38 The Morning After

I'm standing in an empty room. It's dark, and I can barely fathom what's in here with me. It's quiet, that's until I hear footsteps closing in.

As I feel the presence of someone appearing behind me, their hands run from my arm to my neck, my skin forms chill bumps, and my heart pounds from my chest.

Then appeared two red piercing eyes right in front of my face, so close that I can feel their breath.

"I found you at last."

Out of shock, my eyes snap open. I familiarise the area I'm in to realize that I'm in my room. The sun has already risen, the bright ray of sunshine going through the glass window pane. I mentally thank the sun for brightening the atmosphere after that horrifying dream.

The events that took place last night deprived me of having a good night's rest. Honestly, anyone would be traumatized, finding it hard to sleep after being at war just hours before. The scenario, vivid and detailed, still lingering in my mind.

I recall after the beings of Beorene disappeared, we were left confused and exhausted. Blossom cast a temporary barrier around the castle with little of her ability left. She spared me a worried glance but didn't utter any word about what happened. She simply told everyone to rest for the night, worry about the castle tomorrow.

Only several lives were lost; even so, I feel entirely responsible for their deaths. I'm highly disturbed by this which, caused me to throw up a couple of times last night. I don't know how I'll get through with what happened.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, I turn to the opposite side where I face the bathroom door. As much as I'm tempted to stay in bed all day, I won't accomplish anything if I do so. It's only half a minute until Fay would knock on my door for breakfast, something I simply can't decline.

So I gather up the strength that I managed to restore for a few hours of sleep that I got. I stretch my arms and relieve my backache before getting up from the bed.

I walk toward the bathroom, passing by the vanity, eyeing the dagger that laid on it. As expected, the moment I push my door open, the tub is already filled with hot water. I strip off my nightgown, testing the water with my foot before going in.

The fresh scent of lavender fills my nose, the water at about the right temperature relaxes me. My thoughts start to run through the possible errands I can do today, but nothing good comes to my mind.

I wouldn't want to stay in bed all day for doing so is a day wasted. It wouldn't be right to train as Rhys should still be exhausted from yesterday.

Although seeing Talus and the elves, maybe visiting the village would make me feel better; Beorene creatures could still be loitering around, waiting for the right time to catch me defenseless.

Blossom did put a temporary protective barrier with every last of her ability just to keep us temporarily safe. The castle and its people aren't at their optimal state for another strike.

Faye always seems to be busy with her tasks, especially now that she'll be in charge of restoring the castle. Maybe I can lend her a hand, but I'm afraid I'll only slow them down.

The only option would be to head to the library and replenish or add the necessary knowledge that I may need. I'll need to read about combat and maybe discover more information about the other kingdoms.

It's the only option available, then I'll do just that.

I spend a few more minutes soaking myself in the tub, easing my mind and body to prepare me for today. I head out to get dress, knowing that breakfast will be in a few minutes.

Facing the full-length mirror, I tie the ribbon on my waist, creating a large bow on the back. I picked today's dress, leaning to something simple.

I run my fingers on my necklace as I smile. It's evident in my appearance that I barely had any sleep as I was troubled the entire night. Having to continually visit the bathroom to throw up; continuous nightmares as soon as I shut my eyes.

The knock coming from the door gave me a sudden fright. I pick up the dagger that laid on my vanity when I pass by, heading toward the door.

I answer it to meet with Faye. She gives me a slight smile, and I return it. She doesn't look like she rested better than me, so I guess everyone is affected.

We walk in silence, even our footsteps are kept to a minimum. The hallways are quiet, and that's no surprise. The ambiance is quite saddening; the sunlight that's seeping through the windows is trying to lighten up the mood.

Faye pushes the door to the dining area open. I unexpectedly meet Blossom, who's already seated at one of the chairs, reading a letter with a cup of tea on the table.

As Faye shuts the door, Blossom acknowledges my presence with a greeting followed by a smile.

"Good morning, Ms. Blossom," I greeted back, taking my seat on the chair across her. Faye takes the seat beside me, helping me pour the soup into my bowl.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Barely," I honestly admitted. It's visible from my very appearance, depleted and exhausted.

She puts down the letter and sends me an apologetic look, "I'm sorry you had to go through such a terrible experience. However, you did just fine protecting yourself. You were very brave."

"Th-thank you," I stutter with my words.

She had no idea how frightened I was, shaking to the core. The desire to bolt from this place, head back to the cabin and find a way to return to the human realm pursued my mind.

Though, it felt pretty good that I managed to bring down some of the bad guys. Rhys must be proud of me for staying alive long enough.

"You're getting better with your bow and arrow, which is why I wanted to ask you," my ears perks up with what she's about to say, "if you want to visit the Town of Tinkers and get your bow made."