I woke up again, and this time around, the stinging sensation in my eyes and lips had subsided. Eager to be up and moving, I attempted to open my eyes upon regaining consciousness. I peeked at first, cautiously surveying the empty room, and then fully opened my eyes. The room remained quiet, just as it had been before. However, there was one notable change—the intravenous drip had been replaced by a bowl emitting a fragrant incense-like aroma. Intrigued by the pleasant scent, I refrained from inspecting it too closely, assuming it must have contributed to my improved health. Curiosity compelled me to turn my neck in the opposite direction, gazing toward the left side of the room. Surprisingly, the pain was less pronounced, encouraging me to turn fully and examine the previously unobserved area. It appeared to be a working room of a pack doctor, adorned with herbs, shrubs, and traditional paraphernalia. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, I found myself unafraid. The reason fo
The barking of a dog woke me up this time. Still feeling groggy, I let my hand pat and stretch on the bed, stopping short when I noticed something. I was clothed. Who had done so? The first time, I hadn’t even noticed if I was clothed or not. The pain hadn’t allowed me that luxury of feeling anything. But the second time, I had been naked save for a thin gown which correlated to the normal hospital gown. However, I was in a pair of shorts and a thin polo now. How? Who had been in charge of my dressing? I hoped it was the female stranger. The thought of the man peeking at my body, even though he was likely the doctor and seemed sincere, didn’t sit well with me. I have always preferred female doctors. Should that be your headache now? My head taunted me and I scoffed mentally, unready to admit its accuracy; there were more things to worry about than who had been in charge of my wardrobe. I noticed then that I felt lighter; normal, no pain of any sort. I must be completely healed!
“Are you thirsty?” That was Diana. She must have noticed my insistent gaze on the blue colored ceramic cup and the golden water pitcher on the wooden table just beside the bed I had just laid. We were almost at the doorstep, but my quest for water had me taking a look at the source of thirst-quench for the umpteenth time.“Yes. I am.” I answered, standing still, my eyes peering down at her, my lips stretching in a thin smile when I saw the smirk cloak her lips. She found my desperation for water funny. Well, she could smirk away, as long as she got me what I wanted.“Okay then. Give me a second.” She said, before walking fast to the table to do my bidding. Seeing as she grabbed both the pitcher and the cup, I believed she had the foresight to know that just one cup wouldn’t be enough to quench my thirst.“Here you go.” She said, before handing over to me, the water pitcher and the cup. Without much ado, I opened the cup-for it had a cover, and poured some water into it; draining
We have been walking for about five minutes on a tiny path, west of the abode where I had been treated. Actually, I was not sure about the time frame. Diana has been talking non stop since we had embarked on this short journey to meet her parents, in the farmland. That’s where she said we were going to; the farmland. Turns out that this was really a village to the truest form. I lost track of time, because her stories were quite rich and interesting, containing facts I should know about the village, in case I got accosted by another villager, and got queried because I was a new face. I was even considering changing my name. From Diana’s tales, the ruler of the village was a queen, whose king had died some ten years ago. Diana believed the woman was strong and had chosen her as her role model. Well, I would be the judge of that when I encounter the said woman; not that I was any good judge of character. Adam was proof of that. Evil, yet dwelling in a handsome innocent body. I cou
The penetrating gazes of my saviors had me biting my lip nervously. I was nervous because I didn’t know what they would do to me, now that I was awake. Would they send me away, or would they keep me? I was hoping for the latter.“Maya…” The woman called this time around, placing her hand on my shoulder, her eyes a canvas of affection and care. These were loving people, and I wished to stay with them longer if they would take me in.“I am fine, I am just nervous.” I said, deciding to be upfront with them-that way I would know my stand and the next step to take.“About what?” The man asked. I still didn’t know his name.“Well, I am awake now. And even though I can't thank you enough for nursing me back to life, I was wondering what you will do with me now. Will you send me away or keep me? That is the reason for my nervousness.” I answered, looking everywhere but at them. It was as if my old timid self was coming back and I didn’t like it. This was a new place, and a good place to sta
Peter was right. Laura’s mac was the most delicious I have ever tasted. Damn! What the hell did she use to prepare it? I thought, as I scooped the last serving on my plate. With the tail of my left eye, I checked to see how the people around the table were faring, and found out that they were still eating gently, in little amounts.Well, they must be used to eating such a rich dish. I had to admit that Laura beat my mother hands down in mac preparation. I thought of asking for more, but shyness wouldn't let me. Fortunately, Diana saw the want and greed painted on my face.“You want more, Maya?” She asked me, and for a minute I was glad that she had read my mind, or my face, whichever one it was. At her question, Laura and Peter looked up from their plates and stared at me. There was a notable smirk playing on Peter’s lips that almost had me groaning for the victory which I knew he was already stewing in.I bit my lips under their gazes, and looked at the window, not ready to agre
Perusing the details of the house once again, I knew I would like it here, that is, if Peter and his wife would have me. They were yet to broach the issue. Hopefully, they would quell my curiosity after dinner.“Here, Maya. I think this is the last serving. I pray it will be enough to quell your hunger which is quite understandable. You haven’t really eaten solid food for more than three months. Every meal was squeezed to its liquid form and transfused into your system.” Laura said as she dropped a plate of mac in front of me.The smell dispelled my regret of raiding their pot. But still, I attempted to sound sympathetic over the issue. “I am sorry...” But Laura wouldn’t have any of it to my relief. “Don’t worry, Maya. Just eat on.” She said, before turning and walking to her seat. Turning aside, I caught Diana wink at me. I smiled then. She seemed to know that I was anything but sorry. The girl knew a lot more than her age. I wondered who her teacher was, or if there was a school
Although I was curious about the queen, I didn’t want to go to her yet; I didn't want to stay with her. I was already familiar with my saviors and wanted to stay with them for now whilst plotting my revenge.“You know what, Maya, I think you should stay here for now. But if the queen takes note of your presence, or if the villagers think it necessary to let the queen know of your presence-then whatever her decision concerning you, we will have to abide by that, no matter what we want. Do you understand?'' Laura asked after stating her decision on the matter, and immediately I nodded my head robotically, holding the smile threatening to break out on my lips.Diana would love this.“Thank you very much, Laura. I appreciate the goodwill that you and your family have bestowed on me. I thank you so much. Peter too.” I said, my mouth and words full of appreciation, a clear reflection of the gratitude that abided in my soul and heart. I was so happy. Now, I could have a stable environment to
I can't believe myself. I can't believe what I had done, when I had opened my eyes and saw the classroom free of smoke, free from the flames I had conjured mere minutes ago. I had jumped on Raul. It was supposed to be a thank you hug, you know, coming from a place of excitement, of happiness that I had finally mastered how to control my magic to some extent, but the hug ended up being the ones couple shared after being apart for probably a year. I had hugged him quite alright, but my legs had moved, of their accord. They had jumped and plastered themselves around his waist. They were still there. Around his waist. My mind was in shambles, especially since Raul had managed to catch me with all precision, still held me now, and showed no signs of letting go. Don't I weigh anything? I retrieved my head from the crook of his neck which scented of masculinity. This contact needed to end now. "Ehmm.." I muttered now, looking into his face, which although wasn't red as mine, showed the
Raul and I stayed cocooned in a comfortable silence for a long while, a privy truce already happening between us. I didn’t see him as the enemy anymore. However, I was still working on separating him from the Queen in my equation of retribution. “How long are we going to stay here? Aren’t we returning to class?” I asked after sometime, my back already yelling in pain for reclining against the hard wall for a long period of time. Raul shrugged his shoulders at my question. “It’s not like there will be any class going on. Do you see any professor around? I bet the students are huddled in their classes, wondering what next would go wrong with..” “With me, you mean….” Raul gave me an apologetic look, but it was all right. It was understandable. Since we have been here, no students have come close, no teachers too. The fire was still burning. I was sure it had ventured into the other classes. Weren’t they coming to stop it? “You know you are the only one that can quench that fire….”
What have I done?Panic swept through the magic room like a tidal wave, mingling with the smell of smoke and the sound of screams.My heart sank as I realized the magnitude of what I had unleashed. I had wanted to prove myself, to show my mastery over the elements, but now, all I felt was guilt and remorse.As chaos erupted around me, I knew that I would carry the weight of this moment with me for quite a long time. For in my quest for power, I had unleashed a force beyond my control, leaving destruction in its wake. And now, I could only watch helplessly as the flames consumed everything in their path.The flames. They held me captive. They had me frozen in the midst of the ensuing chaos. They had my heart sinking into the depths of sorrow. The flames, born of my own magic gone awry, danced voraciously across the classroom. Smoke choked the air, thick and suffocating, as desks and books became engulfed in a raging inferno. The screams of my classmates pierced the cacophony of destru
As I caught sight of Sinclair standing by the door of my classroom, a flutter of nervous anticipation stirred within me. The time for my magic classes had finally come, and despite my excitement, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. The time has come.Mr. Lethon must have sent him. I thought, checking the time on my wrist watch. It was exactly the time for my magic class. Sinclair was quite punctual.Since I had decided to cut him some slack for not doing anything about Levina's bullying, we have exchanged words here and there—greetings especially—but it has not been like the same. Probably, because I have been avoiding him really. I'm not sure why. I think I just didn't want to talk to him, not that freely as before, at least not yet. However, he was here to pick me up.I looked at Professor Bulock talking about some impossible theory of magic, and almost called him to the fact that his time was gone. But that would be falling under his radar again. I was tired of that
As Diana and I walked hand in hand to school, chattering like monkeys, a sense of elation bubbled up inside me, replacing the feeling of shame that had subsided a little after Laura's words of encouragement.The Queen had fulfilled her side of the bargain, as she had promised us. She had moved the children's classes back to the general school, and she hadn't disturbed me since then. And even though the weight of her last words had never left me, I couldn't help but feel relief and gratitude, walking to school like this, hand in hand with Diana. It was pure bliss.As we walked, Diana regaled me with tales of spells and enchantments, her enthusiasm quite infectious. I knew that it was because I had just shown her, though messy, that I was good enough to be filled in with magic spells. We exchanged knowledge eagerly—I told her about the book I had stolen from the library, and what I had learnt from them—each revelation sparking a lively conversation that danced between us like fireflies
Finally, It was Friday. A sense of anticipation coursed through my veins like an electric current as I ruminated on what it entailed for me. Magic classes.Today marked the beginning of my journey, officially, into the world of magic—a world I had longed to explore ever since my encounter with the vision of the community's first queen. For two days, I had immersed myself in the ancient magic books, devouring their contents with an insatiable hunger for knowledge. With each page I turned, I had delved deeper into the mysteries of magic, learning the intricacies of summoning and controlling magical creatures, as well as the secrets of casting spells both simple and complex. Though I had practiced in secret, hidden away from prying eyes, my determination never wavered. And now, as I sat at the breakfast table with my family, my newfound skills lay dormant, waiting to be unleashed."Well, how are you feeling, Maya? Seeing that today would be your first time learning magic?" I shrugged
I suddenly found myself standing in a vast, lush forest bathed in the golden light of a setting sun. Ancient trees towered overhead, their branches adorned with shimmering leaves that seemed to glow with an ethereal energy. Birds chirped melodiously in the canopy above, their songs blending harmoniously with the rustling of leaves.In the distance, I saw figures moving through the forest with purpose. Without much ado, I walked toward them, pausing when I noticed that I was literally gliding on the air. My feet weren’t touching the grassy ground. I opened my mouth to gasp in surprise, but air didn’t ooze out of my mouth, neither did a sound come out.I couldn’t talk here? If that was so, then I hoped that I couldn’t be seen.As I approached the figures, I realized they were villagers clad in simple yet elegant garments, their faces painted with elaborate colorful patterns. They spoke in a language that echoed with ancient wisdom, their voices carrying a solemn reverence.Among them
As the minutes ticked by, as I neared home, my thoughts circled back to the Queen’s cryptic demeanor, to her parting words. Consequences. What plans did she have in motion? How would she retaliate against our interference? The uncertainty gnawed at me, yet I clung to the conviction that our actions had been necessary, a pivotal moment in our struggle for autonomy and justice within the community that was ruled by the Queen.With a deep breath, I gathered my composure and turned aside to gaze at Peter. He too, seemed lost in thoughts. There was a slight frown on his face, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had brought about the frown. The promise of the consequences?I sighed softly, and turned away, resolving to face whatever consequences awaited us with courage and determination, which was fortified by the unwavering bond of family and the conviction that we had taken a stand for what was right."I won't let her hurt my family," I whispered to myself a second later, my voice a quie
As Peter and I entered the Queen's personal office, I was immediately struck by the air of elegance and authority that permeated the room. Whilst on our way here, Peter had clarified that the room where I had once had a personal meeting with the Queen, wasn't actually hers, but Duke's. It all made sense now. The difference was clear.The walls of this office were adorned with rich tapestries depicting scenes of royal lineage, while intricate carvings lined the wooden furniture, each piece a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the community's artisans.At the center of the room stood a grand desk, its polished surface gleaming in the soft light that filtered in through the tall windows. Behind the desk sat the Queen herself, a regal figure dressed in flowing robes of deep crimson. I and Peter bowed, and greeted.Beside her stood her brother, Hendel, his expression stoic yet filled with an undeniable sense of pride.But it was her two children who caught my attention. Duke and Ra