Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Later that day (or night), Treva entered my room with a bowl of freshly roasted almonds. The nutty aroma was intoxicating.

I popped one in my mouth and felt like I'm chewing on a piece of heaven.

"Help yourself.", I encouraged Treva when I saw her looking at the almonds sheepishly.

She grinned and sat next to me on the sofa before carefully taking one. And another one, and another.

"Tell me to stop, Serina…", Treva said with a mouthful of almonds.

I laughed as swelled cheeks full of almonds made her look like a white chipmunk. Her elated and goofy expression was a big contrast to the stony-faced Treva that I saw on the day I arrived here.

"It's fine. I don't mind sharing my food with a friend."

Treva froze and her eyes shook. "A friend?"

I waved my hand like that is not a big deal. "Yes. That is what we are. Friends. Now eat up, there is plenty for both of us."

"You are the best!", Treva said and took another handful of almonds.

"Treva…", I called in a hushed voice and waved at her to come closer, so that we are not overheard in case someone is on the other side of the heavy cloth that is covering the entrance. "Did Archousa give you some instructions about escorting me back to the portal?"

Treva's face fell. "You are leaving?"

"Not yet, but soon."

She exhaled slowly. "They never mentioned anything about taking you to the portal."

"But if I want to leave, you can do it. Right? Or is there some procedure we need to follow?"

Treva hesitated before answering. "We don't get visitors so I'm not sure. I will need to talk to Archousa about this."

I did my best to conceal the uneasy feeling that bubbled in my stomach. "Sure. If you can find out how things work, that will be for the best. Like that, we will be ready when the time comes."

Treva's eyes turned sad. "I will miss you."

"I will miss you too.", I responded, and I meant it.

Treva started as my guide, but I believe that we became friends.

For her, it might be even more than that.

Other than chatting and sharing laughs, Treva got to spend time in this lavish room and to eat all kinds of food that were inaccessible for her before. When I leave, she will go back to her simple life in a small cave with raw and half-boiled roots for food.

I understood why she was sad. It's like telling a child that a vacation is over, but I wanted to go home, where I belong.

That night, I eagerly waited for my madness to greet me with the scent of pine trees and the ocean.

I was blind in the darkness, but despite losing my vision, I relaxed in a familiar embrace as Duke tightened his hold on me and he let out a satisfying hum.

"I can't wait for you to come to London so I can hold you like this all the time.", Duke murmured close to my ear.

I stifled a giggle. "For hugs, I don't need to travel. If I come, there better be more than just hugs."

"Mmm…", he moaned lowly and pressed his erection on my thigh while clamping my arms under his, preventing me from exploring his body. He is such a tease!

"You will definitely get more than hugs. But you need to be a good girl to earn it. When are you coming, Serina? Give me a rough timeline so I can cross the days on my calendar."

"I'm not sure…", I lied.

This was a dream, but I still couldn't tell him that I'm not coming. If I go to London, it would be for business and not to meet with him.

"Before London, I need to get out of this place…", I mumbled softly, and I was surprised that he heard me.

"Are you in some trouble? Where are you? I'm coming to get you.", he said with urgency.

I patted his chest to calm him down, enjoying the feel of soft fabric and firm muscles under my palm. "Aren't you reliable?"

"Of course, I'm reliable. If you need rescuing, I'm your man. Actually, I'm your man even if you don't need to be rescued."

"My man.", I repeated.

"Only yours…", he murmured. "If you are in trouble, you would tell me, right?"

"Of course, I would.", I lied again, and I didn't feel guilty about this one. Even if this is just a dream, there was no need to worry him about the thing he can't help with.

Duke's lips on my forehead penetrated deep into my soul, and I smiled, forgetting about all the troubles and allowing myself to drift away in the bliss of his embrace.

…

I opened my eyes and frowned at the sight of a harpy that was familiar. It took me a second to connect that the white-skinned girl in front of me is Liatris, the guard that was at the portal when I arrived with Aldus.

My eyes lit up, and I blurted the first thing that came to my mind, "Is my father here to get me?" Why else would she be here?

My mind was already thinking about a few things I need to pack and to say goodbye to Treva. I should also give her my two remaining granola bars as a goodbye gift. I didn't care about being polite to anyone else.

"No.", Liatris responded.

"Oh…", a disappointed sound left my lips. "Are you here to escort me somewhere?"

Her expressionless façade didn't crack as she gestured toward the table with fresh apples and oranges. There was even a small bowl with cashew nuts. "I brought you food, and I'm here if you need something. Also, there will be a feast later today and Archousa requested your presence."

A feast? I remembered Treva telling me that they happen after hunters return, and it involves food, dancing, and singing. I was looking forward to it, but now things seemed off.

"Where is Treva?"

"She was relieved of her duties as your companion as her status is not high enough. You have me now for anything you need.", Liatris responded.

Companion? I thought that Treva was my guide, but Liatris looked like my guard. The one that would stand in front of my prison cell.

"I see…", I forced a tight smile while trying to process this news.

Treva's status is not high enough to bring me food and walk with me around? What kind of nonsense was that?

I was getting along so well with Treva and now I was back to square one with a harpy that shows no more emotions than a robot would. Actually, Liatris had a small smile at the edge of her lips that made me uneasy.

Or was I uneasy because Treva is gone? My anxiety swelled. Is it possible that this is related to me asking about leaving this place? Did she get in trouble?

"Can I see Treva?" I had to try.

Liatris tilted her head slightly. "I will see what I can do about it." She didn't sound convincing, but then… no matter what she said, I would think that she was lying.

"Thank you."

I used the excuse of getting ready for the feast to go to the large lake and wash myself. I hoped to see Treva, but I was unsuccessful.

I was dejected, back to being all alone with no one to trust.

Did I trust Treva? No… not really. After all, she was a harpy. Why would she help me and risk punishment?

But she was a friendly face, and she made my stay here more pleasant.

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