A small maroon-colored bird appeared before Elaine. Its tiny beak tapped on the glass while flapping its wings. The bird's crystallized gaze focused on her as if seeking permission to enter. Elaine blinked and wiped her eyes, scrutinizing the winged creature outside her window. Was it an illusion created by her assailants?

  The bird tapped on the glass again as Elaine pondered whether to allow it inside. She recalled several times the winged creatures had helped her. Despite having never seen this particular bird, she felt a calming familiarity from its gaze. Perhaps it came to rescue her. Elaine realized the notion was absurd, yet she could not resist pinning a sliver of hope on the tiny creature flapping its wings outside her window.

  Inside her head, the monsters masquerading as her parents continued wreaking havoc. They wailed and screeched, reverting back and forth between heartfelt words and betrayal accusations. The ear-numbing sounds assaulted her relentlessly, and Elaine's head throbbed like someone had hammered a nail into her skull.

  Stop…STOP!

  Elaine's hands covered her ears in a futile attempt to shut out the voices. Fervent emotions overflowed as her heartbeat thundered against her ribcage. Elaine's endurance was reaching its limits. She wanted to scream, yet gritted her teeth to repress her voice. Her sights blurred while her gaze dashed between the window and the door. Should she seek help from the hallway or open the window for the mysterious bird? But leaving the chamber would defeat the purpose of locking herself inside, and she could not divulge the details of the psychological attack. How could anyone help her when the waged war was inside her head? On the other hand, what could a small bird even do?

  During her indecision, the voices grew louder and more aggressive. An excruciating headache ripped through Elaine, sapping her energy. She pinched herself to hang on to her sanity. Yet, the exhaustion rapidly invaded her senses, and Elaine understood she was losing the battle. Hurry, I have to do something…before my head splits in two. Mustering her remaining strength, she pulled open the window to allow the mysterious winged creature inside. Whether it was impulse or instinct, she decided to bet on it.

  The bird entered and landed on Elaine's shoulder. Its obsidian eyes observed her briefly before advancing closer and chirping in her ear. A beautiful, melodic song seeped in and slowly drowned out the voices. The deafening shrieks drifted further and further away. After a while, she no longer heard anything besides the soothing tune. It relaxed her tensed body and quelled the headache. Filled with surprise and elation, Elaine turned and stared at her tiny savior. She raised a hand and caressed its soft feathers. "Thank you," she whispered.

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  The bird leaned in, rubbing its head against her fingers. Though finally freed from the malicious monsters' harassment, Elaine's strength had not returned as the dizziness lingered. Her gaze could not focus, and the objects within the chamber still appeared to swirl around. "I'm sorry, I would like to interact with you longer. However, I have to rest now." She pressed her temples.

  As though understanding her words, the tiny creature chirped in reply. It plucked a feather from its body and placed it in Elaine's hand. Then, spreading its wings, the bird flew outside the window and disappeared from view.

  After watching her mysterious guest leave, Elaine slumped back into the bed. Her hands clutched the maroon-colored feather, placing it above her chest like a protective shield, safeguarding her from all the vicious attacks. Elaine's eyelids sagged as the drowsiness gradually eroded her consciousness and swallowed her into a deep slumber.

  "Milady, what happened?"

  The following morning, Mariam's worried voice awakened Elaine. She opened her eyes and turned to see an earnest frown on the young maid's face. "What are you speaking of?" she asked.

  "The blood…"

  "Blood?" Elaine suddenly recalled the previous night's incident. She immediately sat up. "Bring me a mirror."

  "Yes, milady." Mariam complied and brought over a handheld mirror.

  Elaine solemnly stared at her reflection, especially the dried bloodstain on her lips—the wound she had self-inflicted to maintain control of her mind. She must have forgotten to clean it before succumbing to fatigue. "It is nothing. Prepare me for breakfast." Elaine did not want to delve into the ordeal with the young maid. It would only evoke more unpleasant memories without attaining a solution. She glanced down at the feather secured inside her hands and gripped it tighter.

  "Yes, Lady Estella." Though the concern remained on her countenance, Mariam dared not probe further. She scurried about, helping Elaine with her morning hygiene and changing clothes. After completing the preparation, they exited the chamber and united with Cecil in the hallway. The blond-haired young man bowed upon seeing Elaine.

  "Where is Miss Clara?" She glanced around.

  "She has returned to her quarters," he replied.

  "I see." She nodded and proceeded down the hall, leading her group toward the dining areas.

  As usual, the servants and Caispean crew members packed the dining room when they arrived. Elaine's gaze scoured through the crowds and landed on the black-haired young man sitting at the reserved table at the back. She dismissed her servants and immediately strode across the room. "Good morrow, Sir d'Amboise." Elaine curtsied before him.

  "I have been expecting you, Lady Estella." Elias stood up to return her gesture and pulled out a chair beside him. "I hope you had a good rest last night."

  Elaine settled into her seat. "Thank you, milord. Please accept my apologies for the trouble I caused yesterday. I am of a much sounder mind now."

  "I am glad to hear about your recovery, milady." The corner of his lips curled upward.

  "Then…" She lowered her gaze for a few seconds before raising her head. Her determined eyes pinned his. "Shall we continue yesterday afternoon's conversation?"