Untrustworthy

《II.》

I woke up late the following morning feeling sluggish and exhausted. Emerense was gone and I was sure she had taken most of my energy with her. I forced myself out of bed, took off the long cotton shirt I had been wearing, and made my way over to the shelving that held my clothes. After folding up the shirt I wore, I put on a medium-brown leathery deer skinned top. It covered the essentials and kept my shoulders, arms and midriff bare. Then I pulled on my light tan deer skin skirt that had a corded belt attached to it and slipped on my leather sandals.

After running my fingers through my dark wavy hair a few times, I separated it into three parts and then pulled it into a messy braid to the side, securing the end with leather cord decorated with a few feathers. Wisps of unruly hair hung about my face, but I paid them no mind. I took a quick glace down at myself and then headed out of my room and down the hallway.

Taking the stairs two at a time, I made my way up the two flights of steps in no time. There were a few omegas running about, but mostly everyone was gone. It was safe to assume that they were all out and about, enjoying their day. Heading into the dining hall, I saw that it was mostly empty, save for a few people sitting around having conversation while drinking or snacking.

Since there was no food to be seen, I made my way into the kitchen hoping to find something to eat. Stepping foot into the monstrous room, I found it to be bustling with activity.

"Here's the salmon!"

"I found those berries you asked for!"

"Where are my nuts?"

"Make sure the bread doesn't burn!"

"Has anyone seen Ayla?"

"Where are my damn nuts?"

Life in the kitchen never ceased to amaze me. People were running everywhere, doing everything, and somehow it all managed to stay organized. I was sure that it was all thanks to Morn, the head chef of the kitchen. He ran it so well, that there was always a solution to any problem that seemed to pop up.

Morn was supervising a young omega kneading dough when I came in. He looked up right away. My scent had definitely given me away.

"Well, well! Solista, I was wondering when you would make your way in here!" Morn gave out a hearty laugh as he made his way over to me. He was a jolly man. I gave him a smile as I walked further in to the kitchen.

"You know me, Morn. I've got to eat something before I can become fully functioning," grinning widely, I gave him a hug. He returned it and then promptly let me go before turning to one of the counters and picking something up. Turning around, he held out his hand towards me.

"I have something just for you! It's the Apple berries that you like so much!"

I plucked the Apple berry from his hand and popped it in my mouth. The sweet yet tart taste it left on my tongue made me happy.

"Thank you so much, Morn!" I said.

"Anything for you! Here," he said, handing me a basket full of the berries. "There is some bread and cheese in the bottom of the basket. Now take Artemis and go enjoy the day."

Almost as if she appeared out of thin air, Artemis was right beside me, grinning as brightly as the sun shone. Her perfectly white teeth stood out against her ebony skin. My bronze skin seemed to pale in comparison to her dark beauty.

"I'll make sure to eat just as much as you do," she told me as she snatched a berry from the basket I was holding.

Morn handed her a container of water. "Make sure you're back for the evening shift, Artemis. That means be back here in four hours."