Chapter 8 - Midnight Intrusions

The stained-glass window glows dimly with moonlight. Anastasya is curled up under a mountain of soft blankets in her canopy bed, still in her ritual gown, now slightly wrinkled. The air smells like lavender and worn parchment. A crystal lamp flickers on the nightstand. She’s halfway between waking and dreaming when a soft creak echoes through the room.

Anastasya: "... What now?"

The door opens an inch. Then a head peeks in, jet-black hair, crimson-gold eyes glittering with mischief.

Haruki: "Just checking to see if you’re actually spending the night."

Anastasya: Sits up, irritated. "Haruki."

Haruki: "And maybe checking if you’ll be returning to your house at dawn. You know, in case the whole marriage thing wears off in sunlight."

Anastasya: "Are you serious?"

Haruki: Slips in like a shadow. "Not entirely. But imagine if it did. I'd wake up single, and you’d be back in your pajamas like none of it ever happened. Terrifying."

Anastasya: "That’s what terrifies you? Not the deity living in your soul or the ancient altar glowing with blood runes?"

Haruki: "Eh. Those things are normal. You leaving me? That’s a horror story."

Anastasya: Groans and pulls the blanket over her head. "Get out."

There’s a beat of silence, then the soft whoosh of glowing magic. Anastasya peeks from under her blanket as a small, floating creature materializes near the foot of her bed. It’s about the size of a rabbit, with translucent wings, silvery fur, and eyes like deep blue opals. It blinks at her, then gives a polite bow mid-air.

Haruki: "Okay, okay, I’ll go. But before that, meet your personal assistant. I thought she might make you less grumpy."

Anastasya: "Is that… a flying cat?"

Assistant: "I am Aurelya. I was born from your soul-thread during the ritual. I exist to serve your comfort, security, and minor whims."

Anastasya: "My what?"

Haruki: "Soul-thread. It’s like a cosmic ribbon connecting your spirit to the shrine now. She’s a guardian fragment—technically your familiar, technically a demigod. Depends on the mood."

Aurelya: "I am also good with braiding hair, fluffing pillows, and banishing nightmares."

Anastasya: "You made me a floating pillow fluffer?"

Haruki: "You deserve the best. I even programmed her with mild sarcasm and tea preferences."

Anastasya: "You programmed a soul-being?"

Aurelya: "Technically, I evolved from a thoughtform. He just added sparkle."

Anastasya: "This is getting out of control."

Haruki: Cheerfully steps back. "All part of the honeymoon package. Sleep tight, Mrs. Deity. Don't let the shrine spirits bite."

Anastasya: "I hope one does."

Haruki: Vanishes with a laugh. "That’s the spirit!"

The door swings shut behind him with a click. Anastasya slumps back onto her pillows, exhausted but reluctantly amused. Aurelya floats beside her bed and nestles into a hovering perch near the window.

Aurelya: "I can hum lullabies if you wish."

Anastasya: "I don’t even know if I wish anymore."

Aurelya: "I can also simulate silence."

Anastasya: "That’ll do."

The room dims to a soft glow. Outside, the shrine creaks like an old tree in the wind. Inside, for once, Anastasya’s world feels strangely… full.

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