Chapter 63: Confusing Entries
Eira walked slowly downstairs with her school bag slung over her right shoulder, her gaze fixed on the floor, her thoughts in disarray, remembering some of the confusing words she read in Ephyra’s mother’s diary.
With each passing day, I grow weaker. It’s a bitter truth, yet I find solace knowing I’ve served my purpose—though not entirely. A gnawing guilt lingers, entwined with a simmering anger. Anger at being deceived, at being fooled by those pathetic beings.
But then Master came to me. Her unwavering support eased the weight of my guilt and soothed the fire of my rage. It was in her presence that I realized another emotion had gripped me all along: worry. I was deeply, achingly worried for Ephyra.
Yet now, I am at peace. I know, with a certainty that steadies me, that no matter how hard the path ahead may be, Ephyra will find her way. She is destined to rise above this storm.
If only I had more time—more time to guide her, to make her stronger. But time is a luxury I can no longer afford. All I can do now is believe in her. And I do, just like how the master does, with every beat of her heart.
The words echoed in Eira’s mind as she descended the stairs. "Master gave me her support." Who was this Master Elara spoke of? And what purpose had Ephyra’s mother served that left her with so much guilt and anger? The cryptic entries in the diary had only deepened the mystery surrounding Ephyra’s family and past.
Eira’s grip on the strap of her school bag tightened. She didn’t understand and was just as confused as she was angry. Sometimes, in the entries, Elara doesn’t refer herself to Ephyra’s mother and sometimes she does. It was confusing.
Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Marianna coming towards the stairs. When they were almost a foot away from each other, Eira noticed a shadow fall across her path and glanced up to see Marianna moving towards her, all her attention, on her phone. The sight of the woman made Eira’s stomach churn, anger bubbling just below the surface but then she realized they were going to bump into each other. Frowning, Eira immediately moved to the side, making Marianna almost miss a step as she continued walking.
"Watch where you’re going!" Marianna snapped, glaring up from her phone with a scowl that quickly turned into a sneer. "Oh, it’s you. The little trash, You’re home? I thought you weren’t home."