LUNAFEY

CHAPTER 8

"I wondered what Cedric and Bay were discussing, maybe they were talking about me?" I thought to myself. "Let's sit, Luna, Master Cedric will be joining us soon," Angus said, giving me a gentle smile.
"I know you're worried, but I promise the answer you seek will be found soon." I felt a sense of relief at his words. "Thanks, Angus, I really needed to hear that." Angus smiled in response.
"Do you live here alone with just you and Cedric?" I asked but Angus paused, lost in thought. "Hmmm... I wouldn't say we stay here alone, and otherwise, I think it's a matter of timing. To put it simply, they come and go, just as you've come now".
"They all came for help too?" I asked, surprised. "Yes, that's what the Harbinger Sanctuary is meant for," Angus explained. "Some choose to stay and live out their lives here, while others return to their lives when their problems are resolved." I nodded, intrigued. "I see, there are many mysteries surrounding the Harbingers." As we sat down, I asked, "And how is Cedric connected to all this?" I knew Angus might be hesitant to discuss his master, but I had to ask. Angus's expression turned neutral as he poured tea for us. "Well, I can tell you about the Harbingers, but when it comes to Cedric, it's best to ask him yourself." I pressed on, "That means he wouldn't want you to tell me anything?" Angus nodded silently, his expression unchanging.

Then, Cedric and the energetic Bay entered the room. "Master Cedric is here," Angus announced, rising from his seat and gesturing for Cedric to take the head chair. However, Cedric ignored him and slid into the seat to my right instead. Bay and Angus watched with wide eyes, and I thought to myself, "What's he up to?" I smiled and let out a chuckle, "Haha." I turned to Cedric and said, "Please, Bay, join us for breakfast... if Master Cedric doesn't mind, that is." Bay and Angus shifted their gaze to Cedric, awaiting his response. He smiled, his treacherous smile, and said, "Of course, Bay, please join us for breakfast." I turned my head, intrigued by Cedric's actions.

"Wow!" Bay exclaimed brightly, "Eggs, I love eggs!" He chuckled loudly, and I got up to pour him a cup of tea and offered the tray of pancakes. "Here, Bay." Just then, Cedric cleared his throat and said, "What about mine? Tea?" Angus began to rise to assist, but Cedric shot him a stern look, and he quickly sat back down, looking like a scolded child. I smiled and poured Cedric a cup of tea as well. "Sure, Master Cedric." In that moment, all three of us seemed to have forgotten about Bay's presence, until he spoke up again.

"Hmmm, so good, this is really good, Lu," Bay said, and we all turned towards him. Lu? I thought to myself, but the look on Cedric's face was priceless. I couldn't help but burst out in a fit of laughter. "You didn't like it?" Bay asked, "I mean, me calling you Lu?" "No, no, that's not it," I replied, still chuckling. "I like it, but..." I trailed off, glancing at Cedric's displeased expression. His face was a picture of disapproval, and I was happy to see him so flustered.

"Oh, I have a sister too, a younger sister, her name's Lucy. This just feels nostalgic." Bay's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought. Cedric's expression turned stern, and he stabbed into the pancake with his fork, as if taking out his frustration on the poor breakfast food. "Ahhh, why don't you go back home then?" he asked gruffly. Bay's gaze snapped back to the present, and he replied, "You know I can't return there. That life isn't for me." Cedric's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, Bay? The king is worried sick about you, while you're out here, dangerously in the wild, and yet you're eating merrily?" Bay's expression turned bitter, and he spat out, "Bullshit! I'm sure they're just happy I'm gone. It's... it's better this way." His words trailed off, and he stuttered slightly, but he didn't stop eating, his fork moving mechanically.
The breakfast table fell silent, with everyone eating slowly and wearing gloomy faces. I clapped my hands, trying to break the somber mood. "Bay," I said cheerfully, not really knowing what to say. "Can you hunt?" He recovered immediately, his face lighting up with a smile. "Absolutely, Lu! When it comes to hunting, I'm your man." I quickly remembered how my father would always hunt for us back home, especially during the famine that struck after the plague. It was a joyous time, and I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of reliving that. "Really?" I couldn't help but ask, my enthusiasm spilling over. "Maybe I can go with you on your next hunt?" Bay agreed, looking from Cedric to Angus before responding, "S-su-re," he said again, his stutter barely noticeable. I tried to read Cedric's expression, but it was expressionless as he continued eating, his face a mask of neutrality