Chapter 11

"You mean.. you are anti slavery???" Bellatrix nodded. "But ... I... I.. thought there wasn't any in the castle ?" The angel immediately snapped back. " I mean... my father never told me about the presence of anti slavery people I the place itself! "

Bellatrix's smile widened, and she gave a playful wink in response to Reyanna's astonishment. She understood the angel's concern and the need for discretion.

"Yes, it's true. I hold strong anti-slavery beliefs," Bellatrix confessed. "However, my involvement and the presence of like-minded individuals are not widely known within the castle walls. It's a delicate matter, as challenging the status quo can be met with resistance and even danger."

She leaned closer to Reyanna, her voice lowered. "I don't normally stay in the castle itself; I prefer to reside a bit outside the capital, where I can engage with others who share our ideals more freely. It allows me to support and collaborate with those who are working towards the same goals."

The angel's face brightened with a radiant smile, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and joy. "I'm so glad to hear that from you," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness.

Bellatrix couldn't help but be enchanted by the angel's infectious joy. Her laughter echoed through the garden.

"Tell me, do you know if I can find any traces of the slaves held in the castle ?" Reyanna asked outright, forgetting for a moment her cover.

Suddenly, remembering her situation, she quickly lost her smile, pulling herself together.

" For my father, you know he's kinda connected to the emperor.... for that sort of thing.... he could use that sort of information, nothing too important... if you ever know where I can find any...."

Bellatrix's expression turned serious as she listened to Reyanna's question. She understood the significance of the request and the implications it carried. She pondered for a moment before responding.

"There is a library in the west wing. An administrative library, " the demon replied. " It's where all the administrative information of the castle is kept."

"How do i get there?" asked Reyanna.

Bellatrix thought for a moment, considering the best way to guide Reyanna to the library without arousing suspicion. She then spoke with a composed tone.

"The library in the west wing is accessible through a hidden passage that leads from the main corridor on the second floor," she explained. "To reach it, you'll need to find the painting of a phoenix hanging on the wall. Press the phoenix's right eye, and a concealed door will open."

She paused, making sure Reyanna was following her instructions. "Once you're through the hidden passage, continue straight until you reach a staircase. Descend the staircase, and you'll find yourself in the administrative library."

Reyanna nodded, absorbing the details and committing them to memory. She understood the importance of remaining unnoticed and the weight of the responsibility placed upon her.

"Thank you, Bellatrix," Reyanna said softly, gratitude evident in her voice.

"You're welcome, anything for you. I wish I could stay longer, but unfortunately, it is time for me to go. " The angel stood up and turned to her

"I apologize for keeping g you lj ger the necessary," Reyanna said with embarrassment.

Bellatrix smiled.

"It's quite alright, Reyanna," Bellatrix reassured her, her smile warm and understanding. "I've enjoyed our time together, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know you better."

"Will I have the pleasure of seeing you again in two days in the same place?" the demon asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

"Certainly," replied Reyanna, her confusion evident. She couldn't help but wonder what was happening to her, the strange pull she felt towards Bellatrix.

"At nightfall? I won't be able to escape before then," Bellatrix added, her tone almost playful.

The angel nodded, still uncertain about the nature of their meeting. Reyanna couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions, her cheeks flushing crimson. She instinctively hid her face with both hands, hoping that the demon was too far away to notice the telltale sign of her blushing.

Reyanna made her way back to her suite, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the upcoming meeting with Bellatrix and the newfound information about the library. She needed to share this with Zorion, her trusted ally and confidant.

As she entered the suite, she found Zorion engrossed in a book, his brow furrowed in concentration. He looked up as Reyanna entered, sensing her urgency.

"Reyanna, what's the matter?" Zorion asked, concerned by the intensity in her eyes.

"Zorion, I've discovered something important," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and determination. "There's a library in the west wing of the castle, an administrative library where they keep all the information about the castle, including any traces of the slaves."

Zorion's eyes widened, realizing the significance of this revelation. "That's excellent news, Reyanna. This could be a major breakthrough in our fight against slavery."

Following Bellatrix's instructions, they made their way to the second floor of the castle, scanning the walls for the painting of a phoenix. After a few moments, their eyes fell upon a beautifully crafted artwork depicting the majestic bird in all its glory. Reyanna's heart skipped a beat as she reached out and pressed the phoenix's right eye.

To their astonishment, the seemingly ordinary painting shifted, revealing a hidden door that blended seamlessly with the surrounding wall. Reyanna and Zorion exchanged a glance of excitement, knowing they were on the right track. With careful precision, they pushed open the concealed door and stepped into the secret passage.

The passage was narrow and dimly lit, the walls lined with faded tapestries that hinted at the passage's historical significance. As they ventured deeper into the hidden corridor, Reyanna's curiosity mingled with a sense of trepidation. The weight of their mission bore heavily upon them, but they remained resolute in their pursuit of the truth.

After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the end of the passage, where another concealed door awaited them. Reyanna took a deep breath, steadying herself for the revelation that lay beyond. With a determined gaze, she pushed open the door, revealing the hidden entrance to the library in the west wing.

The library welcomed them with a hushed silence, its atmosphere filled with the scent of ancient parchment and knowledge. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched out before them, adorned with countless books and manuscripts that held the secrets of generations past. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the space, casting long shadows that danced among the towering bookcases.

Reyanna and Zorion moved cautiously through the library, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpets that lined the floor. They traced their fingers along the spines of weathered books, their eyes scanning titles in search of information that could shed light on the enslaved angels and the castle's involvement.