Thank you, Lily

As the realization dawned on me, a glimmer of hope flickered in my heart. If I remembered correctly, Hiyasmin had mentioned that Ludwig was not her fiancé.

My hand automatically moved to scratch at my hair as a surge of hope surged through me. But I quickly reprimanded myself for entertaining such thoughts. Ludwig and I were from entirely different worlds—literally. Any hope I harbored was nothing but delusion. I needed to regain my composure and focus on returning home.

I berated myself inwardly for my erratic behavior. If anyone were to witness me in this state, they would surely deem me insane. Not only was I speaking to myself, but I was also engaging in self-destructive behavior by pulling at my own hair. It felt as though I were trapped in a surreal nightmare, oscillating between laughter and tears as I grappled with the reality of my situation.

I shook my head vigorously, trying to dispel the intrusive thoughts that plagued my mind. Maybe I was losing my sanity after all. I couldn't afford to entertain such notions. I needed to stay focused and return home with my sanity intact.

But Hiyasmin's words echoed in my mind like a relentless refrain. "You like Ludwig," she had said.

My cheeks burned hotter than before as I pressed my palms against them in embarrassment. How could I possibly like Ludwig? It was absurd. We hardly knew each other, and our interactions were minimal at best. I knew next to nothing about him—his past, his identity, his personality. And besides, we were not destined for each other. My time in their world was temporary, fleeting.

I marched over to the nearest mirror I could find, staring at my reflection as if searching for answers. "No," I muttered to myself, shaking my head adamantly. "Of course not." Hiyasmin was surely just joking. I couldn't possibly have feelings for Ludwig.

With renewed determination, I resolved to focus on returning home and leaving behind all the chaos and confusion of this world.

I tossed and turned on the bed, unable to shake off the unsettling thoughts that plagued my mind. "Do I really like him?" I whispered to myself, the words hanging heavy in the air.

The idea seemed preposterous, almost laughable. How could I possibly have feelings for someone I barely knew? Sure, Ludwig was the prince of Fire Faes, but beyond that, he was a mystery to me. I had no insight into his personality, his likes and dislikes, his dreams and aspirations. It was impossible for me to form any genuine affection for him under such circumstances.

In my mind, liking someone required more than just physical attraction. It required a deep understanding of their character, their values, their essence. Without that foundation, any feelings I harbored would be shallow and superficial.

I shook my head vehemently, dispelling the notion before it could take root. I refused to believe that I could fall for someone like Ludwig. It was out of the question, unthinkable. I was not about to let myself be swept away by foolish fantasies.

As I grappled with these conflicting thoughts, a sense of frustration washed over me. Perhaps Alexa was right—I was just a human, and Ludwig's immense power had a profound effect on me, causing me to feel things that I couldn't explain rationally. It was a simple, logical explanation that I should accept and move on from.

But then, how could I rationalize the intense pain I felt upon learning about Ludwig's supposed fiancée, Hiyasmin? It didn't make sense. Ludwig wasn't even present when I received that information, so why did I feel such a sharp pang of hurt and disappointment? I couldn't attribute it solely to his power—it felt deeper than that.

I felt like I was losing my grip on reality. How could I be experiencing such intense emotions for someone I barely knew? It defied all logic and reason. Was I truly losing my sanity? It was the only explanation that seemed to make sense in the midst of this bewildering situation.

With a heavy heart and a troubled mind, I resigned myself to the unsettling notion that perhaps I was indeed going mad.

As the barrage of questions echoed in my mind, I felt a surge of frustration and self-doubt. Why was I so affected by Ludwig's fate and his concern for Hiyasmin? Was it jealousy? Longing? Confusion? I couldn't decipher my own emotions, and the internal turmoil was overwhelming.

But when Lily entered the room with food, her presence was a welcome distraction from my spiraling thoughts. The aroma of the food made my stomach growl with hunger, a sensation I had been too preoccupied to notice until now. Despite my inner turmoil, the primal need for sustenance took over, reminding me of my basic human needs.

My irritation momentarily subsided as I focused on the simple act of eating. Lily's concern and care were evident in her gesture, and I felt a twinge of gratitude amidst the chaos of my emotions. 

"Louise, it's a relief to see you awake," Lily's voice carried a mix of concern and relief. "I was so worried when you didn't wake up for days. I feared the worst."

Her words struck a chord, and I managed a feeble smile in response, grateful for her care amidst my turmoil.

"I'm better now, Lily," I reassured her, though the truth was far more complicated than I let on. "Just a bit weak, but I'll manage."

Lily's worry deepened as she guided me to sit, her questions coming in a steady stream. "Are you sure you're okay? Do you need anything? What happened to you?"

I deflected her inquiries as best I could, focusing instead on the meal she had prepared. "Thank you, Lily," I said, attempting to convey my gratitude through a bite of food.

But beneath the surface, my mind churned with unspoken worries, reminding me of the challenges I faced in this unfamiliar world. Despite Lily's comforting presence, the weight of my unanswered questions loomed large, casting a shadow over our shared moment of respite.