Chapter 43: Return to Brighmere
Garnet POV
Seeing both Dirge and Thessi in pain felt like a punch to the gut. Did the potion fail? Did they not follow the recipe perfectly?
“What’s the worst thing that happens if you’re away from your grove too long?” Jiro asked, his crimson brows knitting together.
Thessi gulped. “Ah … we’re supposed to get very weak and turn gray at first, then wither like leaves, then turn transparent and fade away. Or we turn into dried leaves and blow away. It happens instantly. We get fatigued and our blood pressure drops, but my heart is racing.”
“She doesn’t feel weak,” Dirge said, holding her up gallantly. And she doesn’t look gray. A little pale, maybe. It almost feels like a heart attack …”
Thessi stood up straighter and stronger. “But those don’t happen to elves who are away from the grove after twenty-one days. Judge Chalice personally witnessed that one case and the woman just shriveled up and you could see through her.”