The soft light of morning filtered gently through the curtains, wrapping the room in a tender warmth that promised a new beginning. Slowly, I opened my eyes to see Bell sleeping peacefully beside me. Her delicate features were softened by rest, and the steady rise and fall of her chest filled the room with a quiet calm. My hand moved almost of its own accord, reaching out to stroke her hair.
But then, a sudden awareness prickled along my skin. I turned—and there, leaning lightly against the doorway, stood Aisha, a mischievous grin playing at her lips.
"Oh, carry on," she teased, barely suppressing a laugh.
A rush of heat tangled with my embarrassment, and in a flustered attempt to change the subject, I blurted, "It's not what you're thinking! What are you doing here at this ungodly hour?"
"Shhh," she whispered, finger pressed gently to her lips. "Let's not wake Bell. She's so serene in her slumber. Come, let's talk in the living room."
I tread carefully, making sure not to disturb the delicate stillness. Aisha was already seated there, eyes closed for a moment's repose. As I entered, she opened them slowly, a soft smile touching her lips.
"A cup of tea would be perfect right now," she declared calmly.
"And what am I, your servant?" I asked with a half-smile. "Besides, you hardly need sustenance from this world, do you?"
Her laughter chimed through the quiet room—melodious and clear. "I might assist you, but don't think you're free from repaying favors," she said, her eyes sparkling with teasing light.
"And you're wrong in one thing—I am very much part of this world. At least, I once was human."
I froze, teapot in hand. Those words struck me like a bolt. This was the first time Aisha had ever hinted at having a past like mine, a past inside the shattered boundaries of mortality.
"How… how is that possible? If you were once human, then what are you now? And what exactly did Luna see?" I pressed, yearning for clarity.
Aisha rose, her movements deliberate and smooth. "I can't reveal everything; there are rules, binding forces that limit what can be said. But I will tell you this—we are anomalies, beings that defy the natural order."
She stepped closer, and the air between us thickened, pregnant with unspoken tension.
"You mentioned earlier something you shouldn't have," she continued softly. "I didn't know Luna could see more than just Bell. I believed Bell's radiant aura made her visible—or perhaps because she shares a piece of you, part humanity, part… something else. It's compelling."
I cursed myself silently. My careless words might have endangered Luna. I had to be more cautious if I wanted to keep her safe from this shadowy world.
"You won't hurt her, will you?" My voice held a mixture of fear and pleading.
Aisha's smile softened. "Don't worry. But first, my tea?"
I sighed and poured the steaming cup, sitting opposite her. The calm silence between us hummed quietly, broken only by the clink of porcelain. Questions whispered on my tongue, but I swallowed them—uncertainty shackled my voice.
Then, the bedroom door creaked open. Bell appeared, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Good morning, Papa… umm… big sister Aisha? What are you doing here?"
"Oh, such a delightful morning to you, Bell," Aisha said with a radiant smile. "As you see, I'm having a lovely talk with your papa."
Bell grinned and scampered over, climbing into my lap. "Let me join! I want to be part of it too!"
"Of course, Bell," Aisha said kindly. "I'll keep you company while your papa gets ready for school, alright? And White, you need to get going."
I nodded reluctantly. "Yes, if I don't hurry, I'll be late. Perhaps we can talk more later?"
Bell's head drooped a little, a flicker of sadness crossing her features that I recognized as loneliness.
I stroked her hair gently. "Don't feel down, Bell. I have an idea. How about a picnic this weekend? We'll prepare food and play games together."
"Really? Can Aisha big sister come too?" Her eyes shone with hopeful innocence.
I glanced at Aisha, silently signaling. She seemed momentarily puzzled and then smiled brightly.
"Of course, Bell! Your big sister will be there to join in the fun," she said warmly.
Bell leapt up, bubbling with excitement. Aisha gave me a reassuring thumbs-up.
"That wasn't quite the signal I was giving," I muttered under my breath, smiling despite myself.
"Hmm?" Bell looked puzzled, her gaze bright.
"No matter," I said quickly. "I'm going to be late. Aisha, can you entertain Bell while I get ready?"
She nodded gracefully.
After I prepared myself, I checked on Miss Elsa, who reassured me with a calm smile not to worry. I glanced back at Bell, who had settled happily in front of the television.
Still, unease crept in. Was it alright to leave her alone, even with Aisha nearby? I asked quietly.
"Don't worry about Bell," Aisha replied smoothly. "I'll watch over her."
Her usual indifferent tone had softened in recent days, replaced by a surprising warmth. It made me wonder what changes were taking root beneath her inscrutable façade.
"I have to ask," I said cautiously. "Do you need something from me? You're acting friendlier than ever, but it seems suspicious."
Aisha feigned shock, then smiled playfully. "What if I said I might need something someday?"
"I thought so," I said dryly.
She giggled. "I'm doing you a favor now, and when I need one, I'll call it in. But hurry along, or you'll be late for school."
Her lighthearted words belied the chill beneath—and I hurried out, uncertainty weighing heavy on my steps.
As she had said once, she had once been human. If that was true, what had changed her? And what else was hidden behind her teasing smile?
Crossing the school gates, a bright voice called my name.
"Good morning, White! I've been waiting for you," said the student council president, her smile warm and inviting.
The day had just begun, but already, the threads of fate were weaving tighter around me.