"OUCH!" I GROANED in pain. "Please, be gentle. I am not as tough as you." I peered over my shoulder and glared at my 'doctor'—- then, I had to slump my head down on the bed because it was tiring!
"Endure it," said Yasha. "Pain is necessary if you want your bones to return to their proper location."
I gasped when she fixed another of my bones. And I had to press my face on my pillow to muffle my scream.
"Alright," I heard Yasha say. "That is the last one. I told you I'm an expert."
I took a deep breath. Then, looking blankly at the headboard, I muttered, "I should have gone to the real expert instead." Or—- "I should have asked Aseyana to heal my broken bones." Maybe magic could do some miracle.
"She is busy," answered Yasha. "The town's founding celebration is tonight. She needs to speak with the fairy and ready Penelope for some ritual to show the latter is an evil witch." I heard a clapping sound as she added, "Frankly, is this necessary? If you ask me for my opinion, it is better to wipe out every enemy and rule this town. Easy as eating a pie."
"And your niece will be the subject of hatred," I told her. "Aseyana wants to start anew. She wants a home. Let the girl explore what she wants."
"What if she regrets it?"
"So what?" I replied. "Let her learn. If she didn't get to explore her life, she would hate you. So, let her. Regret or not, it means she learned something."
"You seemed experienced. Are you sure you're not a mother?"
I rolled my eyes. "You don't need to be a mother to understand some things. As we grow old, we experience a lot of events. If you try to put your shoes on someone else's, you will understand them. If the situation puts them in a dilemma, try to think of a way to make them understand that." I frowned. "Am I making some sense? I'm sorry. I really am not good at explaining."
"Yes, you are," said Yasha. "Regardless, I can tell what you want to say."
That was good, then. "What happened to your investigation, by the way?" I asked, changing the subject. "Did you find out who that person is?"
Last night, as soon as that man left, Yasha came. Aseyana also observed that the man seemed to be avoiding Yasha.
When Aseyana fought with that man, he suddenly ran away. The girl was dumbfounded at first, but a second later, Yasha came. Then, the same happened the second time. It was intriguing since he seemed to be an 'undead' too. Why was he hiding from Yasha?
"Aside from my brothers," said Yasha, "there is no more undead."
"Maybe he is also your brother?"
"Impossible. I only have three brothers, and Aseyana met them all."
"A brother from your mother or father's side, perhaps? Or one who was hidden from all of you because of some family drama?"
"The more it is impossible. My parents were 'fated mates'. Even if they fooled around, no children would be formed, not to mention the curse they would face if they cheated. As for family drama, we didn't encounter such. We were once a big happy family before our immortal life."
"Fated mates? Is it the same 'mate' matter between you and Wallis?"
"Yes," I felt the bed sank. She probably sat down. "Ancient people like us have mates given by fate," she explained. "But things happened, and generations after us suddenly had the right to choose theirs. My brothers and I—- and other ancient creatures still alive to this day—- are the last bunch who have fated mates."
Now, that was interesting. I wanted to know more. I really did. Unfortunately, someone suddenly barged into my room.
"Guys, look what I made!"
It was a good thing I was facing the door already. I didn't have to turn my head. Aseyana changed her gaze from me to Yasha with an excited smile.
"What is that?" I asked, pertaining to the necklace Aseyana was holding. It was made of gold. Then, there was a tiny ruby dangling in the middle.
She waved it. Then, she stepped forward until she reached me and happily put it on my neck. Right in the moment the necklace touched me, I felt invigorated. My exhaustion was gone. There was some clicking sound from my back (I think those were my bones—- Bah! And Yasha was so proud she got them back to their original place when they didn't!).
"Oh my goodness! This is a miracle!" I exclaimed, sitting at the edge of the bed. I wiggled my body and sighed in relief after confirming I was okay.
"I infused Natalia's healing ability into that gem. Then, I cast a spell of protection. As long as you are not in any harm between life and death, the ruby will heal you faster like any supernatural."
I blinked. I held the gem and took a good look at it. If one didn't look deeply, no one would notice the swirling whatsoever inside it.
"It's my blood," said Aseyana.
My head snapped towards her.
"It will strengthen the spell," she explained. "And I will detect if you are in danger."
My face softened, especially my heart. I was touched! I was not related to any of them. Yet, they were willing to protect me. Despite being a walking curse like Yasha, I was glad I experienced this and met these kindhearted people—- more kind than humans themselves.
Yasha jokingly slapped my shoulder. "Please," she said, disgusted. "Wipe that tears off your eyes. You are giving me goosebumps."
I did what I was told, but not without glaring at her first.
"Are you done with that witch?" Yasha asked in the middle of my tears-wiping moment.
"I am," Aseyana affirmed. "We have to get to Principal Stonefield before the event starts," she added, looking at me. "We will become part of this community starting tomorrow."
She looked excited. Her eyes were gleaming.
"Oh, look at that gleam in your eyes," Yasha pointed out.
Aseyana quickly blinked and hid her emotion.
"I still don't understand that desire of yours to be part of this town," Yasha stated honestly. "But since it is what you want, I will become the greatest aunt and support you. I still believe you better look for another town, though."
"Thank you, Aunt Yasha!"
Yasha waved her hand. "Just ensure that witch would stay alive. I am not satisfied with the pain I inflicted on her. I still have the desire to torture her."
I looked at Yasha, to which the latter returned.
"What?" she asked. "We all have desires." Then, she shrugged. "And mine is to torture."
—
The party started at six. It was to celebrate the three hundred foundation years of the town. So, I thought there was no need to look fashionable. Oh, how wrong I was! The moment we stepped into the town's hall, glittering dresses and presentable suits came into our view. I almost thought we attended a prom.
I looked at our outfits. Aseyana and I dressed in a simple manner, but we still looked decent. Yasha and Natalia, however, wore black and blue dresses, respectively. And here I thought they were the odd ones upon entering the hall.
Yasha gave me a taunting look, smiling at me. "Oh! Are you two here to attend the party?" she asked, innocently staring at us. "I thought you were here to serve us." She winked before proceeding inside.
As for Natalia, her gaze looked innocent. But her smile was telling us otherwise. Then, she followed Yasha.
The nerve!
"So what if you got beautiful dresses? We got beauty!" I glared at their back.
Aseyana giggled. "Let's meet Principal Stonefield first."
I harrumphed but followed Aseyana anyway. We entered the hall, went upstairs, and before I knew it, we entered an office with two bulky men standing guard. I gave those two an inquisitive look before the door closed.
"I'm glad you came in time!" Principal Stonefield greeted.
"You didn't tell us there is a to dressed up."
Principal Stonefield stilled at my accusation. It was not really an accusation. I was fine the way I look right now. I was not alone, anyway. I was merely in the mood to talk.
"I'm—-" Principal Stonefield blinked, "—- I'm sorry. I didn't know I had to, you know—-" she couldn't finish her words. Afraid, maybe, of offending us, knowing we were not familiar with each other.
She was funny.
"Yeah, I know. We only didn't expect the party to be this grand." I grinned to tell her I was only making fun of her.
However, her brows knitted together, looking apologetic. "Apologies. I have spare dresses here that might fit you, though."
I lost my grin. She didn't get it. "No, Principal Stonefield. I don't do dresses. I'm not comfortable wearing one." That was why I wore square pants. Aseyana, on the other hand, wore jeans and a white shirt.
"Then, why are we talking about dress codes?" she asked, curious.
"She was only kidding, Principal Stonefield. Please don't mind her," Aseyana cut in. "We have Penelope, by the way. Where should we put her?"
"That's good," Principal Stonefield nodded. "There are humans around. Hence, we cannot let them see Penelope, considering she was tortured beyond recognition," she gave us a profound look. "But the gathering of the supernatural beings would begin at midnight. The procedure will start at that time."