6 An Unexpected Guest

Nea led Liana back to the Sanctum. The festival would continue until the sun rose, but Liana's weak body couldn't allow her to participate until the end. Their journey back home was silent. Liana gazed at the shrinking glittering lights as they entered the solemn Sanctum. Brianna was waiting at the entrance, her arms crossed.

Nea stopped a few meters away. "We will continue the talk tomorrow then?"

"Should be." Liana wanted to tell Nea about her visit today however Brianna was listening.

"Wait for me this time okay? I know what you did today." Nea gave a knowing grin.

Liana stuck out her tongue. She was too bored, what else could she do besides visiting White.

They said goodbyes to each other and Brianna took her to her room. A warm pot of tea was prepared and set on the table. Liana poured a cup, the heat from the steam warming her cold fingers. Liana was about to drink it but someone knocked on her door. Liana blinked in surprise. It was the first time someone came to visit her at this time. When she opened the door, she saw Davyn holding a small box.

"Davyn? Did something happen?"

"I apologize in advance for troubling you." Davyn smiled sheepishly. "Ah well, can I come in? It seems rather awkward to talk here…"

"Of course." Liana let Davyn entered her room and sat at the table.

Davyn coughed and said, "Um… this is my fault for not preparing early. But as you know Nea's birthday will come soon. I know she and I are not very close but as her mother's friend I feel that it is appropriate for me to give her a gift in her mother's stead."

"I see…" Liana sighed. It had been several years since Nea's mother went missing. Although Nea no longer spoke of it, the weight of her mother's disappearance was always ever-present. "I'm sure Nea will be happy."

"I hope so," Davyn said, "I have been negligent these few years. I hope that by making her favorite treat she will forgive me." He pushed the small box toward Liana. "It took me quite some time to find the recipe and make this. Despite my best attempts, I am not confident about the taste. If you don't mind, I want you to try it out first and give me some feedback."

Liana opened the box and saw the beautifully well-made chocolate treats. They were shaped like flowers of all kinds.

Davyn continued, "Considering that Nea often hangs around you often, I can only think of visiting you at this time to avoid her."

Liana smiled. "I don't mind. It's not as if I will lose anything by tasting these snacks." She picked one and examined it. "You've put a lot of effort. I know that Nea will be touched."

"It is the least I can do. That child… such boisterous appearance must have hidden a deep sadness. It is also because of me that her mother went missing."

"Please do not blame yourself. Accidents happen to anyone. Nea's mother will not want you to blame yourself."

Davyn only bitterly smiled.

Not knowing how to break the gloomy atmosphere, Liana tasted the chocolate. "Wow, this tastes good. It is not at all bitter but not too sweet either. I have also tasted the chocolate made by Nea's mother. This chocolate can almost rival hers."

"Is that so?" Davyn smiled. "It seems her guidance is not for naught. I have never been good in the kitchen."

"That's why it tastes very similar… can I try another one?" Liana glanced at the other delicious chocolates in the box.

"You can eat all of them."

Liana cheered. She ate the treats one after another. Today was one of the best days of this year. Not only she could eat at the festival, but she could also eat chocolate. The last time she ate chocolate was years ago when Nea's mother had not gone missing. Nea had shared with her while her mother had pretended not to see.

Liana savored the sweet and fruity taste of the chocolate. Somehow she felt that her eyes were getting heavier. "That was great…" She yawned. "I'm sorry, it seems that I need to rest…"

Davyn said, "Ah, then I shall take my leave."

Liana nodded. Her eyes were getting heavier and heavier. She tried to rub her eyes but her hands stayed motionless. "Huh?" With a thump, Liana slumped on the table.

Davyn silently looked at the sleeping Liana. "Forgive me."

He took the unconscious Liana into the Archive without interference. After countless years working in the Sanctum, he could navigate easily in these white corridors. His steps were steady as he climbed the long stairs.

The cold and oppressing massive door stood in front of him. Davyn took Liana's hand and pressed it unto the door. Silently, it opened. He put Liana near the entrance and scanned the items stored inside and rested on the small bead.