's Final Act

-CH 6- So this is what warmth feel like

The birds chirped with extraordinary gentleness as if they had been sent here to announce the beginning of a very special day.

Now that I think about it. What I did yesterday was really stupid and reckless. 

Running away and leaving everything behind me as if I had no tomorrow. Going to a whole new world that I know nothing about. And spending the night at some strangers house. 

I slowly sat up, still half asleep. The scent of gardenia flowers wafted through the air, and the memories of my mother's garden came flooding back to me.

The soft, soothing smell was a welcome distraction from all the thoughts and memories swirling around in my head. For a moment, I was lost in the comfort of the scent, letting it drown out everything else.

The sun streamed in through the window, casting a warm, golden hue over everything.

I ran my hand through my hair while yawning tiredly. But I froze, my hair was long! Which means I had slept in my Elf form! In a human's house! They could wake up any second and find out-

Suddenly I heard footsteps approaching the door. Followed by a gentle knock on the door.

"Crap... crap crap crap..." I muttered to myself, frantically trying to think of a way to hide my true identity.

"Eh, That guy is still sleeping? I am coming in anyway." The door handle turned and soon the door creaked open.

The only option was the blanket. I quickly grabbed the nearby blanket and wrapped it over my head like a hood, making sure to cover my eyes as well. 

"Oh you're awake? Come on, grandma wants you to have breakfast with us. For some reason."

Why did it have to be Melody of all people!

I had no choice but to lie, so I looked away from her. "J-Just give me a minute... I am not.. uh wearing a shirt." 

Dammit that's embarrassing! Couldn't I think of a better lie!?

A moment of silence followed after I uttered those words, making me even more worried, she didn't suspect anything, did she?!

"You're such a heavy guest. Hurry and join us, we'll be down stairs." She rolled her eyes then I heard the door slam behind her.

Phew... That was close

Quickly, I let the blanket fall off my head, and changed to my human form. The gem turned into a darker color of blue. 

I clutched it tightly. "I know, I know... But I don't have a choice." I whispered as if it could understand me. Well maybe it does.

With a condensation sigh. I approached the mirror, taking in my appearance. My face was pale and gaunt, my eyes heavy with exhaustion. There were scratches and scrapes all over my body, evidence of the trauma I had endured. 

My reflection only confirmed what I already knew. I looked pathetic and miserable. And the pitying looks I had gotten from them only confirmed it. They had only taken me in out of pity.

Just then, a knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Hey, we're waiting for you!"

It was Melody again.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. "Coming! Sorry."

I quickly brushed my hair with my hand and tried to make myself look more presentable. Then I took another moment to steady myself before opening the door and walking out into the hallway.