A New Friend

I let out a deep sigh as soon as I ended the call with Ivy. Talking to her always made me feel better, but I couldn’t shake the tension still clinging to me. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since I arrived. Maybe that's why I was feeling so off.

Snow chimed in, her voice echoing in my mind. "You’ve been so wrapped up in everything—Lucas, Ivy, Ethan—that you forgot to feed us."

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile. “Yeah, thanks for the reminder.”

I decided to venture out of my chambers and find something to eat. After a long shower, I had slipped into something comfortable—blue jeans, white sneakers, and a white t-shirt. Nothing fancy, but definitely better for wandering around unfamiliar territory.

As I stepped into the hallway, the sheer size of the castle hit me again. The corridors seemed to stretch forever, and the ceilings were ridiculously high. I found myself walking past numerous doors and staircases, each leading somewhere unknown. It was hard not to be in awe. Everything was so grand—ornate tapestries on the walls, polished stone floors that gleamed in the soft light. I felt like I was in a palace straight out of one of those old fairy tales.

“Not bad for a castle,” Snow remarked casually. “I guess Lucas doesn’t do anything halfway.”

I snorted. “Yeah, no kidding. It’s like a maze in here.”

After walking for what felt like ages, I started to think I’d have to turn back. This place was huge, and I was pretty sure I’d passed the same statue twice already. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was lost.

Just as I was about to give up, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see a girl heading my way, her bright smile lighting up the hallway. She was petite, with brown skin and curly hair that bounced with each step. Her warm brown eyes sparkled with friendliness, and she wore denim jeans, a white t-shirt, and a denim jacket.

“Hey there!” she greeted me, her voice full of energy. “You look a little lost.”

I couldn’t help but smile back at her. “Yeah, I guess I am. I was trying to find the kitchen.”

She laughed lightly. “Don’t worry, it happens to everyone. This place is like a labyrinth.” She extended her hand. “I’m Cassidy, by the way. I stay here at the castle, part of the pack.”

“Amelia,” I replied, shaking her hand.

Her eyes brightened even more. “Nice to meet you, Amelia! I can show you the way to the kitchen if you want. I’ve got nothing better to do anyway.”

“Thanks,” I said, relieved. “That would be really helpful.”

We started walking together, and as we went, I couldn’t help but marvel at the size of the castle again. Every turn led to another corridor or staircase. There were paintings and tapestries everywhere, depicting battles and royal gatherings, and chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm glow. Everything about this place screamed power and wealth. Compared to my old packhouse, this was something else entirely.

"It’s like we stepped into a different world," Snow mused, sounding just as amazed as I felt.

I couldn’t disagree. This castle was a fortress of history and tradition, and I felt so small in it.

“So, what brings you to the castle?” Cassidy asked, her tone light and friendly as she led me through yet another corridor. “Are you visiting someone?”

I hesitated for a second. She didn’t know about Lucas or the whole contract situation, and I wasn’t about to spill everything right now. “I’m just here for personal reasons,” I said, keeping it vague.

She nodded, not prying further, thankfully. “Got it. Well, it’s always interesting when someone new arrives. The castle can be a little... overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to it.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” I muttered, glancing around at yet another grand hallway. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to this.

After a few more twists and turns, we finally reached the kitchen. And wow—it was massive. I paused in the doorway, staring at the space before me. It was like a hall fit for a feast. Long countertops lined the walls, gleaming with spotless utensils, and huge stone ovens were built into the walls. Pots and pans hung from ceiling racks, arranged in perfect rows. In the middle of the kitchen stood a large island filled with fresh bread, fruits, and other ingredients. The smell of freshly baked bread made my stomach growl again.

Snow hummed appreciatively in my head. “Okay, I could definitely get used to this part.”

I smiled. “Me too.”

Cassidy noticed my reaction and laughed. “Impressive, huh? I remember the first time I saw this kitchen. I felt like I was in a royal banquet hall.”

I nodded. “It’s... a lot. Compared to my old home, this is like something out of a storybook.”

Cassidy pulled open the fridge and grabbed a few plates of leftovers, setting them on the counter. “No need to cook, we’ve got plenty of food from dinner.” She motioned for me to sit down at one of the long wooden tables. “And don’t worry, it’s all good stuff.”

I sat down gratefully as Cassidy joined me, and we began to eat. I hadn’t realized just how hungry I was until the first bite. Cassidy, meanwhile, kept the conversation going with ease.

“You know, you could’ve just asked a servant to bring food up to your room,” she said casually. “Most people here do that.”

I shrugged. “I guess I’m still not used to... all of this.”

Cassidy chuckled. “Yeah, I get it. Took me a while too. But trust me, you’ll settle in. Just give it time.”

As we ate, her chatter was comforting. She was the kind of person who could talk about anything and everything without it feeling overwhelming. I found myself relaxing, enjoying her company. But even as we talked, my mind kept drifting back to Lucas... and Ethan.

"Lucas and Ethan, Lucas and Ethan," Snow teased in a sing-song voice. “Maybe you should be thinking less about them and more about how nice it is to eat something.”

“Oh hush, Snow,” I shot back, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. But she wasn’t wrong. No matter how hard I tried, my thoughts kept bouncing between the two of them. The way Lucas had looked at me earlier... it sent shivers down my spine. And Ethan—there was still so much unresolved there.

“So,” Cassidy asked, bringing me out of my thoughts, “what’s your story? How long are you staying?”

I hesitated again, not wanting to reveal too much. She still didn’t know I was here with Lucas, and for now, I wanted to keep it that way. “I’m not sure yet,” I replied. “I guess I’ll figure it out as I go.”

She smiled, seemingly satisfied with that answer. “Well, however long you’re here, you’ve got a friend in me.”

“Thanks,” I said sincerely, feeling grateful for her warmth. Despite everything else swirling in my head, Cassidy’s friendly presence made me feel a little more grounded.