Chapter 12: Memories Return
At 8 PM, Cassandra called out to Iris for dinner, but there was no response. Growing concerned, she decided to check upstairs. The second floor was enveloped in darkness, and Iris was nowhere to be seen.
Cassandra approached Iris’s bedroom and knocked on the door several times but received no reply. Worried for her granddaughter’s well-being, she mustered the courage to enter the room.
"...Iris, I’m coming in!" Cassandra announced softly as she slowly pushed open the door, relieved to find it unlocked.
The room was shrouded in darkness, with only a faint glow from the crescent moon outside and the light seeping through the window.
Cassandra walked in cautiously and saw her granddaughter sleeping peacefully, tucked comfortably under the covers. She switched on the night light and stood by the bedside, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"It seems you’re exhausted from working at the cafe, which is why you’re still fast asleep at this hour, huh!?" Cassandra whispered with a tinge of regret.
Not wanting to disturb her, Cassandra ensured Iris was snugly covered before quietly exiting the room.
...
When Cassandra closed the bedroom door, another person suddenly appeared out of thin air in Iris’s room, instantly causing the temperature to drop so much it’s freezing now.
The tall, pale man stood at the end of the bed, his eyes fixed on the sleeping girl before him. A faint frown creased his forehead as his golden eyes gleamed in the dimly lit room, reflecting curiosity and confusion.
’Who are you? Are you truly Iris Gray?’ he muttered under his breath, his gaze locked on Iris’s delicate, pale face. This was the second time he had seen her without makeup, and he couldn’t help but notice her captivating beauty.