THE DAY OF THE CEREMONY (2)

Darius laughed. "No. This is not alcohol. He asked a healer to make this potion so you'll feel less nervous during the ceremony, it will help calm your nerves." He tilted his head to observe Dawn. "I think he is right, you look so awful."

Dawn squinted her eyes. "Just earlier you said that I am beautiful." She glanced at the bottle. "A healer? You meant Aurel?"

She swore she wouldn't eat anything that came from her, even if the potion was not poisonous, who knew if she spat in it?

"Of course not, knowing the bad blood between you two, there is no way Zenith will order her to make this potion," Darius replied. "He asked a healer from our pack to make it. It was just delivered this morning, it should have been here last night, but there was a delay."

Dawn stared at the bottle. "Thank you."