It could have been better.

The night continued with its strange ritual. Once in bed, he proceeded to comb my hair, which I didn't understand because, as time went on, I took advantage of being able to read calmly and with the strange, happy feeling of having light to be able to continue even at night. Despite not being a torch, the so-called candle turned out to be very useful.

"There, that's it, you can rest now." I tap the combs together, letting a little water fall.

“Thanks, but I can read a little longer.” I hid in the middle of the book, gripping the sides tightly, waiting for the tug that always took the book from my hands. “I'm at an interesting part, if you'd let me.”

“What are you reading?” I ask happily, but rather tiredly.

“This.” I put the book in front of me, since I couldn’t remember the text. “I’m right on the second deal.”

“The Dream Eater isn't a reading I'd recommend for your mental calm, but I'm afraid your rest is a priority.”

“Good.” I held out the book, a little less cheerful, but aware that the sooner I wake up, the sooner I could go read in the library. “You can guide me back to the library tomorrow.”

“Sure.” He took the book and opened it to the previous page.

“The second pact, right?”

“Yes.” Mention something curious.

I didn't know why he was helping me cover up, but I didn't give it much thought beyond the question, as I thought about those so-called dreams and was determined to get to sleep soon.

“And the night came, I dressed again, the pink one was and always will be my favorite, I prolong my bath, enjoying the water flowing over my skin, while I find the servants brushing my silky golden hair, I find the way to my tedious room, and my run did nothing but make me happy to see the soft bed, where I could see it a paradise awaited me where my dreams would be sweet as the same honey we put in the tea and meeting each other will be the final fun.”

“I already read that part, the pact, when you're entering the castle.” I complained, feeling somewhat embarrassed, remembering how they were treating me the same way. “Also, don't talk so loudly, someone might hear.” I covered my head, unable to bear the embarrassment of having it read to me anymore.

“The castle was there again, covered in the whiteness of the clouds, the petals of Flor, floating around, and I see him sitting there, tasting a darkened meat that, to my taste, was somewhat unpleasant because it was overcooked. My preference has always been for tender meat with a pink center, like my favorite color.”

"Please make the pact. I don't want to wait to find out what happened to the dream." I got out of the covers, reaching for the book, aware that I didn't want to continue playing the game.

“And up close, I could see him, just as elegant as always when I dream and pull.” I continued narrating with the same calmness as before, but now with a more mischievous voice. “Tell me, miss, today you're also longing for a good dream.” I reached behind my back with the book and extended my hand.

Before I knew it I had grabbed it in my attempt to catch the book.

"This pact is special. It's not just a promise. A kiss is required. Our agreement, and your dream awaits you, ready." He placed the book in front of him, noticing the surprised girl in the illustration and the act seen within it, while the devourer dissolved into butterflies mingling in the surroundings.

“Great,” I said without realizing it.

“Enjoy the most sublime delicacies, the most fragrant flowers, the most beautiful landscapes, the most illustrious paintings, for in this dream, the virtues of a world you could only imagine in your wildest fantasies await you. Whatever you like, you will find it here, and in it, I will find my way to you.” He closed the book. “After reading this section, please continue with your dream and follow the illustrious Damsel to this beautiful world.”

"Yes." How could I not want to go? I lay down and hoped I'd be able to sleep soon, but since he'd taken the book, I couldn't read any more.

The morning was incredible. I started with food, while feeling that for the first time my back and shoulders didn't hurt and my head felt light. I ate quickly before remembering the book, which he handed me and I continued to read a little while drinking the tea. The adventure in that dream was great.

But not everything could be as perfect as one would expect, the arrival of my tribe only served to put between words the good and the bad of us, the more time passed, the more problems they caused, and they had even more problems dealing with the people of Lasha, with whom I had become a little familiar between the departures from Abaddon and after what I call a month, half of the tribe was given as slaves, in order to pay for the constant grievances and only when my older sisters spoke, they left to return to the tribe.

I looked at the game with some fear, the house was a mess, broken floors and in the worst case walls and if it weren't for me joining Abaddon in defending a few areas, we might not have them standing again due to the many areas that fell.

"Everything's fine, see you later, kid. Remember to send us the food next time," the boss clarified, as he left the caravan a little late.

“I wish you a safe journey.” He bowed slightly as the tribe departed.

“Get out of here.” The fact that they’d burned down the dining room and the library was enough to make me not want to see them again. “And don’t come back.” I didn’t know what gave me the nerve to say that, but I was sure I didn’t want to see them in person for what they’d done.

“Ha, you spoil her a lot, kid. If you don’t watch yourself, she’ll bite your hand off one of these days.” He met the blond-haired boy’s gaze.

"Know that your anger is justified, and I estimate that half the empire shares that opinion." He avoided further discussion of the subject as he left.

I wasn't so polite, complaining that he didn't kick them out sooner, especially that they left of their own free will. Besides, I no longer had a way to read everything that was lost in the fire.

“I keep insisting, it wasn’t a good idea for them to stay at your house.”

“Well, since the family retired to the palace, it couldn't be helped; someone had to be present to protect her from dangerous people, and since she didn't have a better residence.”

"What came in was something worse, it's pure ruin!" I yelled at him indignantly, not knowing if I was tolerant or just plain stupid enough not to notice. "Or you're going to deny it, judging by how I look."

“No one can deny it, I assure you,” he said, as calmly as ever.

“And you continue, you just don’t understand how serious their problems are.”

“I’ve already confessed to sharing your view of the Arbos tribe.” He stopped and turned away, shrugging. “Why are you still angry, seeing as it’s not your property that’s being affected?”

I extended my right hand and opened my palm, showing him the small scar that ran from one side to the other. "This is a pact. Our blood is united, and our duty is the same. I, too, have grown fond of those things that were lost, and of our ruined home." I hurriedly took his hand and showed him a similar scar, aligning it. "This is yours, and you still don't understand that as long as these scars are on our hands, our destinies are linked."

“I have that, of course, but it's still annoying that he only reveals this detail when it suits him.”

"How about when?" I was already fed up with having to explain, and I wasn't going to let him lecture me like always, with greetings and some other nonsense. "Give me some valid examples."

“Every time I was in the library and didn’t help, I would deal with my family members.”

"It's not like they're listening to me." I looked to the side, feeling a little embarrassed about the subject.

“When he asks for help with words, while I'm working on the housework and so on.”

“It’s… you told me I could ask you for help whenever I wanted.” I couldn’t stand it any longer and hurried down the road.