Gasping, sweating, groaning, Auretta gripped onto the sheets of the bed, breathing rapidly.

She was deep in sleep–all past events taking place again in her dreams. The darkness, the cloaked strangers, the fire. Auretta sat up, catching onto her breath as her hair fell over her face. Auretta caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror, standing across the bed.

Glancing at the window, she knew it was morning. The sun had risen.

Her appearance was absolutely messy–Auretta’s skirts were crumpled and stained.

A sigh escaped her lips. She got up, searching for a brush in the dressers. There wasn’t a sight of one—of course this was the guest room. The thought of borrowing one from Melione or Jaemi came across her mind, but it’d be too embarrassing to ask them for one.

Besides, it seemed like Melione despised her presence in this cottage. She wouldn’t blame Melione though, Auretta understands. Her goal now was to go back and find a safer place to be.

She brushed the tangled strands of her hair with her fingers. Her appearance looked all right in the mirror. The stains on her dress shouldn’t be much of a problem. Auretta remembered running around with dresses more stained than this one—and the matron would scold her for doing so.

She continued dazing into her reflection not being aware, the same creature she met in the ruins was watching her from the window. It shook itself, making shimmering noises, catching Auretta’s attention.

The pale pink girl quickly turned around, gaping at the firefly. “How’d you–” It disappeared again. Now that it was here, Auretta hoped that this bright creature wouldn’t make some traps for her, causing some ruckus again. What was that firefly even thinking when she led Auretta all the way to that Isle?

***

Jaemi told Auretta he’d find someone to escort Auretta back. He should be down stairs, waiting for Auretta.

She climbed down the stairs, watching her steps as she grasped onto the fabric of her dress. Auretta didn’t want to slip down the stairs, knowing she couldn’t grasp her physical surroundings well.

Hopping off the last step, Auretta caught a glimpse of a passageway she did not see yesterday next to the fireplace.

A scream echoed through the passageway, alarming Auretta. The idea of entering it made her doubtful, but what if someone needed help?

She quickly entered the passageway, eyes drifting back and forth looking for the person who could’ve gotten hurt. All she saw were torches hung up on the stony walls. “Jaemi!” a voice echoed again. She was nearby.

Auretta quickened her pace, arriving at the end of the hollow. She was met with a library at the end. It must’ve been a secret library.

Her eyes searched the area from the bookshelves towering over her, to a lonely and sad corner and to the floor–she caught a glimpse of Melione, stooping on the floor while carrying a large stack of books.

The brunette girl straightened her position, furrowing her brows when she locked eye contact with Auretta. “What are you doing here?” she asked sternly.

“I heard a scream here–I thought you might’ve needed help…” Auretta mumbled, gripping onto the back of her skirt. Her eyes quickly drifted away, not bearing the stern gaze of Melione.

Melione sighed, softening her gaze, she looked at the stack of books she was carrying. “I could use a bit of your help right now.”

The frown on Auretta’s face turned into a soft smile. She gladly carried half of the books Melione was carrying, maintaining her balance as she straightened her position.

“Where do I bring these?” Auretta asked, tilting her head while looking at Melione. “To the desk–it’s just at the center of the room.” Melione replied. “Okay then,” Auretta hummed, slowing her pace down while looking for the desk.

She glanced at the wooden desk–more stacks of books rested on it. Auretta’s eyes widened looking at them. “Did you read all of that?” she asked, placing the books she was carrying besides them.

Melione followed Auretta, setting more on top of the stack Auretta just placed. “I’ve read half of the books in this library.” the girl stated, making Auretta gape. She loved reading, but she couldn’t read that many books for sure. “You sure read a lot.” she muttered, followed with a soft laugh.

Melione’s fingers grazed a strand of her ebony locks, dusting off her skirts. “Thank you for the help…” There was a small crack in Melione’s voice. She let out a deep sigh, keeping that stern expression in her face.

“My… apologies… for not introducing myself yesterday. I’m Melione Fiachra.” Melione shouldn’t be that much older than Auretta, yet she spoke like an older lady.

“Don’t worry, Jaemi told me yesterday.” Auretta replied.

Silence filled the atmosphere, making Auretta’s chest heavy. She could feel her stomach tying into a knot–she had to break the tension. “How did you learn how to read–?” Auretta choked on her saliva realizing what she had blurted out.

Melione raised her brows, scratching the back of her neck. “My father taught me how to read.” she replied in a low tone, rubbing the bottom of her shoes against the wooden floor.

“Come,” Melione muttered. “Jaemi must be at the village. After all, you said you’d like to return to Myrindel.”

Auretta twitched her nose, quickening her pace as she followed Melione out of the library. As she stepped foot into the darkness, Auretta caught a glimpse of something shimmering on Melione’s neck, then the passageway leading to the library disappeared–completely blocked by a stony wall.