Chapter 45: Visiting Ryder
"No, Luna, I’m not tired," Mirian said, forcing a sheepish smile onto her face, despite the hint of sorrow that lingered in her eyes.
Reana’s gaze narrowed slightly, her expression skeptical. "I insist," she said firmly, reaching out to take the basket from Mirian.
But Mirian stepped back, her eyes darting nervously to the basket, and then back to Reana. The Luna’s brow arched in surprise, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of mild annoyance.
"I want to serve you, Luna Reana," Mirian said, her voice filled with sincerity. "It’s inappropriate for you to do the servant’s work," she added, her eyes locked onto Reana’s, pleading to be believed.
Reana’s gaze lingered on Mirian’s face for a moment, as if searching for any sign of weakness or deception. But Mirian’s expression remained resolute, and the Luna’s face softened slightly. With no word said, Reana turned and headed towards Ryder’s cabin, Mirian falling into step behind her.
Inside the cabin, Ryder stood by the window, his gaze lost in the depths of the woods. Suddenly, he turned his head, and a warm smile spread across his face. "She’s here," he mumbled under his breath.
His eyes crinkled at the corners as he walked back to the bed, his movements fluid and relaxed, as if he didn’t have a wound in his stomach. He lay down and closed his eyes.
At the same time, the door creaked open and Mirian stepped inside, her eyes cast downward. Reana followed closely behind, her regal presence commanding attention. Together, they approached Ryder’s bedside, their footsteps quiet on the wooden floor.
"Luna, he’s still unconscious," Mirian whispered, her eyes fixed on Ryder’s pale face. But just as she spoke, Ryder’s eyelids fluttered open, and he gazed up at Reana with a weak, adoring smile.