Eila rose early, though her body felt weighed down by exhaustion she couldn't shake. Without a word, she carried herself to the washroom and slipped into the steaming water. The bath was refreshing, though her mind churned with thoughts she could not quite grasp. She scrubbed herself clean, then carefully washed every article of clothing, every piece of linen, until no trace of last night remained.
By the time she spread the sheets and garments out to dry, the first rays of sunlight were warming the courtyard. She returned to the house quietly, only to find her mother and father already in the kitchen preparing breakfast.
Celena's eyes narrowed at the sight of her eldest daughter looking drained, her hair damp from the bath. "You look tired, Eila. Go rest. I'll handle the breakfast."
Eila hesitated under her mother's searching gaze. She knew Celena noticed the little things—the subtle disorder, the way the house didn't quite match its usual rhythm.
Caught by those sharp eyes, Eila forced a smile and said lightly, "I… made some pancakes earlier. I was craving them."
Celena glanced at Armaan, something passing between them in silence. Whatever they understood, they chose not to voice. Instead, her mother's lips curved into a knowing smile, and she returned to the stove.
Soon, the warm scent of bacon and cheese filled the kitchen. Celena prepared omelets and poured a strong cup of milk coffee for Eila. The rest of the children poured in, their laughter filling the room as they discovered their mother at the stove after so long. The youngest twins squealed in delight at the sight of pancakes on the table. Emma and Erick received theirs with steaming cups of chocolate milk, smiling wide.
Eila sat among them, guilt tugging faintly at her chest. She was relieved—relieved that her cover held, that none of her family suspected what had transpired. She smiled to herself, guilty at her foolishness, but determined to keep her secret intact.
After breakfast, she left for the infirmary. Work always steadied her. There was much to be done, and her heart needed the distraction.
But as she walked the long hallways of the infirmary, a prickle crawled down her spine. Someone was watching her.
Turning her head, she found Luna Priscilla seated gracefully by the large window at the infirmary door, sunlight catching her golden hair. Regal, composed, her presence seemed to fill the corridor. She lifted a hand and beckoned Eila closer.
Eila obeyed, bowing respectfully. "Luna."
"How is the progress from your end," Priscilla asked without preamble, "regarding the elimination of the Veil—and Jeremy?"
Eila's breath hitched softly. She lowered her voice. "I'll explain everything, Luna. In detail. But… not here."
Priscilla studied her, reading the unspoken words. She inclined her head. "Then join me at my office. The day after tomorrow. Nina will be there as well."
Relief washed over Eila, and she nodded quickly. "Yes, Luna."
The day moved swiftly after that. Tasks blurred together until hours had slipped away. She didn't even pause for the cheese and bread she had packed for lunch. Her body was running on willpower alone, her stomach protesting by the time she finally began her walk home.
Still, her steps were light. Her pay for the apprenticeship rested in her pocket, a token of her effort, and satisfaction hummed through her veins. It was sunset now, the sky streaked with warm orange and violet.
Her stomach growled loudly. She pressed a hand to it and sighed, deciding she would simply wait until home.
A soft laugh reached her ears.
Startled, she turned—and found Lukas trailing behind her, his silver-blond hair catching the glow of dusk. He must have been following her, waiting for the right moment.
"What are you torturing your stomach for?" he asked, his tone light, but his gaze sharp, curious.
"I…" she faltered, but he didn't let her finish.
"I have something to tell you." He reached for her hand, tugging her firmly but gently. "Come with me."
She followed without protest, heart quickening as he led her down the street to a small café tucked between stone walls and flowering vines. The scent of fresh bread, roasting meat, and herbs hit her the moment they stepped inside. Warmth enveloped her, cozy and welcoming.
Eila's mouth watered despite herself. She hadn't realized how starved she was until this very moment.