I woke up early and dressed in a loose dress so that I wouldn't feel suffocated during my trip.
Mother asked me to return to the academy for now because she's worried about the Rosens and whoever their ally is. I didn't mind because I needed to continue my research and was hoping to visit the archive room at the academy for references.
"Bye, Livi, I wish you could stay longer," Mother said, hugging me.
"Bye, Mother," I replied.
"You'll be teleported to a nearby town where you can rest before going to the capital," she said, and I nodded. "Good luck with your research," she added.
"Thank you," I replied, turning to enter the carriage. I looked out and waved at Blair, who looked like she was about to cry. "Let's go, Ty," I said, relaxing in my seat.
…
Just as Mother said, we arrived in a different town. I was taken to an inn and rested there for the night before we continued our journey to the capital.
"Welcome back, my lady," a few maids and butlers stood outside to welcome me. It was really surprising.
I walked to my room with Tyler behind me and fell on the bed the moment I got there; it was already dark, and I was exhausted.
"Ty, tomorrow we'll go back to the academy. I hope I can find the last ingredient soon," I said.
My worry increased with every passing minute. I kept asking myself 'what ifs'. I was honestly scared but couldn't afford to relax or let myself wallow in fear because I didn't have time.
…
I opened my eyes and stood up. I got dressed and walked out to meet a few maids on their way to my room.
"Oh, my lady, you're up. We'll get the carriage ready," one of them said and turned to leave.
"Would you like to have something to eat while you wait?"
"Yes, thank you," I replied and followed her.
Eating alone in the large dining room was nice but also not. I remembered when Mother was there, and her students kept asking random questions. I also remembered when I returned after running away, Teon kept trying to create small talk.
"It was nice," I said to myself.
Tyler walked in and was served as well.
I got in the carriage and we left. I just looked out the window throughout the long hours of travel, thinking about my research and all the possibilities I might have missed.
I was dropped off in front of the carved stairs that led to my house in the mountains. I stood by the corner as my things were dropped inside and arranged for me.
"We'll be leaving now," one of the butlers that followed me said.
"Okay, thank you," I replied.
I cleaned up and walked out with Ty. It was late afternoon, and I didn't have anything to do, so I decided to visit the Principal to tell him I'd returned and also visit the archive.
I walked to his office and went to see the secretary first. When she saw me, she smiled.
"Miss Alden, you're back. It's good to see your face again," she said, and I nodded. "You can go in. The Principal is free," she said.
"Thank you," I said and turned to walk inside. I knocked on the door and waited for a response.
"Come in," I heard the Principal's voice.
"Good…"
"Faina?" he said, cutting me off.
"Yes, I came to tell you that I'm back," I replied.
"Oh, finally," he exclaimed. "So what do you think of resuming work?" I just came back. "You know what? Never mind, I'll let you focus on your work for now. Consider it a birthday gift," he said.
"Thank you," I replied. "I'll take my leave now," I said, and he nodded.
I walked out and made my way to the archive. It was locked when I got there, so I used my 'key'. I always have it with me no matter where I'm going.
I looked through all the old research and checked for ingredients that I might not know. I had done this before, but I just wanted to give myself hope that I'd see something if I visited again.
After searching for hours, I gave myself a break and decided to look through books on healing magic. I wanted to see if there was another style of healing I didn't know about.
While magic has been used in the past for catalysts, it just doesn't work for medicines. I checked many places to see if there was something I didn't know, but it was pointless.
I ended up spending my hours learning healing magic instead of finding what I wanted. It was not a total waste, but it was not what I wanted.
"Let's go, Ty," I said, climbing down the ladder after putting the books back.
We walked out, and I locked the door before heading back. It was already dark outside, and everyone had gone back to their dorms. It felt very peaceful.
I walked absentmindedly but was forcefully pulled back to reality by Tyler's sudden movement. He pushed me down to the floor, and I hit my head. What's going on?
He growled at something and stood defensively in front of me. I turned and saw a masked person standing a short distance away from us.
"Ty…" I gasped when I saw a knife stuck in Tyler's side. I didn't waste any time or bother about the danger in front of us. I quickly moved to his side and started healing him before he bled any further.
The person didn't wait for me and moved swiftly, swinging a sword at me. Tyler pushed me and caught the sword with his fangs.
"Who are you?" I asked, trying to stand up. The person didn't reply. He just moved back and brought out a knife. Tyler didn't give him a chance to get his bearings before running after him.
He swung his knife, and it scratched Tyler, but he didn't care. He used his claws and attacked him. Tyler gave him deep cuts, and he moved back quickly and ran away before Tyler could attack again.
I ran to Tyler and continued healing him as I panted. I was scared, extremely scared.
Who was that? Why was he after me? Is it because I'm Lady Myra's daughter? Are they trying to use me to get to her? How did they enter the academy?
My mind was in turmoil, but my priority was healing Tyler. He didn't seem to be hurting much, but that didn't matter. I didn't like seeing him hurt, especially because it was because of me.
I hugged him, still kneeling on the floor. I healed him successfully but was shaken up. My body felt weak after calming down, and I couldn't muster the strength to keep walking. Tyler rubbed his head against my cheek, probably as a means of comfort.