Chapter 52 - 49: The Meeting
Ellen moved carefully through the streets, keeping to the shadows and avoiding the early morning crowd. New Eridu was starting to stir, but she had no intention of drawing attention to herself. After everything that had happened, the last thing she needed was unwanted visitor's trailing her back to Victoria Housekeeping.
Slipping through the entrance, she made her way straight to her room. As she pushed the door open, a soft, peaceful sight greeted her—Miyabi lay on the bed, her arms wrapped protectively around a still-sleeping Mira. The gentle rise and fall of their breathing filled the quiet space, the dim morning light casting a tranquil glow over them.
Miyabi's usual regal presence was softened in this moment of rest. She was dressed in a deep violet yukata, the fabric adorned with delicate silver embroidery reminiscent of swirling wind patterns. Even in sleep, her fox-like ears twitched slightly at Ellen's entrance. Mira, nestled against her, wore a loose white t-shirt that was just a little too big for her, paired with soft pajama shorts. Her hair was slightly messy from sleep, but she looked content, completely undisturbed by Ellen's arrival.
Miyabi's golden eyes flickered open, her gaze meeting Ellen's as a warm smile formed on her lips. "Good morning, Ellen," she greeted, her voice still laced with drowsiness but filled with warmth.
Ellen gave a small nod in response, too tired to say much. Without hesitation, she climbed into her bed, sinking into the familiar comfort of her blankets. But as she settled in, she noticed Miyabi watching her with a slightly furrowed brow.
"...Is something wrong?" Ellen asked, raising an eyebrow at the intense stare.
Miyabi didn't answer immediately. Instead, she reached out, pressing two fingers gently against Ellen's forehead. The moment she did, Ellen felt it—her fingers weren't pressing against just skin. There was something there. Two small bumps, firm yet unfamiliar, protruding from her skull.
Ellen stiffened. "What the hell?"
"How long have you had these?" Miyabi asked, her voice calm but curious.
Ellen, still processing, blinked at her. "I—I don't know. I'm just now figuring this out." Her hand shot up to feel them herself. Sure enough, the bumps were there. When did this happen? Her mind raced. How had she not noticed?
She let out a sharp exhale. "And my friends didn't notice either?"