The village of Windfield woke to another tranquil day, its streets bathed in the warm light of dawn. Golden rays spilled over the rooftops, glinting off the dew-kissed leaves of the trees that swayed gently in the breeze. Inside a modest but cozy house at the edge of the village, sunlight pierced through a set of half-drawn curtains, illuminating a small bedroom.
The light struck Emma directly in the eyes, rousing her from a restless sleep. She groaned, pulling the blanket over her face in a futile attempt to block the invasive brightness. Her silver-white eyes fluttered open reluctantly, their gleam dulled by fatigue.
"What's this? Why does my body feel so weak?" Emma muttered to herself, her voice hoarse and barely audible. She shifted to her side, the effort sending a dull ache coursing through her limbs. A faint smirk tugged at her lips, one laced with disbelief. "Impossible. I, Emma, former Lord of Frostfall Tower, do not feel weak."
Despite her bravado, her body betrayed her. Her legs wobbled as she pushed herself out of bed, and every step felt as though she were moving through molasses. Determined, she shuffled through the hallway, her pale silver hair disheveled and her pajamas slightly askew. She emerged into the backyard, drawn by the thought of the sun's warmth washing away her strange ailment.
The garden was alive with vibrant colors and fresh scents. Rows of budding roses and violets lined the cobblestone path, while a tall oak tree cast a sprawling shade over a wooden bench. Vivian, her mother, was crouched near a bed of tulips, trimming the overgrown grass with meticulous care.
The moment Vivian glanced up and saw Emma, her serene expression shifted to one of concern. Emma's pallor was unmistakable. Dropping the trimmer, Vivian rose to her feet and approached quickly.
"Emma, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Vivian's gentle voice carried an undercurrent of worry.
Before Emma could respond, Vivian placed a hand on her forehead. Her sharp white eyes glimmered as she assessed her daughter's condition. "You're running a fever," she said with a small chuckle. "This is the first time since you were born."
Emma's thoughts raced. A fever? That's absurd! I've never fallen ill, not even once in this new life. She frowned, her mind snapping to a possible explanation. Wait… Ethan had a fever just a few days ago. Could it be contagious?
Vivian interrupted her musings by gently guiding Emma back inside the house. They settled on the sofa in the living room, a cozy space adorned with warm hues and bookshelves filled to capacity.
"Hold still," Vivian instructed as she removed her glasses and set them carefully aside. She brought her hands close to Emma's head, and a soft green glow began to emanate from her palms. The light pulsed rhythmically, like the gentle ebb and flow of the tide, before seeping into Emma's skin.
Warmth spread through Emma's body, chasing away the fever's grip. The numbness in her limbs dissipated, replaced by a soothing calm. She blinked up at her mother, a flicker of awe in her gaze. "Healing magic can cure a fever?"
Vivian chuckled, slipping her glasses back onto her nose. "Yes, dear. Healing magic is versatile. It's not just for treating injuries."
Emma tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What else can it do?"
Vivian smiled, her expression softening. "It can remove curses, mend broken bones, restore stamina, and even regenerate lost limbs." She hesitated, then added with a playful chuckle, "Though the last part is a bit advanced for someone your age to fully understand."
Emma's lips twitched into a wry smile. If only you knew… I've seen, and caused, far worse than dismemberment in my past life. She held her tongue, opting instead to nod politely.
"Thank you, Mom," she said, standing up and planting a quick kiss on Vivian's cheek. "I'm heading to the library. There's something I want to study."
Vivian watched her daughter with a knowing smile. "Before you go," she called out, "did you hear? The royal bookstore is opening to commoners this weekend."
Emma froze mid-step, her heart skipping a beat.
Vivian's grin widened, noticing the glimmer of excitement in her daughter's eyes. "Would you like to go?"
Emma turned, her face alight with enthusiasm she couldn't conceal. "Yes! Of course, I'll go." Her voice brimmed with anticipation, and her mind began racing. The royal bookstore… The wealth of knowledge there must be unparalleled. Books on magic, history, secrets of this world—they could all be within my grasp.
Vivian chuckled softly as Emma disappeared down the hallway, her steps quickened by her eagerness.
Inside the library, a sanctuary of silence and wisdom, Emma settled into her favorite corner. The room was dimly lit, with towering shelves of books creating labyrinthine rows that stretched to the ceiling. Dust motes danced in the air, illuminated by the light streaming through the stained-glass windows.
Emma pulled a thick tome from a nearby shelf, her thoughts consumed by the possibilities the royal bookstore promised. What mysteries will I uncover there? What secrets lie hidden in its depths?
As she opened the book and began to read, her mind was already leaping ahead, envisioning the doors of knowledge that were about to open. The fever was forgotten, her goal reignited. This world had so much to offer, and she intended to claim it all.