Found

The corridor opened into a small circular chamber. And there—at the center of the room—was a table.

A wooden one, child-sized, with tiny legs carved in the shape of lilies. Upon it sat a porcelain tea set, complete with mismatched cups and a pot that steamed gently, as though freshly brewed.

And sitting before it, legs swinging above the floor, was Caelora.

She wore a soft blue nightgown, her long dark hair brushed and pinned with a single silver clasp. Her tiny hands cradled a teacup no larger than a thimble, and her cheeks were flushed from the warmth of the tea.

She looked up as Elira stepped into the chamber—eyes wide, innocently looking.

“Oh… you found me.”

But something in the way she said it made Elira pause. It wasn’t surprise in Caelora’s tone—it was certainty. Expectation. Like the girl had known this moment would come and had only been waiting for it to happen.

Elira’s breath caught. “Caelora—what is this place? What’s going on?”

Caelora simply smiled. A quiet, almost pleased little thing.

“You weren’t supposed to find me easily.”

The air in the chamber shifted—just slightly. The walls didn’t move, but they felt closer. More alert. The whispers, which had been circling like passive winds, now hummed with interest.

Elira blinked, trying to piece her thoughts together. The panic she'd felt moments ago—the gut-deep dread—it was already slipping away, like smoke through her fingers. In its place was... confusion. Not fear. Just the sensation that she had missed something important.

“I don’t understand,” she said, stepping closer. “Why did you hide? Why make me—”

“Because I had to know,” Caelora said, gently setting her cup down. “If you’d come after me. If you’d reach me.”

Elira stared.

“I... of course I would. You're a child. You're my responsibility.”

Caelora tilted her head again. “That’s what most people say. At first.”

The whispers echoed that phrase, almost mockingly—at first… at first…

The room dimmed, ever so slightly, as if the stone itself was holding its breath.

Caelora gestured to the empty seat across from her. “Sit. Please. You passed, after all.”

“Passed?” Elira asked, clearly confused by what Caelora meant.

“The test.” Little Caelora answered blankly.

Elira hesitated—but her legs moved on their own. Her knees folded, and before she knew it, she was sitting. The porcelain teacup was already in front of her, filled. She hadn’t seen Caelora pour it.

She stared down into the steaming liquid, its surface smooth as glass, reflecting her own uncertain face.

“I didn’t know I was being tested, I thought--,” she murmured.

“Most don’t.” Little Caelora cut her off.

Caelora’s voice was soft—sympathetic, almost. But there was something deeper beneath it. Something ageless. Something far too calm for a five-year-old.

“But you came. Even when it was dark. Even when you were afraid. And you didn’t run, even when the door opened to something you didn’t understand.”

She leaned forward just slightly, hands folded beneath her chin.

“That’s enough for now. Congratulations Miss Elira, for passing my test!" Caelora said with a smile, as if a few minutes ago she wasn't so cold and indifferent.

Elira looked up at her, heart thudding slowly in her chest.

“What is this place?” Elira couldn't help but ask.

Caelora’s smile returned, but this time it was tinged with something knowing.

Instead of an answer, Caelora offered Elira some tea.

"Take some rest and have some tea with me, Miss Elira. I'm sure you're tired."

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AUTHOR AREA!!!

AHHHHHHH Goodness 😭😭 I'm losing interest in continuing this, I know... I've just started...but idk, my brain speaks to quit yet my heart won't let it be.... I'ma settle this...BUT YEAHHHH I HOPE YA ENJOY THE NEW CHAP!!!!

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