"I understand your concern but would disagree with the assessment, milady. I am not seeking a lone audience with you but am merely occupying the shared space between our respective quarters. Thus, I am not violating any proper decorum."
Despite Elaine not opening the door, she could visualize Elias' poised expression on the other side. "What is your purpose for gracing us here, milord?" She sighed. Elaine could only hope Gerard's surveillance did not notice him. The afternoon spectacle had already garnered too many vying eyes. Though not by choice, it was too early into the journey for her to disregard the Duke's warning.
"I am here to protect the Empire's interests. As the mission's commander, I cannot allow danger to reach our Étoile's representative before we arrive at Léonas," Elias replied. "Such inexcusable negligence would besmirch my reputation."
Elaine wrinkled her brows. The male protagonist's rationale sounded familiar—it mirrored the one she used on him a few hours ago. "How crafty," she mumbled. No matter his actual purpose, his reasoning was undeniably legitimate. "Though I appreciate your aid, milord, it remains inappropriate for someone in your position to stand guard outside my chamber. May I suggest your subordinate, Miss Clara, to substitute in your stead?" Elaine no longer resisted the black-haired young man's proposal, yet she did not accept its original form.
She realized the male protagonist was helping her ease Cecil's burden. Despite the justification, however, it would not escape Gerard's scrutiny, and Elaine did not want to risk alarming his informants. In her contemplation, she recalled Clara. People would group the raven-haired young girl's affiliation with Elias. However, using her as a guard with the protection cover story would invite less probing from others. Since the girl's loyalty leaned only toward the male protagonist, she would comply with his request without ulterior motives.
A brief silence followed Elaine's counter-proposal. Her chest thundered, waiting for Elias' response. Fortunately, he did not ponder for too long.
"I have no objection to your request, milady. This could represent an excellent opportunity for Clara to sharpen her skills," he concurred.
Elaine felt relief when he agreed to her suggestion. She then heard footsteps disappearing down the hall. Minutes later, several footsteps returned. "Do you understand your duty?" the black-haired young man's voice transmitted through the door.
"Yes, Commander. I will assist Sir Ascania in protecting Lady Estella through the remaining nights until our ship reaches the Léonas Empire," a soft female voice replied.
Stolen novel; please report.
"I entrust Her Ladyship's safety to you, Clara," he said, then addressed Elaine. "Rest assured, milady. No harm shall come to you during this journey."
"I am grateful, milord."
"No need for gratitude, Lady Estella. It is within my obligation. I should apologize for disturbing you at an inconvenient time. Please have a good rest, milady." Elias' footsteps again departed into the distance.
After the atmosphere returned to its familiar tranquility, Elaine exhaled and plodded back to bed. Despite obtaining additional trusted manpower to support Cecil, the weight on her shoulders remained. Although her guard and Clara could confine her, the creatures could attack in ways beyond the physical. In retrospect, their psychological terrors were comparatively worse. Even though surrounded by people, Elaine would have to endure the mental torment alone. At least I will be alive in the morning, she consoled herself.
The hours passed. Once Elaine reopened her eyes, it was already after midnight. Heavy mist gathered outside the window, clouding her view. Mariam was in a deep slumber in the corner, unaware of the eerie atmosphere. Elaine shivered as the anxious feeling and uncanny silence raised all the hair on her back. Every fiber in her body was on high alert, anticipating the incoming assaults. Last night's experience had forced Elaine to reassess and harden her fortitude, determined not to be swayed and deceived again by the creatures' wicked lies. She stayed on the bed and waited for her tormentors. Like hungry hyenas discovering their prey, it was not long before the voices burst into her head.
"Ell, honey, we came back for you," a woman called. Each word dragged out in a southern drawl and sounded precisely like Cynthia's accent. "Won't you come upstairs and meet us?"
No, this is not my mother. Elaine squeezed shut her eyes, repeating the reminder like a broken cassette tape. Yet, her chest tightened, struggling to contain the overflowing feelings. The sinister creatures were once again manipulating her emotions.
"Come back to us, sweet child. You do not belong here," Cynthia's voice cooed. "I even baked the mint chocolate chip cookies you always adored."
At the words, a sweet, irresistible scent wafted into the room and slithered into Elaine's nostrils. She immediately sat up on the bed and covered her nose. Disbelief filled her expression. These menaces could even replicate the smell of her mother's famous cookies. How far did they dig into her memories? Elaine questioned in horror. She pinched her hand, hoping the pain would clear her mind and diminish the creatures' influence.
"Listen to your mother, Ell. I know you want to be together with us." Johnathan's voice followed his wife's. "Why are you hesitating? You have neither friends nor families in this world. Everyone here despises you. They all want you dead. You are alone." His cruel whispers crept inside Elaine's ears and wrapped themselves around her heart, strangling it like a tight metal chain. "We are the only family you have. Don't you remember?" The voice was still dressed as her father, yet she could hear the sneer and amusement underneath its concerned disguise.
She bit her lips, holding back her response. Interacting with these monsters would encourage them to be more aggressive with their repulsive tactics. Elaine pinched herself harder, fighting to retain her sensibility. The pain and exhaustion intertwine, increasing in intensity with every passing second. Sweat droplets poured from her forehead as blood began dripping down from her lips' self-inflicted wound. Elaine took shallow breaths and slowly directed her attention outside the window, hoping the morning dawn would free her from the hellish torture. However, the dense fog clogging the glass immediately served her with disappointment. Yet, before shifting her gaze, she heard a soft tapping sound. Elaine leaned closer and squinted her eyes, attempting to distinguish the source. To her surprise, a tiny, unexpected guest emerged from behind the fog.