Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 16

Alastor and Charlotte came home only an hour and a half before her stepfamily arrived. She immediately set to work preparing dinner, while he took it upon himself to complete her spinning chore, hoping to lighten her workload and impress Lucifer with his skills. When Lucifer returned that night, Charlotte proudly showcased Alastor's work, and he was pleased—though not impressed.

"It seems you are indeed a hard worker," Lucifer remarked. "You're even willing to do women's work, judging by how much spinning you've accomplished. Here is your pay for today."

He handed Alastor five copper pieces.

"Oh, thank you, sir. You are far too generous," Alastor replied.

"Generosity has nothing to do with it. I believe every man should be compensated for his work, as it should be."

"Well, I am still very grateful."

Afterward, Alastor headed into the kitchen to enjoy the meal Charlotte had prepared. He wasn't allowed to eat at the table with the family, a fact Charlotte protested, but her father remained distrustful of the strange young man.

"I know you wouldn't be disappointed, Papa," Charlotte insisted. "He really is a good worker and an even better friend, if I do say so myself."

Lucifer raised a suspicious eyebrow. "I suppose... as long as he remains just a worker and a friend."

"Of course. What else would he be?" She was completely oblivious to the notion that any man could be attracted to her.

"He hasn't tried anything odd with you, has he?"

"Define 'odd,' Papa?"

"Has he tried to touch you?"

"No, Papa. He's my friend; all he's done is talk to me, I swear."

"Alright, but if he does try anything, you tell me immediately, and he'll be six feet under."

"He's not the one you should be worried about, Papa."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Yes, dear," interjected her stepmother, her voice sweet but her gaze filled with malice. "Do tell us— is someone bothering you?"

"Nothing," Charlotte replied, her heart racing.

"What's wrong, honey?" Lucifer asked, concern etched on his face.

"Nothing. Nothing at all."

Charlotte's heart pounded as her stepmother's gaze bore down on her. She knew better than to reveal the truth about the torment she faced at home, especially in her stepmother's presence. The tension in the room thickened, and she forced a smile, hoping to deflect their attention.

"Really, Papa, I promise everything is fine. Alastor has been nothing but kind to me," she said, trying to ease her father's concerns.

Lucifer studied her for a moment, his expression softening slightly, but suspicion lingered in his eyes. "Alright, but remember, I'm always here if you need to talk. You can trust me."

Charlotte nodded, grateful for her father's support, even if it felt overshadowed by her stepmother's presence. Once dinner was finished, she cleaned the kitchen, kissed her father goodnight, and went to her room. After saying her prayers, she drifted off to sleep.

A few hours later, she was awakened by a tapping at her window. There was Alastor, silhouetted against the moonlight.

Rubbing her eyes, she squinted at the figure outside. It was indeed Alastor. She quickly glanced around her room, ensuring her father, stepmother, and stepsister were still asleep before sliding the window open.