I opened my eyes slowly and looked around; it was still dark. I forced myself up and glanced around the room.
"You're up," Bella said, materializing from the darkness. "What happened? You passed out," she asked.
"Did anything else happen?" I asked, following her with my eyes as she settled on the couch, crossing her legs.
"No, why?"
"It's nothing. I passed out because I used a complex spell when I hadn't rested in weeks," I lied. I was still shaken up; I had almost been caught.
"Then you should get some rest. We'll leave in the morning, as per the Duchess's orders," Bella said.
"Okay, but I need to go back to get something," I replied. She nodded and turned to leave.
"Get some rest," she said as she walked out. I forgot to ask what had happened to her.
I sat up, climbed down from the bed, and sat by the window, staring outside. I didn't have a seizure as I had expected, but I still felt weak. Did it work?
The door opened, and Tyler ran in. I stood up and rushed to hug him. I had been really worried about him.
"Tyler, where did you go? I was so worried," I said, and he licked my face in response. "Ty, I'm so scared. I feel like I won't be able to tell anyone the truth for a while, even if I wanted to. I'm so shaken up—I feel like I'm being watched," I confessed, hugging him tightly. I felt more insecure than I had ever been, even when I was in the Rosen house.
...
I didn't get much sleep last night because I couldn't shake off the fear. I walked out of my room and made my way to the dining room. As I reached for the handle, I felt someone behind me and turned quickly. Teon was standing there, looking concerned.
"Fay," he called.
"Ah, good morning," I replied. He studied me for a moment.
"Are you okay? Bella said you fainted yesterday," he said.
"I'm fine; I just used too much magic while sleep-deprived," I lied. He looked skeptical. "I'm fine," I said again, and he nodded.
"If you're not okay, tell me, alright?" he said, and I nodded with a small smile.
We entered the dining room to find Bella and Ariel already seated. We exchanged greetings and sat down to eat quietly. I focused on my health, trying to gauge if I had any complications, but there were none. The medicine seemed to have prevented a seizure, but beyond that, nothing had changed. I needed to continue taking it steadily and get enough rest. Traveling didn't seem like a good idea right now.
"Fay," Teon called, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Yes?" I replied.
"Did you hear what I said?" he asked.
"Huh? No, what did you say?" I asked.
"I said I'd take you to the academy, and we'd leave tonight," he said, and I nodded.
"What happened yesterday?" Ariel asked, looking at me. "Bella said when she got there, everyone had passed out. Did you learn how to fight?" she asked.
"No, it's nothing like that. Eris passed out because she inhaled poison," I clarified.
"And the Rosen head?" Bella asked.
"I told you, I just put them to sleep," I replied.
"Is that even possible? Did she make them inhale something?" Ariel asked Bella.
"How did you do it?" Bella asked.
"I…" Why am I being secretive? It's not a big deal. "I cut off their magic flow," I said, and the twins stared at me, wide-eyed.
"Cut off… is that even possible?" Ariel asked.
"It isn't?" I asked.
"I've never heard of such a thing before. That's amazing, Fay," Teon said.
"It is?" I asked, surprised.
"How did you do it?" Ariel pestered.
"I reversed healing magic," I said, and Ariel's mouth widened. Why is she overreacting?
"Galliel professors are wonderful," Ariel said, relaxing in her seat. "Why are you asking like it's not a big deal?" she asked, and I had no response for her.
"Drop it, Ariel," Bella said.
"Bella, what happened to you yesterday?" I asked, changing the subject.
"My group was attacked when we entered the capital. Thanks for healing me; I didn't have time to care," she replied.
"It's nothing," I said, looking down.
"We'll prepare for our departure. You two take care of Faina's things," Bella said, standing up.
"We'll be off now, my lady," Ariel said, standing up to follow her sister.
"We'd better be off as well," Teon said, and I nodded, standing up. "I'll be downstairs waiting," he said and left.
I went to my room to get dressed and then made my way downstairs. My thoughts were consumed by the medication I had taken earlier. I wasn't entirely sure of its efficacy, but from what I could tell, the expected side effects had not manifested, which was a small relief. However, the other symptoms persisted, reminding me that the healing process was far from over.
I knew that no drug produces results instantly; it requires a consistent regimen and time to be effective. I was aware that rushing the process could be detrimental, so I had to be patient. My mind couldn't shake the worry that the Large Worms might eventually build up a resistance to the drug, though, given that it functioned more as a poison, such resistance was less likely. Still, the thought gnawed at me.
Despite the lingering symptoms, I focused on the fact that there were no immediate adverse effects from the medication. I would need to continue with the treatment as prescribed and monitor its impact closely. It was crucial to stay vigilant and adjust the regimen if necessary to ensure that the drug remained effective against the Large Worms.
As I descended the stairs, my apprehension about the ongoing treatment mixed with a sense of determination. The journey ahead would test my resolve, but I had to stay focused and take things one step at a time.
"I need to write it down," I said to myself as I walked outside.
"You're ready?" Teon asked, and I nodded.
"I love the shoes, thank you." They make me feel like I could be 5'2" someday, but not just yet, I guess.
"You're welcome," he said, smiling. The old Teon would have made a joke about how they'd help me look taller, but he had stopped making fun of my height recently. I missed it just a little.