Black spots danced in my vision, a clear reminder that I didn't make it past that blast and had probably died.
Again.
I didn't know I was holding my breath until I had to release a shaky one upon opening my eyes.
Somehow, I was no longer surprised when I found myself staring at familiar scenery and Nichen looking smug standing in front of me.
"So, here we are," I remarked, keeping my gaze on Nichen steady. He looked at me with the same stoic expression I'm starting to get used to.
If he started smiling, I might feel creeped out by the sudden change of facial expression. It might even make me feel panic.
"I must say," Nichen replied, his eyes boring into me. "You are the most persistent among the chosen. If this isn't the last time we see each other for the past few days, I will appeal to send you somewhere else."
His tone made the hairs on my body shiver, recognizing his authority, and for once, ever since I had stood before Nichen, I felt scared.
However, I was suddenly reminded of how the last few days went for me. They weren't the best days; more importantly, Nichen was to be blamed for it. He was the reason for those eventful experiences.
I remembered I was enraged.
At least I was supposed to. But I think this unseen energy prohibited me from feeling anything but serene calmness.
Nichen probably figured that I needed it. Hence, he set it up for me. I think I should feel touched by the act. But it only fueled my annoyance.
"Your petty threats don't scare me. In fact, why don't you bring it on?"
"It wasn't a threat."
I gasped, feigning surprise at his response.
"I never expected that. My, my."
"Stop being sarcastic."
I scoffed.
"Maybe if you stop messing things up in my life."
Nichen narrowed his gaze, eyeing me up and down.
"Elijah Iveya," he seemed to have chosen to ignore my remark, as usual. "You are, at this moment, given another chance to begin your life anew. Use it wisely, and don't forget you're not allowed to abuse your power. If you do, your life, including the privileges availed to you, would be taken back."
"Are you serious right now?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
I kept my frustration in check, forcing a smile to form on my lips.
"No," I cleared my throat. "You look very serious right now. Like, very."
Nichen didn't say anything. Instead, he made sure to make me feel the coursing energy engulfing him. He held my gaze, his eyes glowing in a soft golden color.
"I hope you stop whining after this, you brat."
I opened my mouth to oppose his claim and with him calling me a brat. But at the next moment, everything around me spiraled into oblivion, giving me no choice but to close my eyes and hope it wasn't the end of the world yet.
My vision turned blurry. My head felt light-headed, and my body was floating in space. I wasn't sure what outcome awaited me after this, but I hope it was something incredible.
Or would that be too much to ask?
The answer came almost immediately. A sharp pain erupted in my chest as soon as I opened my eyes.
Fifi's human form was looking at me with glee. She let out a giggle before jumping out of bed.
"Exo is awake!"
She screamed in delight while I tried not to flinch at the pain she had left on my chest. I looked down and was frantically out of bed.
In a rush to see what changes Nichen had thought of this time, I practically ran to the bathroom and slammed my hands on the sink, my eyes glued to the reflection staring back at me in the mirror.
"No way,"
I mumbled.
To my dismay, I was back to my 17-year-old body, the lanky one.
It disappointed me greatly. But I no longer dared to complain.
Nichen's subtle threat was finally working. I ended up curling my hands into fists and closing my eyes, humming to take away the anger building inside.
"This is nothing to be mad about, Exo. You have a lot of things to consider," I took a deep breath, my lungs feeling with air. And then exhaled it.
When I thought I already had everything in control, the bathroom door flew open—a heavy material connected to my head.
I only had a few seconds to react, the pain throbbing where the black side of the pan hit me.
Priscilla stood behind me, narrowing her gaze while Fifi poked her head from behind.
"What did–"
Another bonk to the head.
I still find the woman attractive despite seeing the stars floating above me. Hence, I began to smile like an idiot.
"Sorry," I mumbled.
The woman, whose white fitted blouse barely hid the curves of her body, let out a grunt. She pointed a finger at me.
"I expect you to take care of your sister, Exo."
Waiting for my response while glaring at me, I meekly nodded—both at a loss for words and no longer denying myself from succumbing to the jiggling front as she put a hand on her hips.
I watched her trot outside the bathroom, leaving me daze. I had to slap a hand on my face and remind myself that she was Exo's mother.
Shaking my head, shivering at my thoughts and promising to behave, I caught Fifi's innocent gaze by the door. She smiled broadly, devilishly, before leaving me alone.
"You rude brat," I mumbled, not wanting to call the attention of the mother who adored Fifi.
She might come rushing with another object in hand, ready to smack me in the assumption that I harmed Fifi.
I scoffed.
She should be worried for me and not for the pretend child. That sneaky little thing still owes me an explanation for many things.
But I guess it was now safe to assume, after gaining Nichen's dislike, starting from now onwards, that my life would be a living nightmare.