Chapter 37

When I heard a branch cracking behind me, it jolted me out of my daze and brought me back to reality. I was fast to get to my feet and ready to fight when the opportunity arose.

"Take it easy, Lucy. It's only me here. You have been absent for the full day. I was starting to worry when I didn't hear from you, and I was beginning to wonder where you were. This was expressed by Leon in his customarily soothing tone.

It wasn't until I was focusing on him that I realized how black the outside had become. The light cast by the moon illuminated the clearing, and it could be seen reflected in the window of the modest cabin that stood nearby. Although it appeared to be full, I was well aware that the full moon had already been the day before.

In response to Leon's question, I merely scowled at him before sitting back down and picking up my instrument from where it had fallen. I was aware of the sound of his approaching footsteps, but I chose to pay no attention to them. Inst