Chapter-29 Morning Realities

Frederique woke with a start, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through unfamiliar curtains. She sat up slowly, the ache in her body dull but constant, a reminder of the trials she'd endured since the night her life had changed forever. The apartment was quiet, yet comfortable... a far cry from the cold and terrifying places she'd woken up in before. Relief settled over her like a blanket as she realized she wasn't outside, barefoot and lost again.

Still, something felt... different. Her stomach growled fiercely, an empty, hollow ache twisting inside her. It wasn't just hunger... it was that deep, gnawing craving again. She had fed well at the market, indulging in both food and emotions the night before, yet the void lingered, ever-present. It was manageable for now, but pressing.

With a sigh, she threw her legs over the edge of the bed and padded out of her room. The apartment was cozy but had a sense of strangeness, as though it didn't quite belong in the mundane world. The walls seemed to shift slightly when she wasn't paying attention, and shadows danced unnaturally in the corners, hinting at its Fey origins. Yet, it was warm and safe, more than she could ask for lately.

Determined to face the day, she hesitated outside Lira's door. Her new roommate had been kind, even if her bubbly personality sometimes overwhelmed her. Maybe breakfast together would help break the lingering awkwardness.

She knocked gently.

The door opened not to Lira... but her.

Lira's Fey was different. The same body, the same delicate feline features, but everything about her presence shifted. There was a slow, graceful confidence in the way she leaned against the doorframe, golden cat-like eyes half-lidded as if appraising Frederique with mild curiosity. Her hair was silkier, and even the way she breathed seemed... deliberate. A small, knowing smirk tugged at her lips.

"Yes?" she purred, voice a perfect blend of sweet condescension.

"Uh... I was wondering if you'd like to have breakfast together?" Frederique offered hesitantly, feeling the weight of those sharp eyes pinning her in place.

Lira blinked, as if surprised by the question, before chuckling lightly, a sound almost musical.

"Oh, dear, but we've already had breakfast. Hours ago."

She stretched her arms above her head in a languid, feline motion, her back arching ever so slightly as if showing off on purpose.

Frederique's stomach growled.

Lira's Fey blinked, then narrowed her eyes, her smirk widening.

"Still hungry, are we? Poor thing. I suppose I could keep you company, though I have... standards."

Frederique fought the urge to roll her eyes but kept her voice steady.

"I can make breakfast. Real food this time."

Lira's Fey flicked her wrist dramatically.

"I only eat the finest, darling. Glamorous cuisine."

Frederique gave her a flat look.

"You ate toast yesterday."

A long pause. Lira's Fey blinked, then gave a mock gasp.

"How dare you? That toast was artisanal! I could taste the baker's heartbreak in every crumb."

Frederique stared at her.

"I'm making eggs."

Lira's Fey smiled in that slow, satisfied way a cat did when offered cream.

"Very well, since you insist."

She turned and gracefully sauntered toward the kitchen, but not without brushing just a bit too close to Frederique as she passed... deliberate, teasing, as if testing her reaction.

Frederique, to her credit, didn't flinch. Instead, she simply muttered, "You're ridiculous."

"And you're still learning your place, little fledgling," Lira replied sweetly, perching herself on a stool with the elegance of a queen on her throne.

Frederique busied herself preparing breakfast. The scent of eggs, butter, and toast soon filled the air, the mundane normalcy of it oddly comforting. She felt Lira watching her, the weight of her gaze lingering.

"So," Frederique asked, breaking the silence, "are you... always like this?"

"Like what, dear?"

"This... diva act."

Lira gasped in exaggerated offense, placing a hand on her chest.

"Act? I am a treasure, thank you very much. My presence is a gift. You should be honored."

Frederique smirked, flipping the eggs.

"Right. And I suppose you're royalty too?"

"Hmm... not quite, but close enough."

She tilted her head, watching Frederique with that same catlike curiosity.

"You're... adapting surprisingly well, you know."

Frederique raised a brow.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Lira waved a hand dismissively.

"Oh, you've barely been part of our world for a week, yet you're standing here cooking breakfast like nothing's wrong. Most Changelings would be crying in a corner."

Frederique shrugged.

"Crying doesn't get me fed."

That seemed to please Lira. She leaned back in her chair, a content purr escaping her lips.

"Practical. I like that."

The conversation turned lighter after that. Lira began sharing exaggerated stories from the Shadow Corp... half-truths and obvious embellishments... but enough to make Frederique laugh despite herself.

"...so then Kael accidentally melted a hole in the floor. Lava everywhere! Took days to clean up. Men and their tempers, honestly."

Frederique smirked.

"Sounds like a fun crowd."

Lira's eyes softened just a touch, losing some of her exaggerated flair.

"They are... for better or worse, we're a family. Dysfunctional, sure, but we protect our own. Even you now."

Something warm stirred in Frederique's chest at that. She didn't respond right away, focusing on serving the food instead.

As they ate, the mood lightened further. Lira teased, flirted, and dramatically described how terrible it was living in the mortal realm, while Frederique rolled her eyes but secretly enjoyed the banter.

When the plates were empty, Lira stretched again, this time more gracefully, the Fey energy within her seeming to dim slightly.

"Mmm... I'll be resting now," she murmured, stifling a yawn.

"Even I need to recharge my divine presence."

Frederique smirked.

"Right. Sleep well, Your Majesty."

As Lira retreated to her room, Frederique finally felt the weight of everything settle in. The hunger still gnawed at her, but for the first time in days, she felt... steady.

Later today, she'd visit Lysandro. She needed answers about this world. About herself.

But for now, she could breathe.