The soft light of the early morning filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. The fire in the hearth had long since dwindled to embers, but the warmth still lingered in the air, wrapping the room in a comforting embrace.
Virelle's eyes fluttered open, the remnants of a dream fading into the recesses of her mind. For a moment, she felt light—free—before the weight of her reality sank in.
But as her gaze fell upon the bed beside her, her breath caught.
The little kitten, lay curled up next to her, nestled close in the blankets. Her tiny paws were tucked under her, and her silver fur shimmered faintly in the early light. She was so small, so fragile-looking, and yet, Virelle felt a strange, protective tenderness rising within her.
The cat had been there all night, the warmth of her little body pressing against Virelle's side as she slept. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Virelle hadn't woken in the middle of the night with her heart racing or her mind in turmoil. She had slept soundly, comforted by the presence of the small creature beside her.
Virelle couldn't help but smile, a soft, fleeting curve of her lips. She reached out and gently ran her fingers through cat's fur, marveling at how smooth and silken it felt under her touch. It was a strange sensation, the cat's presence soothing a part of her she hadn't even realized was in need of care.
But then, her smile faded slightly.
She sat up and gazed at the little creature, a sudden thought piercing her mind. She still didn't have a name.
The thought seemed so simple, yet it weighed heavily on her. This cat, the one who had comforted her through her pain and loneliness, deserved more than just being "the cat." Virelle's fingers paused in the air, the warm breath of the cat rising and falling against her touch.
"What should I call you?" Virelle mused aloud, more to herself than anyone else. Her gaze drifted to the window as the sun's rays deepened the golds and pinks of the morning sky. "Lia," she whispered suddenly, the name seeming to form naturally on her tongue. She tested it once more. "Lia..."
She smiled.
It was perfect.
Lia, a name that felt both delicate and strong. A name that sounded like the gentle rustle of a breeze, the whisper of a promise.
With that settled in her mind, Virelle's heart lightened, and she finally turned her attention to the matter at hand—breakfast. She needed to eat. She always had to eat, especially after one of those nights where she barely slept. She had no one to bring her meals, and even if she did, they would have been tasteless at best, likely cold and soggy.
Virelle pulled herself out of bed, careful not to disturb Lia, who was still sleeping soundly in the blankets. She pulled a warm robe around her and padded over to the small table by the window, where a tray of cold porridge, bread, and half-eaten fruit awaited her. She grabbed the bread first and broke off a piece, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the little creature on her bed.
Lia was hers now. The tiny kitten had become a strange, irreplaceable part of her life. And now, she couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to the cat than met the eye. The way she'd meowed the night before, as if understanding Virelle's pain... as if understanding her.
But the reality of her situation crashed back into her thoughts. Her stepmother. The constant coldness of her father. The treatment she would likely face when anyone found out about Lia. They would throw her out. Or worse—tell Virelle's father, and then the cat would be gone.
Virelle bit her lip, and for a moment, she closed her eyes, the weight of her thoughts heavy on her chest.
I can't lose her. Not like this.
Just then, a knock echoed from the door.
"Lady Virelle," came the voice of one of the maids. "Breakfast is ready."
Virelle tensed, instinctively looking toward the bed where Lia still slept soundly. She hadn't even noticed that the maid had come up to the door.
"Just a moment," she called out softly, hoping the maid wouldn't hear the tremor in her voice. She hurriedly swept Lia up, cradling her in her arms as she darted to the closet.
She carefully opened the closet door and placed Lia inside, pulling a small blanket over her to hide the cat's presence. She hoped it would be enough, but she couldn't help but feel the pang of guilt. It felt wrong, hiding her new friend like this, as if she were ashamed of her.
But the reality was undeniable: if anyone found Lia, it could be the end of her life here.
The maid knocked again, this time louder. "Lady Virelle? Your breakfast, my lady."
Virelle hesitated, then quickly moved to the door and opened it.
The maid, a girl about her age, smiled brightly, though it faltered when she saw the messiness of Virelle's hair and the disarray of the room. "Good morning, my lady. Breakfast is served."
Virelle smiled weakly, stepping aside so the maid could enter and place the food on the table.
"Thank you," she murmured, grateful for the small gesture.
The maid went on about her work, humming a little tune under her breath, but Virelle's thoughts never left the closet. Every minute felt like a countdown, and the weight of the guilt pressed harder on her chest.
When the maid finally left, Virelle sighed in relief. She shut the door and quickly turned to the closet, lifting the blanket to check on Lia. The kitten was still there, nestled in the folds of the fabric, oblivious to the world outside.
I need to keep you safe, Lia. No one must know about you, not yet.
She sighed again, settling down on the bed. The warmth of the room felt too stifling now, too confining. She wanted to find a way to protect the kitten, to ensure no one would hurt her—but there were too many eyes in the house, too many people who would see Lia as a nuisance, a thing to be tossed aside.
And yet, Virelle knew deep down that she would protect Lia. She would keep her hidden for as long as necessary, even if it meant enduring the solitude of this cold, heartless estate. If anyone tried to take Lia away from her, she would do whatever it took to make sure that didn't happen.
But that wasn't enough.
I need a plan. I need a way to protect her from all of this. From them.
Virelle stroked the kitten's soft fur gently and whispered, "Stay with me, Lia. Please, stay with me."
Lia blinked up at her, those wise blue eyes meeting hers.
And just for a moment, it was like everything else in the world faded. There was only this—Virelle and Lia, together, with no one else in sight.
But as the weight of the world began to close in again, Virelle silently made a promise. She would find a way to change their fate.
For both of them.
As the kitten open her eyes Virelle hold her and touched her soft fur gently and said
"Did you sleep well"
The kitten half awake noded as understanding her.
Virelle hold her high and said,
"from today onwards you are"
Lia-
The kitten as heard she smiled at Virelle.
They both have find each other