Chapter 6

Two joyful neighs greeted Reyanna as she stepped into the stable area, following the directions given by the guard at the entrance. The space was modest in size, but it offered an open and welcoming atmosphere. Reyanna took a seat on the wooden fence, feeling the familiar texture beneath her fingertips.

She thought back to the strange encounter in the forest, her mind grappling with conflicting emotions. Reyanna had always carried a natural distrust towards demons, a product of the long-standing conflicts between their races. But there was another part of her, a part that urged her not to condemn all demons for the actions of a few.

But despite Bellatrix's intriguing behavior and lack of hostility, Reyanna couldn't shake off a lingering sense of suspicion. The demon's genuine curiosity about her and the unexpected kindness she had shown made Reyanna question her motives even more. It was precisely this genuine interest that raised a red flag in her mind.

Reyanna had learned from an early age to be cautious and skeptical, especially when it came to demons. The history between their races was fraught with conflict and mistrust, and she had witnessed firsthand the consequences of misplaced trust. She couldn't afford to let her guard down, not when the stakes were so high.

Ardent's whinny and protests against her hand being clamped around her muzzle brought Reyanna back to reality. She released her hold on Ardent and stepped back, realizing that she had unintentionally startled the majestic creature.

"Sorry, Ardent. That's all for tonight. I have to go back to my room and rest. I start my investigation tomorrow," Reyanna said, giving the horse a reassuring pat on the neck. Lumina, her loyal companion, nudged her elbow as if reminding her of the task at hand.

Don't worry, I'll be careful. I have Zorion accompanying me," Reyanna reassured Ardent and Lumina, giving them each a final goodbye. As she made her way back to her room, thoughts of her upcoming investigation filled her mind. However, upon entering the room, she was taken aback by the sight of a rolling cart with steaming food on it.

"I never asked to be served dinner in my room," Reyanna said, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Curiosity piqued, Reyanna approached the trolley and noticed a note placed between the two bells that covered the food. With a gentle touch, she picked up the note and carefully unfolded it. Delicate handwriting ran across the paper, capturing her attention.

Dearest Hawthorne,

To save you the trouble of traveling to the main hall, I have asked my friend to have a meal delivered to you. You will find the dishes to be suitable for angels. I hope it will be to your taste. I have chosen them with care, taking into consideration your unique dietary needs and preferences.

Please enjoy this feast in the comfort of your room. Take your time, savor each bite, and let it nourish your body and spirit

~ Bellatrix

Reyanna's eyes widened with surprise as she lifted the bells to reveal the spread of food on the trolley. The aroma wafted through the air, tantalizing her senses. The dishes were beautifully arranged, each one a work of art. Colorful fruits, delicate pastries, and exquisite delicacies adorned the plates.

Her stomach rumbled in response, reminding her of her hunger. Reyanna couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and gratitude towards Bellatrix for going out of her way to provide a meal tailored to her needs. It was an unexpected gesture of kindness from someone she had only just met.

With cautious excitement, Reyanna reached for a small fruit, taking a bite. The flavors burst in her mouth, a delightful combination of sweetness and tanginess. She couldn't help but smile, pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of each morsel.

With a satisfied smile and a contented heart, Reyanna made a mental note to express her gratitude to Bellatrix for the thoughtful gesture. She knew that such kindness deserved acknowledgment, and she wanted to show her appreciation. She hoped to run into her again in the immense palace filled with guests from all over the intergalaxy. She had no other option since she had no way to contact her.

As the night enveloped the palace, Reyanna found solace in the softness of the silk blankets that embraced her delicate skin. The gentle touch of the fabric against her body brought a sense of comfort and luxury. She snuggled deeper into the bed, allowing the serenity of the night to wash over her.

Fatigue from the day's events began to melt away as she closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the realm of dreams. The weight of her responsibilities and the anticipation of the upcoming investigation faded into the background. In this moment, she could let go and allow her mind to wander freely.

As her breathing slowed and her body relaxed, she succumbed to the allure of sleep. In the world of dreams, the boundaries of reality blurred, and her imagination took flight. In this ethereal realm, she could be anything and everything, embarking on adventures and exploring the depths of her subconscious.

Wrapped in the comforting embrace of the silk blankets, Reyanna drifted deeper into the realm of dreams, where time stood still and possibilities were endless. With a contented smile on her face, she embraced the night and let the whispers of her dreams guide her through the darkness.

In the quietude of the night, Reyanna found tranquility, reassured that she would awaken refreshed and ready to face the challenges that awaited her. And so, with the lullaby of her dreams, she journeyed into the night, embraced by the softness of silk and the promise of a new day.

The sun was already high in the sky when Reyanna left her room, still closely followed by Zorion. She had given herself a good night's sleep and had only decided to go to the common dining room mid-morning. Feeling refresh, she moved briskly down the corridor when colliding with someone.