LUNA-FEY

FACE TO FACE

CHAPTER 4

A few hours had passed since my conversation with Angus, and my anxiety mounting. I paced about the massive bedchamber restlessly, my mind racing with unanswered questions.

Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by three sharp knocks that echoed through the ornate room. I turned to see Angus standing in the open doorway, his expression as inscrutable as ever.

"Master Harbing... I mean, Master Cedric requests your presence immediately in the West Drawing Room," he announced.

My heart raced as I processed his words. Cedric was summoning me - but why, and what was the nature of this meeting? My history him gave me little reason to trust his motives.

I crossed my arms defiantly, planting my feet firmly. "I do not wish to see Cedric," I stated resolutely.

Angus responded calmly, "Master Cedric requested your presence."

I let out a long, weary sigh, knowing I had little choice in the matter. Reluctantly, I followed the butler as he led me down the twisting halls. "What business does he have summoning me so late?" I asked, my voice tinged with frustration.

Angus sighed, his expression unreadable. "It is not my place to question the masters. Come, he awaits you in the study."

I shook my head, my resolve unwavering. "Only the Harbinger can offer the answers I seek. Cedric is no ally of mine."

Despite my misgivings, I knew I had to face this confrontation head-on.

With a deep breath, I steeled my nerves and continued to follow Angus.

Angus turned to me and said with a more calming measured tone, "While that may be true, for now he holds sway here. Master Cedric can offer you protection, if nothing else."

I scoffed at the notion, my distrust of Cedric palpable. "His type of 'protection' I have no need for. Why must I deal with him at all?"

Angus simply gestured towards the ornate doors, the flickering torchlight betraying activity within. "The masters will see you now," he said, stepping aside and leaving me alone to face the impending confrontation.

I entered the drawing room cautiously,I found myself once again with the enigmatic Cedric, his presence filling the space with an undeniable aura of power and authority. This was his domain, a fact that only heightened my sense of unease.

Yet, I refused to cower. I let my eyes sweeping over the towering bookshelves that lined the walls. To my surprise, only Cedric occupied the space, reclining arrogantly beside the hearth.

Finally finding my courage, I demanded, "Where is Master Harbinger? I was told I would meet with him."

Cedric's cold smile sent a chill through me as he replied, "It seems the good Master has found other matters to attend to. For now, you are my...guest."

His words hung in the air, I stood stiffly by the door, every instinct screaming to bolt at the first sign of threat. "I have no desire to linger here with you, Cedric. State your purpose and let me be."

Slowly, Cedric rose from his seat, prowling around me like a wolf circling its trapped prey. I fought the urge to cower, determined to maintain my composure in the face of his unsettling presence.

"You are here because I have summoned you," he purred, his gaze boring into me. "And I have no intention of letting you leave until I have what I want."

Cedric's predatory gaze sent shivers through me as he purred, "So stubborn, even now. You'll find it's unwise to refuse me in my own domain, little bird. But let's save such discussions for another time...when we're alone."

My pulse raced as he circled, his movements predatory and calculated. I had to keep my wits about me, in his presence.

He asked, "Why do you need to see Master Richer?" clearly, he was hiding something.

"As you say, I am but a guest under his roof," I replied evenly, meeting his crimson stare. "Surely a guest deserves courtesy from her host, and answers to ease her mind. I've had enough riddles from you, where is the Harbinger?"

Cedric chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Always so demanding " He traced a finger along my jaw, and I recoiled in revulsion.

"I have no desire to 'learn respect' from the likes of you, Cedric," I retorted, my voice laced with contempt. "The only person I will answer to is the Harbinger himself. Now, I insist you tell me his whereabouts, or I shall take my leave at once ".

"Master Harbinger has more pressing concerns than coddling lost little lambs," Cedric continued, his voice low and calm "But I'm sure he'd be disappointed to learn of any... incidents during your stay. So keep a civil tongue."

His meaning was clear - I was at his none-too-gentle mercy in this place. But I would not be cowed so easily, secrets or no. Harbinger would hear of this, one way or another, I promised myself.

I lifted my chin defiantly, refusing to be intimidated by Cedric's looming presence. "I am no lamb to be coddled, and certainly not by the likes of you," I retorted, my voice laced with contempt. "If the Harbinger is too preoccupied to see to his guests, then perhaps I shall take my leave and seek audience with him elsewhere."

Cedric came closer, standing face to face with me. He towered over me, using his imposing stature in a blatant attempt to cow me into submission. But I refused to break, my gaze unwavering as I stared him down.

"You would do well to remember your place here, bird " he hissed, his breath hot on my face. " Looking straight into my eyes.

I held my ground, " Bird- what do you mean, bird, Cedric, and I will not be cowed by all that, If you have something to say, then say it. Otherwise, I demand to speak with the Harbinger immediately ".

Cedric's looming presence made me feel small, but I refused to let him see my nerves. I met his gaze defiantly, unwilling to back down.

"That aside," he said, rolling his eyes dismissively, "that shitty League of Darkness is after you or whatever." He scoffed, as if the very idea was laughable. "I mean, the League of Darkness - that's what they call themselves - wants you because you took something from them. Basically, they need something that you have."

My heart raced as I listened, my mind reeling. I had no knowledge of any "League of Darkness" or of stealing anything from them. The implications were deeply unsettling.

Cedric continued, "They said you took a magic... thing, I forget. But it's important to their plans or rituals or some crap. Now they want you handed over."

Panic rising, I moved my face away from his, shaking my head adamantly. "I swear, I don't have anything they want," I insisted, my voice trembling slightly despite my efforts to remain calm.

The thought of being turned over to this mysterious League filled me with dread. What did they want from me?.

I steeled my nerves, determined not to let Cedric see my fear. "If what you say is true, then I have even more reason to speak with the Harbinger. He is the only one who can offer me the protection I need."

My gaze hardened as I stared defiantly into Cedric's eyes. "I will not be cowed by your threats or handed over to this 'League of Darkness' without a fight ".

Cedric's tone softened ever so slightly, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the sudden shift. "I must say, I'm genuinely concerned for your safety here," he said, his words measured. "While that pathetic League of Darkness means little to me, they seem determined to find you, and they'll rack this place up if they could."

I remained wary, my guard still firmly in place. "Whyever would they be after me? I've no dealings with them," I replied, my voice laced with confusion and suspicion.

Cedric sighed, running a hand through his hair, something he did when he was confused. "According to their ramblings, you're in possession of some artifact - an old amulet or ring, they weren't clear. Claimed it holds power over dark magics or something of the sort. Regardless, they won't rest until it's returned."

I wracked my brain, but came up empty-handed. "I've no object matching that description, magical or otherwise. You must believe me!" I pleaded, my desperation evident.

The thought of being hunted by this mysterious "League of Darkness" filled me with dread. What did they want from me, and how had I become entangled in this web of intrigue without even realizing it?

Cedric's brow furrowed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of genuine concern in his eyes. "Then we must act quickly," he murmured, more to himself than to me. "If what you say is true, then you are in grave danger, my little bird."

I eyed him warily, unsure of whether to trust his sudden shift in demeanor. "What are you proposing, Cedric?" I asked, my voice laced with caution.

Cedric looked me straight in the face, his gaze hardening once more. "Whether you know it or not, they'll tear this castle apart to get to you if they could. For your sake, I suggest you recall anything that could help us get to the bottom of this problem. Anything, please."

I shook my head, my mind reeling from the revelations. "This is crazy, Cedric. I don't remember anything like what you're talking about."

Panic began to creep into my voice as the gravity of the situation sank in. "I really need to speak to Harbinger. He's the only one who can help me," I pleaded. "Please, take me to him."

Cedric's expression grew stern, and I felt my heart sink. "We'll discuss this further in the morning," he replied, his tone brooking no argument.

I opened my mouth to protest, but the look in his eyes silenced me. Clearly, he was in no mood to entertain my demands. The Harbinger, it seemed, would remain elusive for now.

Resigned, I nodded stiffly, my mind racing with a thousand unanswered questions. What was this "League of Darkness" and why were they after me? And why was Cedric, of all people, taking such an interest in my safety?

As Cedric turned to return to the fire place, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, can I sleep at all tonight? I wonder.

Something didn't feel right. I narrowed my eyes, a growing sense of suspicion taking hold. "Wait... is Harbinger even here?" I asked, the question hanging in the air.

The fell silent as Cedric remained silent, his expression unreadable. The knot of unease in my stomach tightened. I was beginning to realize that there was far more going on in this castle than anyone was willing to tell me.

"Cedric, where is Harbinger?" I demanded, my voice laced with growing alarm. But the man simply stared at me, his cold eyes betraying nothing.

"Cedric," I pressed, my desperation mounting.

He began to back me towards the door, and I felt my heart racing. It was then that the chilling realization dawned on me - perhaps I wasn't as safe here as I had thought. I needed to find a way to contact the Harbinger, if he was even still alive. Because something deep within me told me that Cedric was not being completely honest.

As I reached for the door, Cedric's voice stopped me. "Can you trust me once again, Luna?" he asked, his eyes suddenly filled with a pleading expression.

I hesitated, my hand trembling on the doorknob. Could I truly trust this man, after all the secrets and deceptions that had been laid bare?, I knew I had no choice but to tread carefully, no matter how much my instincts screamed to flee.