CHAPTER - 133

  Narrator: Dav stood up and, as he walked away, he gently patted Selene’s head while she was still eating.

  "Sele, I need to go see Lucrezia.

  I’m bringing her eggs and bacon, she’s probably too lazy to get out of her room for breakfast.

  You stay as long as you want."

  Selene, watching Dav as he arranged the food, thought with a curious gaze:

  "Now I understand why he made extra."

  She waved at him with a smile as Dav left the room.

  Selene blushed, thinking how comical and at the same time sweet that moment felt, like they were married and he had made breakfast for their “daughter,” locked in her room.

  Then she laughed, covering her mouth with her hand, and kept eating.

  "Not that it would be bad.."

  A little later

  After a while, Dav headed to Lucrezia’s room and knocked before entering.

  "Lucry, it’s me!"

  He looked for her in the other two rooms and found her in the bathroom, brushing her hair.

  He stepped in and pulled her cheeks.

  Dav: (with a silly and irritated face) Why don’t you answer when I call?

  Lucrezia: (sleepy) I’m still half asleep... maybe I should sleep more.

  Dav: (sighing) Never mind, I’ll help you with your hair.

  Hand me the brush.

  Lucrezia: (smiling) Thanks a lot.

  [Brushing her long, wavy brown hair]

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  Dav: (stroking her hair) I brought you hot breakfast.

  Scrambled eggs and bacon.

  If you don’t like it... well, you’ll get used to it.

  Lucrezia: (yawning) I won’t complain if you made it.

  Thanks, “dad.” (laughs)

  [Dav gives her a slightly rougher brushstroke, pulling her hair]

  Dav: (with a sly smile) Oops.

  Lucrezia: (shouting) You hurt me!

  Dav: (innocent face) It was an accident.

  Look, some of your hair even fell out!

  Lucrezia: (screaming) AHHH! My hair!

  Narrator:Once he finished brushing her hair, Dav and Lucrezia moved to the center of the room, where there was a small bookshelf and a desk full of scrolls in front of a window.

  Lucrezia began to eat and, surprised, said:

  “Wow, this is really good. I didn’t expect you to be good at cooking!”

  Dav, browsing the bookshelf, gave her a confident look:

  “Eat slowly or you’ll choke… though, come to think of it, wouldn’t be such a tragedy.”

  Lucrezia, like a child, blew a raspberry at him and continued enjoying her meal.

  “Will you read me that story again?”

  she asked, mouth still full.

  Dav stared at her for a few seconds, then closed the book he was holding.

  “All right.”

  He looked for the right book and sat down like the last time, leaning his back against the bookshelf with his legs stretched out.

  Lucrezia came closer and rested her head on his legs, ready to listen.

  “Let’s see... where were we?”

  "Chapter 2 – The Gentle Demon and the Friendly Warrior

  > I made you some monster meat, a few leftover mushrooms, and carrots.

  There’s not much to find around here, <

  said the Gentle Demon, serving the plate to the Friendly Warrior.

  The latter began eating so fast and hungrily that it surprised the demon.

  > If you’re not here to kill me, why are you in this forest dangerous for humans and starving? <

  asked the Gentle Demon.

  The Friendly Warrior, with his mouth full, replied:

  > The thrill of adventure is in the danger... and discovery.

  Don’t you think? <

  The demon smiled, relieved.

  He understood he wasn’t in danger.

  He sat with him at the same table, glancing at him often to make sure it wasn’t a dream.

  > Is something wrong? <

  asked the Warrior.

  > Aren’t you afraid of me? I’m a demon, after all.

  Humans hate us and want us dead.

  I don’t get why. <

  The Warrior looked at him seriously.

  > Humans fear what’s different. All it takes is a look, a voice, horns, or even just the word ‘demon’. <

  The demon understood and smiled, even though he knew he’d be hated just for existing.

  > I thought there was someone to save. I’m sorry for disturbing you.

  Thanks for the food and hospitality. I’ll be on my way now. <

  But the demon insisted he stay at least for the night.

  > In a couple of hours I’ll cook something better.

  In the meantime, stay. I’ll prepare the bed. <

  > Thanks. If I can help with something, just ask. <

  The demon smiled and asked:

  > Would you mind bringing in some firewood from outside? It’s already chopped.

  That way, we won’t freeze to death. <

  The Warrior stepped outside.

  The monsters ignored him.

  He couldn’t understand why.

  He brought the firewood back inside.

  Meanwhile, the Demon was making the bed, then returned to the kitchen and saw the Warrior by the fireplace.

  > The monsters don’t approach, even when they see me.

  Why? <

  The gentle demon replied:

  > they are not of high rank. They sense my presence and keep away. <

  The Warrior nodded and helped arrange the wood in the fireplace, one piece at a time.

  END OF CHAPTER - 2"

  Dav: (looking at Lucrezia) What do you think?

  Lucrezia: (happy) I love this story! I’m sure it’ll get even more interesting!

  Dav: (smiling): I think so too.

  When we have a bit of time, I’ll read you the next chapter.

  Lucrezia: (smiling) I’m counting on it!

  END OF CHAPTER - 133