LUNAFEY

CHAPTER 15

As I finished packing, Angus entered my chambers. "I wanted to speak with you, Richer," he said.

"Okay, about what?" I asked dryly, not looking up.

"Can it wait until i return?" I added.

Angus nodded, his "hmm" barely audible. I sighed, wondering if I was being too unreasonable with him.

"What's it about?" I asked, again. "So I can anticipate it on the way?"

"It's about Rosa," he said, his voice trailing off. I wasn't surprised, her sudden return was all he ever wanted to discuss.

"What about her?" I pressed, still uninterested.
"She seems...different," Angus said, his voice trailing off.

"How different?" I asked, intrigued. "I mean, her sudden return is a surprise."

"Yeah, but I don't really know...it doesn't feel real. It's like an exquisite imitation," he replied, his brow furrowed.

"She's shallow inside after losing her family. What do you expect?" I said, offering a gentle squeeze on his shoulder.

"Yeah, but she just met with her daughter and her newborn baby," Angus countered. "Don't forget, she's just re-entered a world where she's constantly reminded of happy families. That could bring back unpleasant memories." I assured him.

"True," he conceded, his hand on his chin, deep in thought.

"As I said, we'll discuss this when I get back. Just keep an eye on her. I've got to go."

"You seem in a hurry to leave this time," Angus observed.

"Well..." I began, but he interrupted.

"You always never want to leave the castle," he said, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Well, I need to get this done," I explained. "And I might also want to get Bay out of here as soon as possible."

Angus rubbed his temple and sighed, his expression concerned.
"Are you jealous, perhaps?" He asked, I stopped,

"Don't have to answer that," Angus said, his voice laced with exhaustion.

"Yes," I replied curtly, and walked away.

I met Bay halfway down the stairs. "Richer, I was trying to say earlier..." he began.

"Not now, Bay," I interrupted, pulling him along by the collar of his shirt. "I trust you're ready to go."

All I wanted was to get him out of there immediately. He had already made me lose my cool in front of Luna; she must think I'm an idiot, just like him.
"Richer, could you be more gentle with me?" Bay asked, struggling to break free from my grasp.

I sighed and released him, continuing down the stairs. "Really, it's Cedric," I muttered wearily, rubbing my temples.

"Master Cedric," Angus called, hurrying down after us. "Luna would like words with you before you leave."

I nodded, wondering if this was about her safety again.

"She'll be waiting at the front entrance," Angus concluded.

We hurriedly made our way to the front of the castle. Luna was indeed waiting there, clutching two bags tightly to her chest. The twin stood at the other end of the room.

I approached Luna, standing face to face with her. She looked up at me, her eyes locked on mine.
"I-, here," she said, pressing the larger bag into my chest. "I didn't know what to wrap it in."

I peeked inside, finding an assortment of victuals. "It's for the road," she explained, almost shyly.

"Thanks," I said, still surprised by her thoughtful gesture.

She shook her head slowly. "You didn't have much for lunch, so..."

I assumed the smaller bag was for Bay, as I wasn't keen on sharing my food with him. My bag was bigger, and I took comfort in having my own provisions to myself,  I grinned widely since mine was bigger. Luna handed the bag to Bay, who reacted as if he'd received gold.
I rolled my eyes, wondering if I hadn't appreciated Luna enough. "Luna," I said, placing my hand on her shoulders and turning her to face me. I bent down, my face inches from hers, my voice low and urgent.

"No matter what happens, don't leave the castle until I return," I instructed, sternly

She nodded obediently, her eyes wide with understanding.

"Stay close to Angus at all times," I added, my gaze intense. "He's the only one I trust besides my family."

She nodded again, her face pale. I saw the blood drain from her cheeks, but I knew I had to be stern. I straightened up, sighed, and left, hoping she gets it.