Avery walked into the house ready to explain the horned rabbit that was apparently her pet now, only to be met with a father who looked more than happy to welcome the new member into the family.
It always amazed Avery, how he could be the strict leader of the guards one moment and a loving father the next. Being one of the guards and seeing both sides sometimes made her confused about his reactions.
Avery got the small habitat setup for the rabbit then watched as he explored his new home.
When she came out of her room for dinner she noticed the rabbit sized obstacle course in the living room.
"When did you get the time to do that?". Avery asked.
" I had it left over from the time I tried to convince you to get a pet" Alister replied sipping something from his mug.
Avery recalled Alister trying to get her a pet just two months after she was rescued. She didn't have any friends at the time and he thought that a pet would help her feeless lonely and possibly make some friends.
But Avery had refused to even listen to the suggestion. She was too afraid of making friends or caring about people then losing them.
"I see," Avery said quietly.
Nothing else was said throughout dinner.
"I'm going to sleep. Night dad." Avery called out.
"Goodnight! Sleep well." He replied cheerily.
Avery tossed and turned too occupied in her thoughts to sleep. The day's events running through her mind like a storm.
"I'm not the only one." Avery thought feeling relieved. Then a wave of dread filled her. "I'm not the only one."
The weight of responsibility suddenly felt heavy on her shoulders.
"My people have been suffering and here I am just living my life. What kind of queen am I?" Avery questioned.
Feeling conflicted about her role as demon queen she snuck out of her room. Walking through the forest she realigned her goals. Revenge was no longer the only agenda on her list, it was still the most important one since Avery currently had no way of tracking down the remaining demons.
Avery's feet led her to the hidden cabin where Harriet was hiding. She silently entered through the door only to find the cabin empty.
Her instincts screamed and she rolled to the side. Thud. Harriet hit the floor where Avery was standing just a second ago holding a knife. She then stumbled and fell flat on her face and scrambled to a corner of the room.
It was only then that Harriet realised who the 'intruder' was.
"I'm soo sorry. I'm just used to being alone." Harriet hurriedly explained.
"It's okay." Avery reassured." I am just as jumpy as you are."
Avery sat across Harriet at the rotted kitchen table and begain questioning her.