Chapter 40: Chapter 7: Depths of grief: Liberated by dreams
The overcast sky seemed to hide a secret with the fog covering up the Kingdom of VulcanFire. Once in every moon will the kingdom experience rain and today somehow was that day. Hitting the glass in a rhythm somehow blinding the world from the outside world. While Starfania lay cocooned in the comforting warmth of her blankets, listening to the sound of the peaceful lullaby. As she nestled even deeper, seeming to enjoy this quiet moment. But the moment was short-lived. A sharp knock echoed through the door, pulling her from a daydream. Reluctantly, she rose up and opened the door.
" Ms. Night, your breakfast is ready, " came Ren's soft, familiar voice.
" Sure, Ren, " Starfania said with a sleepy smile. " I'll be down as soon as I'm dressed. "
Ren gave a small bow and headed off to fulfill her duty before breakfast, leaving Starfania to get ready. While Starfania was looking out her window as she put on her headband. She felt a bit lightheaded at the moment as flashes of images appeared in her mind. Although it moved so fast, she could only catch glimpses of it and saw certain repeating symbols. Running from Crows, the Moon, Sword, and a weird symbol she couldn't identify. Starfania found it a bit odd that she was experiencing this, but she simply brushed it off as she continued with her day.
In no time, she descended the stairs and arrived in the kitchen, where Ren had laid out breakfast. The enticing aroma of sizzling bacon and egg filled the air, causing Starfania to drool. Ren noticed, and smirked, saying, " Ms. Night, if the food looks that good, I can grab a bib for you. Wouldn't want breakfast to win this round! "
Starfania quickly wiped her chin, blushing. " Thanks, Ren. I think I can handle it… for now. "
Ren stifled a laugh of her own, a smile tugging at her lips as she shook her head. They sat down together, enjoying the moment and the meal.
Then, unexpectedly, Ren dropped a bombshell that took her by surprise. " Do you think you could kindly go to Mr. Night's study and inform him that breakfast is ready? "
Starfania froze, her fork halfway to her mouth, choking slightly on her own breath as the words sank in. Coughing furiously, trying to recover from the shock. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she stammered over her words, " You want me to tell my dad? "
A sudden chill swept through the atmosphere as Ren's request hung in the air, causing the mood to change in a matter of seconds. Starfania's heart raced as she struggled to process the unexpected events. The mention of her father alone brought a weight down on her chest as she rubbed it to help ease the pain.
It wasn't the task itself that was impossible, but the thoughts of confronting him. Considering they had yet to even have a talk after the incident. She told him that she wished she had a new father.
" Yes, your father, " Ren said softly, her tone now carrying a hint of understanding. As her eyes softened, as if she too grasped the weight of the request. Starfania hesitated for a moment longer because a part of her wanted to see him. Yet, she was scared about upsetting him all over again, like she has these past few nights. Slowly, she nodded, acknowledging that she couldn't avoid him any longer.
" Alright," she whispered, standing up from the table. This somewhat calm but strange morning changes periodically. Deep down, she couldn't help but wonder how this encounter with her father would unfold.