LUNAFEY

CHAPTER, 7

LUNA'S POV

As I woke up that morning earlier than everyone else, I decided to do a little tour around my wing of the castle. Old antiques were laid out all over the place, and the walls were adorned with portraits of what I presumed were past Harbingers.

Should I venture further and explore the castle? I asked myself, a hint of trepidation creeping in. Would the Harbingers be angry if I poked around without permission?

I sighed, leaning closer to the window and resting against the sill. Gazing out at the moonlit landscape, my mind drifted, contemplating the events that had led me here.

I sighed heavily, my gaze still fixed on the distant horizon. I needed to figure out why those monsters were after me - after all, that was the very reason I had sought refuge with the Harbingers. And yet, here I was, once again feeling oblivious, just running, with so much weighing on my mind.

My thoughts drifted to my family back home - my mother and sister, and the worries that consumed me. Had the debt collectors come for them? Were they faring alright on the farm without me? I began to feel a deep pang of guilt for leaving them the way I had, even though they had given me their approval.

But perhaps it was better this way, I tried to reassure myself. They would be in more danger with me around them - it was the only consolation prize I could muster. And then there was the matter of my missing father, the very reason I had gotten myself into this precarious situation in the first place.

I shook my head, my brow furrowed with concern. So much uncertainty, so many unanswered questions. I had come here seeking refuge, but now I found myself right back where I started - lost, afraid, and unsure of what the future held.

With a sigh, I turned my gaze back to the castle around me, wondering if the Harbingers could truly offer me the protection I so desperately needed. Or would I once again be forced to run, leaving my loved ones in harm's way?

I started pacing around the room worriedly, my thoughts racing. I headed straight for the wardrobe at the end of my room, which was directly to the right of the door.

I changed into one of the sets of clothes I saw there, still not having seen the outfit I had been wearing the day of my pursuit. Angus had told me he had them washed, as they were covered in mud.

Casually making my way to the kitchen, I got a bit turned around a few times before finding my way. I decided to make breakfast - the least I could do to show my gratitude for the free accommodation. Knowing Cedric, he'd never offer anything without an expectation in return.

As I set about preparing the meal, I couldn't help but wonder what price I would have to pay for his hospitality. But for now, I would focus on this small task, if only to distract myself from the lingering worries and unanswered questions weighing on my mind.

The first one to wake, to my not-so-great surprise, was Angus. He gave me a warm smile as he said, "Luna, what a glorious morning! The castle smells like heaven, and the master would be thrilled."

"Good morning, Angus," I smiled back. "Which of the masters? Cedric?"

"Cedric," he responded dryly, as he turned to wander off and make tea. "I'll take this up to Master Cedric, his morning tea," he told me briskly, and I watched him go.

"Morning routines," he added, and I only nodded in response.

I saw him head towards the entrance at the far end of the corridor, and he was talking with someone. They then started making their way towards the kitchen where I was.
"This is Bay Herman," Angus introduced, "and that's our new guest, Luna."

I smiled at the guest, unsure of what to do. He quickly reached out his hand, saying, "Just call me Bay.", " Luna", I reached out I'm response.

Maybe the Harbinger, was out on a trip, since he wasn't here yet.
Seeing how genuinely worried Cedric had been about me the night before, I don't think something bad is going on. I couldn't afford to add any more worries to my already troubled mind, so I only sighed and got back to cooking.

"Can I help with anything?" Bay asked me.

"No, I-I couldn't," I replied, not wanting to impose or cause any more disruption than I already had.

"Hah, Luna, of course!" Bay said enthusiastically.

"Do you like pancakes?" I asked a little shyly, not entirely sure of my cooking skills. "I didn't know what to make - it's my first time making food as a guest."

"Don't worry, I'm sure that hot head doesn't mind at all," Bay laughed heartily, slapping the back of his hand. "Or Angus would have told you off," he added with a grin.

I couldn't help but laugh as well. It was true, Angus would have surely let me know if the meal was not up to par.

"Oh, 'hot head'? Who's that?" I asked, curious.

Bay's head quickly snapped towards the door. "Ritcher!" he exclaimed.

Ritcher? I pondered, but before I could inquire further, Cedric's voice rang out. "Bay, a word?"

After my talk with Cedric the night before, I was feeling... I couldn't quite explain it. But I felt I needed to smooth things over with him. I needed his help, though I wasn't entirely sure why.

"Good morning, Cedric," the words tumbled from my lips before I could stop them.

"Good morning, Luna," he replied. "Did you get any sleep?"

I shook my head, no.