UNEDITED-
Annabelle POV-
The old man placed his hand on gently on my forehead, I wanted to move away or slap his hand but instead I found myself closing my eyes.
His hand is smooth and warm, as soon as it touched my head I felt an inner peace that I can't describe.
I forgot to ask his name...
"My name is Leopold" The end of his word stretched as I felt myself once again being pulled back, into myself.
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I opened my eyes to find myself still laid on the pillow. Gigi is here too but the candles have burned out. How long was I out?
"Your awake!" Gigi said with a sigh of relief.
I sat up rubbing my head.
"Yeah, I'm awake" I replied groggily.
"Here..." She grinned, as she handed me a cup of water.
"Thank you"... I don't know what to say to her, I just took the cup and drank some water.
Maybe she'll just let me leave...
"Did you find the answers you were looking for?"
Phew...A vague question, that's actually helpful.
"Yes, I did... Thank you Gigi" I gave her a sincere smile. I really don't want to tell anyone what happened until I process it myself.
"You don't have to tell me what happened, just make sure you eat something, you were out for awhile" she spoke an then held her hand out to take the empty cup from me. "I wasn't sure you were going to wake up" she giggled putting the cup to side.. like that's funny...
"You thought I might not wake up?" My expression changed to slight shock at the thought... what the fuck, she couldn't have told me that in the first place?.
"I've only ever seen it happen twice in all my years"....."I didn't think it helpful to tell you, I hope you can forgive me?" I'd feel better if she had told me the risks. Now I know she is not so trustworthy but, I'm alive and I feel better for doing this...So now I'm in control huh, well I'll have to learn what that means for me, but at least I'm on my way.
"Annabelle?" Gigi's voice woke me from my thoughts.
"I forgive you, of course I forgive you" I gave her a warm smile, she seemed relieved after. Her face smoothed out from a frown to a smile.
Gigi stood up in front of me...
"Here let me help you" She said holding out her hand, I took it and steadied myself on my feet.
"Bea is waiting outside for you, I'm sure she'll be happy to see your awake".
"How long was I out?" I asked with a questionable look.
"Well the sun set not too long ago, soo" she looked off to the side working it out. "around eight hours"
"Wow, that is a long time. How long does the ritual usually last?" I wonder why I never asked this before.
"It depends on the person and their spirit. If their spirit is hostile it can take anywhere up to four hours"
"I see why you thought I might not wake up... has anyone woke up after four hours?" Now I'm curious. I know I don't need this ritual anymore but I'm still curious.
"Yes a few, but honestly...No one has ever made it past five"....We heard the handle of the door go, we both looked over to see Marcus standing there.
"Ah Annabelle! Your awake!" He sounds so surprised.
"Haha, yes I'm awake" I smiled at him, I couldn't help it, he just looks so funny with that huge grin on his face. Bea quickly appeared behind him looking worried. She must have heard Marcus announce that I'm awake. Her face softened too when she see that I'm okay.
Gigi nodded towards Bea as if to say go, so I did.
"Thanks again Gigi, I really appreciate it" I smiled at Gigi, before turning to leave. Marcus approached Gigi and they just hugged. They really look relieved.
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As soon as we left the temple Bea threw her arms around me. Her hugs are rare, it makes them so much more special. I didn't share too much with her, just that I think I'm finally figuring things out.
It's not that I don't trust her, it's just that I'm not ready to tell anyone yet.
----
I'm laying here alone on top of my bed still completely dressed. I can't sleep right now, I've basically been asleep all day.
I put my black leather boots back on and tied my hair loosely in a messy bun.
Is it wrong that I kind of want to shift?.
Leopold said it was all me now so I won't hurt anyone, or I mean he wont. It must have been pretty confusing for him at first, maybe it still is. Anyway I've just got to get far enough away from here first.
I walked for 15 minutes towards the mountains. I'm pretty sure Marcus said there's nothing out here, they don't even send patrols out here. Okay let's try this.
Relax, breath... come on... Maybe I'm thinking about it too much. I slowed my breathing, closed my eyes. I focused on the noises of the forest, the scurrying of creatures in the brush. This is really working!...I can feel it now, the burning inside. It's refreshing.. I'm getting used to this. The scorching heat on my skin hasn't changed much, I still feel like a fried vegetable. I crumbled on the floor as the familiar sounds of cracking and crunching filled my ears.
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NEUTRAL POV-
The magnificent black wolf experienced the real sensation of freedom. For the first time in...ever. She ran, fast through the trees. The wind russling through her feathers as she did. There was only one moon out now, in this form the moon looks different. It has a visual aura blending blues, yellows, greens and oranges together like drapes in the wind.
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NOTES-
I'm sorry this chapter is shorter. It's late and I need to sleep but I wanted to write something so here ya go :)