Laura's concern and curiosity mingled as she asked, "Was it your mom you were trying to communicate with?"
Gurda's gentle smile eased Laura's tension.
"Yes, it was," Gurda replied. "However, it seems she isn't picking up. But I don't worry for her. She is the most powerful necromancer that has ever lived."
Laura's eyes widened in shock.
"So your mom is extremely powerful?" Laura asked, awe creeping into her voice.
Gurda nodded, pride flickering in her eyes.
"Yes, and my father is the most powerful spell-casting demon. You can call them the most powerful in the demon realm."
Laura's mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Gurda's family.
Gurda's expression turned serious.
"And they aren't the Demon King and Queen," she clarified. "The demon realm doesn't have a ruler. Our elders decreed that the first demon to conquer Earth would claim the throne."
The weight of Gurda's words hung in the air.
Gurda's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Although, from what Mother told me... some demons have been going missing."
Laura's heart skipped a beat.
"Missing?" Laura repeated, alarm rising.
Gurda's gaze turned grim.
"Demons who sought to conquer Earth have vanished. No signs of struggle, no warnings. Just... gone."
The shadows in the room seemed to deepen, as if darkness itself was listening.
Laura suddenly let out a yawn, her exhaustion evident.
Gurda smiled warmly. "You must be tired. We should go to bed."
Laura nodded, already half asleep.
As they settled in, Laura cuddled up and fell asleep immediately.
Gurda watched her, a gentle smile still on her lips.
But as she turned to sleep, her expression turned introspective.
"Why did I open up to her like that?" Gurda thought to herself.
She pondered the unusual connection she felt with Laura.
"Demons don't confide in humans," Gurda's inner voice whispered. "Especially not about family and conquest."
Gurda's gaze drifted back to Laura, peaceful in slumber.
"There's something about her...," Gurda thought, her mind trailing off.
A mix of emotions swirled within Gurda:
Curiosity.
Vulnerability.
Trust?
As she wrestled with these feelings, Gurda's eyelids finally closed.
The room fell silent, except for the soft sound of their breathing.
Laura woke up to find Gurda already dressed and ready for the day. Gurda's outfit caught her attention - a black semi-short gown, red high heel boots, and a striking red jacket with the school's logo embroidered on the back.
"Wow, your jacket is amazing!" Laura exclaimed. "But why is it red? Everyone else's is black."
Gurda's expression softened, her eyes misting over.
"This was a gift from my grandfather," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "He gave it to me a month before...he was killed by a hero."
Laura's concern deepened.
"Who killed your grandfather?" she asked gently.
Gurda's pause was palpable before she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your brother, Blue Flame."
Laura's eyes widened in shock.
"Gurda, I'm so sorry," Laura said, genuine sympathy etched on her face.
Gurda's gaze drifted, lost in thought.
"It's not your fault, Laura," she said softly. "Your brother's actions are his own."
The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken questions.
"Gurda, does this change things between us?" Laura asked hesitantly.
Gurda's focus snapped back to Laura.
"No," she replied firmly. "You're not your brother. I know that now."
Laura's relief was palpable, but Gurda's next words sent a shiver down her spine.
"Our paths will cross eventually," Gurda said, her voice low and even, referring to Blue Flame.
The air thickened with anticipation, leaving Laura wondering what the future held.