I woke up alone in the room. The bed was empty, Ciara nowhere in sight. Not that I minded; her absence was a relief. I stretched, relishing the quiet before starting my day. The tension between us was unbearable, and I welcomed any opportunity to avoid it.
After a quick shower and getting dressed, I left the room and made my way to the car. The drive to Leora's castle was peaceful, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. I had a lot of work ahead of me today, and I was determined to focus on it. There were reports of rogue demons nearby, and we needed to organize a response.
Arriving at the castle, I parked and headed inside, my mind already on the tasks ahead. Leora was waiting in the main hall, surrounded by a pile of documents. She looked up as I approached, her expression a mix of determination and concern.
"Good morning, Aeliana," she greeted me. "We have a lot to do today. The reports of rogue demons are increasing, and we need to coordinate our efforts to deal with them."
I nodded, taking a seat beside her. "What's our plan?"
Leora spread out a map on the table, marking several locations where the demons had been sighted. "We need to set up patrols in these areas and establish a communication network to keep everyone informed. I'll be coordinating with the local guards, but I need you to handle the logistics."
I studied the map, noting the strategic points we needed to cover. "I'll make sure everything is in place. We can't afford any mistakes."
As we worked, the castle buzzed with activity. Guards and messengers came and went, each one bringing updates or requesting orders. I organized supplies, assigned patrol routes, and ensured that everyone knew their roles. The urgency of the situation kept me focused, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as the plan came together.
Hours passed in a blur of activity, and by midday, we had everything organized. I leaned back in my chair, stretching my tired muscles. "I think we're ready," I told Leora.
She nodded, a small smile of relief on her face. "Good job, Aeliana. Let's hope this will be enough to keep the demons at bay."
I stood up, feeling the need for a break. "I'm going to grab something to eat. I'll be back shortly."
Leora waved me off, already engrossed in another report. I made my way to the cafeteria, my stomach growling in anticipation. The smell of food hit me as soon as I entered, and I felt my mouth water.
The cafeteria was bustling with activity, a lively contrast to the quiet corridors of the castle. The room was filled with long wooden tables, their surfaces gleaming under the soft lighting.
Large windows lined one wall, offering a breathtaking view of the castle grounds and allowing natural light to flood the space. The aroma of roasted chicken, freshly baked bread, and rich desserts mingled in the air, creating a tantalizing symphony of scents.
Today's menu was a feast: roasted chicken, fresh salads, warm bread, and a variety of desserts. The food was arranged in a buffet style along one side of the room, with steaming trays of succulent roasted chicken, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Beside it, there were vibrant salads, a rainbow of colors with leafy greens, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy olives, all drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The bread station offered an assortment of warm, crusty rolls and slices of fragrant herb-infused loaves.
I grabbed a tray and began to fill my plate. I opted for a generous portion of the roasted chicken, the skin perfectly crisp and the meat tender. I added a heap of mixed greens, tossed with a zesty lemon dressing that made my taste buds tingle in anticipation.
A warm, buttery roll found its way onto my plate, alongside a small bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Finally, I couldn't resist adding a piece of rich chocolate cake to my tray, its dark, glossy icing promising a sweet end to the meal.
I found a seat by the window, enjoying the rare moment of peace. The food was delicious, and I savored every bite, letting the stress of the morning melt away. The chicken was succulent, the salad refreshing, and the bread soft and comforting. The chocolate cake was the highlight, its rich, decadent flavor lingering on my tongue.
As I finished my meal, I decided to take a stroll outside. The castle grounds were beautiful, with manicured gardens and winding paths. I walked aimlessly, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of birds singing. It was a perfect way to clear my head.
I was lost in thought when I heard someone call my name. Turning, I saw Nathaniel approaching, a friendly smile on his face. "Aeliana, fancy meeting you here."
"Hey, Nathaniel," I greeted him with a smile. "Taking a break from all the chaos?"
He chuckled, falling into step beside me. "Something like that. I needed to clear my head. How are things going with the rogue demon situation?"
"We're making progress," I replied. "We've set up patrols and established a communication network. Hopefully, it will be enough to keep the demons under control."
"Sounds like you've been busy," he said, his tone admiring. "I always knew you were good at what you do."
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks at his words. "Thanks, Nathaniel. It's been a team effort."
He gave me a sideways glance, his smile turning slightly flirtatious. "You know, I've always admired your dedication. It's one of the things I like about you."
I felt a flutter in my stomach, unsure how to respond. Before I could say anything, a movement near the entrance caught my eye. I turned, and my heart stopped.
Ciara was walking slowly towards us, her body covered in injuries. She looked like she had been through hell, her clothes torn and bloodied. My breath caught in my throat as I saw her stagger, her face pale and eyes unfocused.
"Ciara!" I shouted, running towards her. She took a few more steps before collapsing, and I barely caught her before she hit the ground. Her body was limp in my arms, and I could feel the faint thump of her heartbeat.
"Get help!" I yelled over my shoulder at Nathaniel, who was already running towards the castle. I looked down at Ciara, panic flooding my senses. "Ciara, stay with me. Don't you dare give up now."
Her eyes fluttered open for a moment, and she looked at me with a mixture of pain and defiance. "Fucking... stubborn," she muttered before her eyes closed again.
My heart pounded in my chest as I held her, praying that help would arrive in time. This was bad, really bad. And for the first time, I realized just how much I cared about this infuriating, stubborn woman.