Rhys squinted as he tried to get a good look at Ingrid's face and stature.
Trying to test out his suspicions, Rhys began to talk about the times he spent with Nana, trying to see if all this was just a sick game or not.
"You really don't remember me, Nana? Cmoooon… you promised to be my friend, remember? Don't you recall visiting me? Sparring with me? You don't remember farting in the middle of our lunch because you ate too much? You don't remember eating that 'dessert' which turned out to be just table decorations? You don't remember--"
Ingrid gritted her teeth as she cut him off.
"I DON'T! Now tell me, why did you grab me?!"
Rhys was starting to feel irritated at all these mind games. And he failed to hide his irritation on his face.
"Seriously, what's going on with you, Nana? Are you okay or did you finally snap?"
He was about to grab Ingrid again, wanting to check if she hit her head or something. But before he could grab her, Ingrid dodged and suddenly dashed away.
Rhys looked at her back with a dumbfounded expression as he tried to wrap his mind on what was happening.
Did he mistake someone for Nana, after all?
He had the urge to chase after her, but before he could take a step, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.
Afraid of being caught sneaking in the Magic department, he slowly retreated back to the shadows.
Then, just as he was about to leave, he suddenly saw a familiar face that passed him by. That familiar face held a thunderous expression while staggering towards the direction where Ingrid went.
Rhys furrowed his brows while he observed but when the familiar face suddenly stopped, he panicked.
This is bad! If he gets caught by that person…
He cursed under his breath as he hurriedly tiptoed away from the place. It was probably a sign for him to stop and go back. The only reason he snuck out was to check up on Nana and Raghnall. He already checked the Lily dorms and met Raghnall there. And much to his disappointment, he knew from Raghnall's annoyed face that Nana wasn't there so he was en route to the training area hoping to find her there instead.
But to think he'd meet a doppelganger on the way…
He recalled Ingrid's stoic and cautious face that held a calculating gaze. It reminded him of a small cornered beast, trying to bare its fangs despite knowing that it wasn't strong enough against its opponent.
Nana never ever looked at him that way so it was quite a shock for him. She never looked at him with so much wariness and fear and it didn't settle well with him.
Truthfully, he missed that pure gaze she always sent his way as she listened to his stories. The innocent smiles she always gave as they talked and talked about the most ridiculous things together while they ate. He missed those moments where every time he had an idea, no matter how ridiculous, she'd always be more eager to try it out. And that whenever he wanted to mess with Raghnall, she'd always be up for the task.
She was so different from all the people he'd met before. She never had any expectations pushed on him. She never had any motives in approaching him. She was supportive of him, of whatever he chose to do, not because she had to be but because she just wanted to be. But once his ideas go too far, she'd be the first to smack him, the first one to fearlessly scold him, to tell him no, and to make him rethink his choices.
And she was also the first to steal a thick slab of steak from his plate.
Rhys chuckled lightly at the memory.
She wasn't there to gain favor, to gain knowledge, to gain anything. She was just there because she wanted to be there with him, talking and eating.
"Heavens…"
He hissed out as he rested his hand on his chest. Feeling his heart thumping loudly against his palm, he muttered to himself.
"That little idiot, just where did she go…"
Meanwhile, Ingrid began to slowly stop her running when she finally noticed that the man didn't give chase.
Adjusting the cloth between her legs, she checked for any form of leakage. She had to admit, she never tried running while having her bleeding but for some reason, the usual pain by her abdomen somehow eased a tiny bit.
This made her sigh in relief.
But her sigh was cut short when she realized that she had no idea how to get back. She just ran blindly, making sure the man wouldn't be able to follow her, that she failed to remember where she made twists and turns.
Then, she had an idea.
Hoping it would work, she began to sniff the air in hopes that she could trace the scent of her blood infused with magical particles. But, the strong scent of dew and the rain interfered greatly with her senses, making it hard for her to smell anything else.
She cursed under her breath as she looked around.
She didn't know where she was but thankfully, it still looked like she was still in the direct premises of the academy building. After all, she could still see the tall towering stature of the castle-like building.
And so, hoping she could somehow find her way, she convinced herself to walk around. After all, it would be like hitting two wings with one arrow. If she'd walk around, she'd be able to find her way plus, she'd also be able to observe the different parts of the academy.
And with that in mind, she began to slowly walk despite the dim surroundings.
Then, under the darkness, she suddenly saw a faint bright orb of light by the distance. Squinting hard, she tried to figure out what it was as she made her way towards it.
Then the orb seemed to sway as if it was beckoning her and whenever she got to a certain distance, the orb seemed to move away from her.
Somehow it piqued her curiosity and thus, it slowly became a short game of her chasing after the orb.