LUNAFEY

CHAPTER 20

Marie rested on my bed, where Rosa and I had led her to lie down. "What happened, Marie?" I asked, my voice laced with concern and a hint of accusation towards Rosa.
I wanted to show Rosa that Marie had indeed come to my room on her own and fainted. "I can't remember...I don't remember," Marie's voice trailed off. "I don't remember from before." I looked from Marie to Rosa, who appeared as pale as a ghost. "When I got to your room, I had forgotten why I came," Marie continued, her voice shaking. "All I know is my joints felt weak." She sobbed, and I climbed onto the bed to comfort her, hugging her tightly as she cried. "Maël! Where's Maël?" Marie asked, her tears subsiding as she looked me in the face.

"I'll go check," I said, starting to make my way out. But Marie grabbed my hand, her grip tight. "I'll come with you," she said, her eyes pleading. She glanced at Rosa, who remained still, her gaze fixed intently on Marie, who was now wiping away her tears.

"It's alright, Marie, you just rest. I'll go," I said, trying to reassure her. But Marie held onto me even tighter, her eyes never leaving mine like she was begging to follow me. So I nodded, relenting. "I'll make some soup," Rosa said, getting up, but I sensed she wanted to come with us, not wanting me left alone with Marie. I also didn't want her in my chambers.

We went downstairs through the grand staircase area, where I saw Angus with Maël in the grand room, building a fire in the large fireplace. "It's so cold, Luna; try putting on something warm," he said, to my bewilderment. Wasn't he supposed to be getting the winter gate? "Oh, and good morning, Luna," he concluded, returning his attention to the fire. "Good morning," was all I could manage, as I stood there, feeling trapped and glued to the floor. I could hear the exchange of greetings and worried tones from Maël, who was concerned about his sister's pale appearance. As I turned towards them, I thought I saw a smile play on Rosa's lips, but it was fleeting, so I couldn't tell.

As she walked to the kitchen, I realized I needed to speak with Angus. I approached him, and he was dazed, fixedly staring into the fire, unmoving like he was in a trance. "Angus!" I called out, and he turned towards me almost immediately. "Yes?" he answered. Just then, Rosa called out, "Luna, please come give me a hand!" But I ignored her, focused on Angus. "One moment," I said dismissively. "Go to her," Angus said, still in a trance-like state. I stood there, surprised, my mouth agape. "Didn't you say I shouldn't go anywhere near Rosa without you?" I asked, shaking him as if it was an emergency. He finally got up, pushing back his hair repeatedly, lost in thought. The twins ignored us, engrossed in their own conversation. "I'll take Marie to the kitchen now," Maël told us, and I nodded in agreement.

"Angus!" I continued shaking him, my voice laced with urgency. "Yes," he responded slowly, his eyes regaining focus. "The winter gate isn't activating," he said, getting himself together slowly. "Angus, you're back," I said, almost in tears of relief. "Yeah, I think so," he replied, his voice still shaky.
"What happened?" I asked, my mind racing with questions. "Without the winter gate, I don't know how long I can protect you before Cedric gets here," he whispered, his eyes filled with concern. I felt a new surge of fear that I hadn't felt before - we were trapped.

"Even I have to stay away from her. I'm certain that woman isn't Rosa," he whispered again, his voice barely audible. I trembled, my legs collapsing beneath me as I struggled to catch my breath. My chest heaved with anxiety. "Don't leave the castle, stay close to me. Let's act neutral for now. She doesn't know that I know who she is yet," Angus instructed, his voice firm. "For now, I'm brainwashed. We'll head to dinner and act as we did yesterday," he told me, his eyes locked on mine. But I couldn't shake the feeling - was he pretending moments ago?