As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I felt a comforting warmth enveloping me. Gently opening my eyes, I found Bell, her innocent features softened in sleep, nestled beside me. Her serene expression and the peaceful rise and fall of her chest filled the room with a sense of tranquility. As I reached out to stroke her hair, a sudden awareness of being watched washed over me. Turning my gaze, I caught Aisha leaning against the doorway, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

"Oh, carry on," she teased, barely containing her laughter.

A wave of embarrassment crashed over me, and in a flustered attempt to divert her attention, I blurted out, "It's not what you're thinking! What brings you here at this ungodly hour?"

"Shhh," she whispered, her finger pressed to her lips. "Let's not wake Bell. She's in such a peaceful slumber. Come, let's talk in the living room."

Treading lightly, I followed her, careful not to disturb the quietude of the room. Aisha was already seated on the floor, her eyes closed in a moment of repose, as I entered. Sensing my presence, she opened her eyes and declared, "I could use a cup of tea to start the day."

"And what am I, your servant?" I retorted, half-joking. "Besides, you hardly need sustenance from this world, do you?"

Her laughter filled the room, a clear, melodious sound. "I may assist you, but that doesn't mean you can't return the favor," she said, her eyes twinkling. "And you're mistaken about one thing—I am very much of this world, and I was once human, too."

I paused, the teapot in hand. "Wait, what did you just say?"

The revelation left me reeling. It was the first time Aisha had ever hinted at a past humanity. If true, it only added layers to the enigma of her existence.

"How did you... If you were once human, then what are you now? And what exactly did Luna see?" I pressed, seeking clarity.

Aisha stood, her movements graceful and deliberate. "I can't divulge everything; there are rules, after all. But I can tell you this—we are anomalies, beings that defy the natural order of this world."

She stepped closer, and I could feel the air around us charge with an unspoken tension.

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"You mentioned something earlier that you shouldn't have," she continued, her voice a mere whisper. "I wasn't aware Luna can also see others things also aside bell. I assumed Bell's bright aura made her visible, or perhaps it's because she shares a part of you—a part of humanity but, other beings That's intriguing."

I cursed under my breath. My careless words had potentially endangered Luna. I needed to be more cautious, to steer clear of topics that could draw her further into this world of shadows.

"You won't harm her, will you?" The question hung between us, heavy with concern.

Aisha simply smiled, her gaze softening. "Worry not. But first, my tea?"

With a sigh, I poured the tea and took a seat opposite her. An awkward silence settled, punctuated only by the soft clinking of porcelain. Questions burned on the tip of my tongue, but I dared not voice them, for fear of what truths might slip out next.

The bedroom door swung open, and there stood Bell, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

"Good morning, Papa... umm... big sister Aisha? What brings you here?"

"Oh, a delightful morning to you, Bell. As you can see, I'm having a lovely chat with your papa," Aisha replied, her smile beaming at Bell.

Bell scampered over and climbed onto my lap. "Let me join! I want to be part of it too!"

"Absolutely, Bell. I'll chat and play with you until your papa returns from school, alright? And White, you need to head to school as well," Aisha said, giving me a playful wink.

"Well... Yes, I'd be late if I kept chatting with you, Bell, and Aisha. Perhaps we can continue later, okay?" I suggested to Bell.

"Okay," she murmured, her head drooping, a shadow of sadness in her eyes—perhaps feeling lonely because I couldn't spend more time with her.

I gently patted her head. "Bell, don't be downhearted. I have an idea! How about a picnic this weekend? We'll play games and prepare our lunch together, okay?" I reassured her.

"Really! Can Aisha sis join us too?" She looked up at me with those irresistible puppy eyes.

"Ah... well," I hesitated, glancing at Aisha, signaling her not to commit, but she seemed puzzled and then declared,

"Of course, Bell! Your big sister will make sure to join you and share in the joy," Aisha said, and Bell leaped up, bubbling with happiness, while Aisha gave me a reassuring thumbs up.

"That wasn't quite the signal I was giving," I muttered under my breath.

"Hmm?" Bell looked puzzled.

"Ah... Don't fret. Oh dear, I'm going to be late. Aisha, could you kindly entertain Bell while I get ready?" I asked Aisha.

After preparing myself and ensuring Miss Elsa was fine, who assured me not to worry about her, I glanced at Bell, who was engrossed in the TV. My concern grew—would it be alright to leave her alone? Aisha approached and reassured me, "Don't fret over Bell; I'll look after her."

"I'm curious, do you need something from me? You've never shown much concern before, but now you're acting quite friendly—it's suspicious," I inquired.

Her usual indifference had shifted, and now she was engaging with me and Bell more than ever. There had to be a reason behind it.

She looked at me, feigning shock, then smiled. "What if I said there might be something I require?" she teased.

"I knew it! You never lend a hand without a reason. So, what is it?" I pressed.

"That's a secret. For now, think of it as a favor I'm doing for you, and I'll call in a favor when I need one. Now hurry along, or you'll be late for school," she said with a sly grin.

Her talk of favors concerned me, but with school awaiting, I had no time to dwell on it. I left the apartment, pondering her words. When she had asked for tea, she mentioned, "once I was human too." If she was once human, what could have happened to turn her into a spirit-like being?

As I reached the school gates, someone called out my name and approached.

"Good morning, White. I've been waiting for you," she greeted me warmly.

The girl was none other than the student council president, ready to start the day.