21 To See Her Walk Again

Sera tried to sit herself up, everything in her body felt painful. Her mind was still trying to comprehend what just happened. Blood was slowly trickling from her forehead, caused by the impact of her fall. She looked around the room for something to clean it with and cover it up. Sera noticed an open door going into a small bathroom and slowly crept her way towards it. Painfully rising up, she washed her face and took a towel to clean the wound. She stared at the bathroom mirror a long time, deep in thought, 'Why?'

She was about to look away when her reflection suddenly flickered, changing her appearance for a split second. Sera taken aback, felt her knees grow weak. She fell to the floor once again. She started to lose consciousness and soon everything turned dark.

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Early the next morning, Sister Liz paced around her office, concerned and worried why Sera had not called the previous night. They had promised to regularly contact each other and it had become a regular routine. Last night was supposed to be the night Sera would call. 'Something must have happened, I hope she's all right' Sister Liz pondered. Brushing away the bad thoughts that are starting to form in her mind, she dialed the number of the Stedore Residence.

'Kriiiing!' Rhael, still half asleep, reached out for the phone. "Hello?"

Sister Liz's heart sank when she heard Rhael's voice. She was hoping it would be Sera to pick up the phone. Nevertheless, she kept her hopes up. "Hello, Mrs. Stedore. This is Sister Liz, from the orphanage. Is Sera all right? She was supposed to call me yesterday evening but she hadn't." she tried to not let her voice break.

Rhael was fully awake now and quickly thought of a reason. "Ah, yes. yes. Sera had a fever yesterday and we advised her to take a rest early. I'll let her know you called so she can contact you when she's already well.", Rhael lied.

Sister Liz felt a little relieved. She wanted to ask more questions but opted not to. She chided herself for being so worried and clears her throat. "Mrs. Stedore, thank you for taking good care of Sera. Please tell her we all pray for her fast recovery."

Rhael, pleased at this deception, thanked Sister Liz for her concern and ended the call.

Deep in thought, she was startled when Agaven, sleeping beside her, mumbled,

"Who would call at such an early hour?" slowly waking up.

"It was the orphanage. They were asking about Sera."

"Mm-hmm.", was the drowsy reply.

Annoyed, Rhael slapped her husband's arm and scolded, "Agaven, this is serious. They care too much about Sera. We can't afford them poking around and knowing what is happening here. Besides, we don't have the luxury of explaining everything to them. This must be dealt with immediately."

"What are you suggesting?", Agaven turned to face his wife.

"You know exactly what I'm thinking." Rhael answered, unwavering.

Hearing this, Agaven let out a long sigh, "Well, we know a few people fit for the job. How about your brother? I know him to be notorious against religion. He'll love taking care of those people."

Rhael just nodded as acknowledegement and began dialing on the phone.

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The door of Lerica's old room where Sera was sleeping opened, letting in light from the outside. Sera squinted at the light and was about to speak when she was forcibly made to stand up. A dark mask formed on her eyes, blinding her temporarily. A gust of air hit her and she felt the atmosphere shift. 'Teleportation magic?' she thought, recognizing the feeling from the books she read. Suddenly, she was slammes into a chair and multiple clamps and chains locked at her hands, legs, and neck. She felt needles piercing deep into

her skin.

"Noooooooo!" Sera cried out in pain. "Please, stop!"

"Shhhhh. Take it in slowly. It will be over soon". As soon as the voice spoke, Sera froze. She recognized it but it no longer held the warmth it once had. Now, it was cold and unemotional.

"Dad?", Sera tried to reach out. "What's happening?"

No one answered. There was only a static hum amidst the silence.

Sera started to feel strange, as if her strength and energy started to come back rapidly. It was supposed to give her relief but she had a feeling the worse is yet to come. As if her thoughts have been read, painful shocks assaulted her travelling from her limbs towards her spine and heart. Sera screamed in agony.

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Sera's cries were disturbing and haunting, but the Stedores steeled themselves, determined to achieve their goal. They could have performed this procedure with Sera sedated but it will take too long, and their findings will always be limited. They had no choice. Using magic to take one's life and use it for another was forbidden in the laws, but for the Stedores, they were willing to go against the whole world just to see their daughter walk again.