The birds chirped with extraordinary gentleness as if they had been sent here to announce the beginning of a very special day.
Now that I think about it. What I did yesterday was really stupid and reckless.
Running away and leaving everything behind me as if I had no tomorrow. Going to a whole new world that I know nothing about. And spending the night at some strangers house.
I slowly sat up, still half asleep. The scent of gardenia flowers wafted through the air, and the memories of my mother's garden came flooding back to me.
The soft, soothing smell was a welcome distraction from all the thoughts and memories swirling around in my head. For a moment, I was lost in the comfort of the scent, letting it drown out everything else.
The sun streamed in through the window, casting a warm, golden hue over everything.
I ran my hand through my hair while yawning tiredly. But I froze, my hair was long! Which means I had slept in my Elf form! In a human's house! They could wake up any second and find out-
Suddenly I heard footsteps approaching the door. Followed by a gentle knock on the door.
"Crap... crap crap crap..." I muttered to myself, frantically trying to think of a way to hide my true identity.
"Eh, That guy is still sleeping? I am coming in anyway." The door handle turned and soon the door creaked open.
The only option was the blanket. I quickly grabbed the nearby blanket and wrapped it over my head like a hood, making sure to cover my eyes as well.
"Oh you're awake? Come on, grandma wants you to have breakfast with us. For some reason."
Why did it have to be Melody of all people!
I had no choice but to lie, so I looked away from her. "J-Just give me a minute... I am not.. uh wearing a shirt."
Dammit that's embarrassing! Couldn't I think of a better lie!?
A moment of silence followed after I uttered those words, making me even more worried, she didn't suspect anything, did she?!
"You're such a heavy guest. Hurry and join us, we'll be down stairs." She rolled her eyes then I heard the door slam behind her.
Phew... That was close
Quickly, I let the blanket fall off my head, and changed to my human form. The gem turned into a darker color of blue.
I clutched it tightly. "I know, I know... But I don't have a choice." I whispered as if it could understand me. Well maybe it does.
With a condensation sigh. I approached the mirror, taking in my appearance. My face was pale and gaunt, my eyes heavy with exhaustion. There were scratches and scrapes all over my body, evidence of the trauma I had endured.
My reflection only confirmed what I already knew. I looked pathetic and miserable. And the pitying looks I had gotten from them only confirmed it. They had only taken me in out of pity.
Just then, a knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Hey, we're waiting for you!"
It was Melody again.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. "Coming! Sorry."
I quickly brushed my hair with my hand and tried to make myself look more presentable. Then I took another moment to steady myself before opening the door and walking out into the hallway.
As I made my way downstairs, the scent of freshly cooked food filled my nostrils, making my stomach grumble in hunger.
I don't even remember the last time I was able to eat breakfast. By now I should've been working my ass, to barely get to eat dinner...
I chuckled to myself. Sure Mr. Oliver is furious right now, but I was not going back no matter what... I had to find the heart as soon as possible...
The house was cozy and warm, with soft light filtering in through the windows. I could hear the faint sounds of chatter coming from the kitchen at the end of the hallway.
Both the grandma and that guy Matthew were sat on a small traditional table on the floor. With several kinds of dishes laid out on it.
Melody placed the last plate down on the table and took a seat next to them. While I just stood there staring at them with disbelief.
The grandma smiled gently at me. "Oh don't be shy dear, come on have a seat. Your food is getting cold."
I couldn't believe this was real. Growing up, I was never allowed to sit on the same table with anyone... I was just a disgusting piece of trash to them...
"Yeah, stop standing there like an idiot and come eat." The guy, Matthew, said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
I snapped out of my trance and slowly made my way to the empty seat at the table. It felt surreal. I was actually being invited to sit at the same table and have a meal with others.
I sat down awkwardly, feeling like an outsider.
Melody gave me a small smile. "Don't mind my brother, he can be a little grumpy in the morning."
I nodded and picked up the chopsticks and started eating as slowly as possible, trying to hide how hungry I actually was.
Matthew huffed in response, clearly not amused.
The grandma chuckled at him. "Speaking of which, you should take some lessons from this young man. He's been nothing but polite and well-behaved... Unlike you."
I smiled sheepishly. "It's the least I can do. Hehe..." Why was this so awkward...
Melody chuckled while Matthew rolled his eyes. The grandma smiled gently at me and added more to my plate.
"How old are you young man? You don't look that much older than Mela."
Her question caught me off guard and the piece of meat accidentally slipped from between the sticks I was holding, landing back on the plate. "Ahm... I am.. I am 20 years old ma'am."
The grandma raised an eyebrow. "20? You're quite young, aren't you? But you look mature for your age."
Melody nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you don't really look your age. And you're so tall too! The first time I saw you, I thought you were some kind of creep. I've never imagined... I'd see you again."
Matt's eyes widened and he slammed his chopsticks on the table. "You meet him before?!"
Melody just shrugged. "Remember the guy I told you about before? The one who saved me from the cracking ice."
"EH!? It was him?" He shot me a glare. "He must be a stalker."
I got really nervous, sweat starting to form on my forehead. "I was not-"
Suddenly the grandma smacked the back of Matthew's head. "Stop being rude to our guest."
"Ow! Grandmas, that hurt!" He protested, rubbing the area where he got hit.
Melody couldn't hold back her laughter. "You deserved it~"
"Hush!" The grandma scolded both of them. "Stop acting like kids and start eating your breakfast."
They both sheepishly apologized and went back to their food.
The grandma then turned her attention back to me. "You too sweetheart, you can have as much as you want."
I smiled and nodded. Then continued eating my food.
I looked down since tears were starting to form in my eyes. If only I could... If only I could live like this everyday... If only I was a full human... I could have warm home-cooked meals everyday. I won't be worried about getting hurt both physically and mentally. People would call me by my name and respect me... I won't get publicly humiliated ever again...
I want to stay here forever...
I want to feel safe.
I need to find that heart.
*sniffle*
I have to change my fate... Before its too late.
The grandma noticed the look in my eyes and the way my hands were trembling slightly. She smiled softly. "Are you okay, dear?"
I sniffed and quickly wiped my eyes. "Yeah, yeah... The food is just... a bit spicy, so my eyes teared up. Sorry."
What a lame excuse...
She didn't seem convinced, but decided not to push the matter further. "I have an idea why not accompany Mila to her training? There are many newly built hotels surrounding this place, so it is not very expensive, and this will definitely lighten up your mood and help you get to know this city more."
I looked at her, a bit surprised by the sudden suggestion. "What...?"
Matthew quickly interrupted. "Grandma, is that a good idea? We don't even know this guy. He could take advantage of her."
That was it. That guy was really getting on my nerves. "Excuse me? If I wanted to steal something or hurt you guys I would've done it long ago. And I appreciate the help you provided... But I am not... a bad person." I looked at him sternly.
Matthew huffed again, clearly not convinced. "Hmph! You don't look like a good person either. Not because you have that charming smile and innocent face then you're not a threat!"
I felt a tinge of annoyance at his words, but I held back my anger. Clearly charming words wasn't going to do anything with this guy.
I grabbed a cup of water and started sipping on it silently.
Melody rolled her eyes. "Matt, stop being such a paranoid weirdo. He's not a serial killer or anything."
Her words caught me off guard and I chocked on the water and nearly spat it out.
*Cough*
*Cough*
"Oh my god are you okay sweetheart?!"
"Yeah.. Yeah sorry. Ahm."
A serial killer...
Well technically, I can call myself a serial killer. I was forced to kill hundreds and hundreds of humans by the elders... It's not my fault... Elves needed human hearts.
But I am done being their slave...
"Are you sure you're ok? You look a little pale..." The grandma said, concern etched on her face. "Ehh. This year's winter is really cold. Although all the windows are closed, It feels as if it's snowing in here too."
Shit!
I nearly forgot! I stayed in the human form for way too long...
The cold... It was coming from me. I placed a hand on my chest which confirmed my worries. My heart was starting to freeze.. I had no go back to my elf form as soon as possible!
I quickly stood up. "Sorry, but where can I find the bathroom?" I asked hesitantly, trying my best to act normal.
"Oh, it's just down the hall. Second door to the left." Melody chimed in.
I nodded and quickly excused myself, walking as fast as I could towards the bathroom. My heart was beating hard with anxiety.
Once inside, I quickly locked the door and leaned my back against it. I let out a shaky breath and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes widened in horror as I saw patches of ice creeping on my skin...
"I'm an idiot..." I muttered to myself, panicking. "Why did I stay in the human form for so long? I'm such an idiot..."
I quickly took off my shirt and studied the now fully formed icy patches on my skin. They slowly crept around my body, starting to encase my heart.
"Crap... It had never gotten this bad before..." I quickly turned back to my normal form, breathing really fast. And by every time I exhaled, a small cloud of vapor escaped my lips.
I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. My body was still shaking and cold sensations still came from my left side.
I slowly slid down to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. And my long strands lying gently on my shoulders.
"Dammit... that was close. I can't believe I was so careless..." I muttered to myself, feeling frustrated and scared.
"I have to be more careful..." I whispered to myself, looking down at my hands which were still trembling.
<<<~~~~~~>>>