Duke Larry spent the day inspecting the mines, leaving Zilayefa in the care of Fire, his loyal wolf companion. As the evening drew to a close, the duke returned to the chambers, accompanied by a middle-aged woman with a kind face.
"Zilayefa, this is Dr. Francis, our chief medical officer here at the mines," Duke Larry introduced, his eyes observing Zilayefa's reaction.
Zilayefa's face lit up with hope, only to fall as she took in the stranger's features. "You're not my mother," she stated, her voice trembling.
Duke Larry's expression turned sympathetic. "I apologize, Zilayefa. I thought perhaps...Dr. Francis, do you know anyone by the name of Hellen Francis?"
The doctor shook her head. "No, I don't recall anyone by that name."
Zilayefa's face crumpled, her eyes welling up with tears. Duke Larry placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, child. I have other mines we can visit. We'll find your mother, I promise."
Though his words offered comfort, Zilayefa sensed a hint of insincerity. She wondered if the duke was merely placating her.
As the doctor excused herself, Duke Larry turned to Zilayefa. "Warm a bath for me, please."
Zilayefa bowed, trying to hide her disappointment. As she left to prepare the bath, Duke Larry turned to Fire, who had been watching the exchange with interest.
"Fire, did Zilayefa leave these chambers while I was away?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Fire's gaze turned icy, her tail twitching with annoyance. She had been neglected for hours, and her master's concern for the human girl grated on her. Without responding, she turned and walked away, leaving Duke Larry to chuckle at her jealousy.
Later that evening, Zilayefa attended to the duke's needs, serving him dinner and singing a soft melody to help him sleep. As he drifted off, a peaceful smile on his face, Zilayefa couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her, and whether she would ever find her mother.
Days turned into weeks, and Zilayefa settled into a routine of serving Duke Larry and exploring the mines. Though she had lost hope of finding her mother, she found solace in the duke's kindness and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
One evening, as she was serving dinner, Duke Larry asked her about her life before the mines. Zilayefa hesitated, unsure how much to reveal, but the duke's genuine interest put her at ease.
Zilayefa took a deep breath, steeling herself as she revealed the truth about her family's past to Duke Larry. She told him about their farm in the village of Ama, about the wildfire that destroyed their livelihood, and about her father's injuries.
She explained how her mother, desperate to support their family, had sought the duke's help and borrowed money from him. But when she couldn't repay the debt, she was forced to work at the duke's mansion to pay it off.
Zilayefa's voice cracked as she spoke about her father's death and how she and her brothers had come searching for their mother, only to be chased away by the wolf and lose their brother Bernard.
Duke Larry listened intently, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. He nodded along, his eyes never leaving Zilayefa's face.
When she finished speaking, the duke leaned back in his chair, his eyes clouded in thought. "I knew some of the story," he said finally, "but not about your father's death."
Zilayefa's eyes narrowed, sensing a hint of unease in the duke's voice. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Duke Larry's eyes met hers, a hint of regret in their depths. "The duke who loaned your mother money was my late father," he explained. "He passed away a year ago. And it was he who enslaved your mother to pay off the debt."
Zilayefa's face paled, her mind reeling with the revelation. She felt a mix of emotions: anger, sadness, and a hint of hope.
Duke Larry leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "I want to help you find your mother, Zilayefa," he said, his voice sincere. "But I need your help in return. Will you be my companion on my journey and obey my commands?"
Zilayefa hesitated, unsure of what to make of the duke's offer. But something in his eyes made her trust him, and she nodded her agreement.