Things are beginning to change
Days, which consisted out of a constant cycle of eating, exercising, and sleeping, passed by slowly for the pitiful Mark. Within the many days, Mark had to eat roasted wild meat without seasoning, he had to train for almost an entire day, and had to sleep together with Artemis. Sleeping is supposed to be the best part of his routine, since it's basically the time where he can finally rest, and where he finds himself lying right beside a beauty. Unfortunately however, it wasn't the best part for him, because he couldn't really rest well with the thought of having to keep every part of his body away from Artemis so he can remain alive.
As a result of all the cruel days that Mark has to go through, Mark had a sleeping disorder, an exhausted body, and a bitter tongue. In conclusion, he was completely wasted, mind and spirit. That's why, in the end, which is on the sixteenth day of his continuous routine, Mark passed out under the heat of the sun.
No matter how used he was to working out already, Artemis's regime was simply too cruel for a normal human being like him…
Meanwhile, throughout those sixteen days, Alissa had been watching Mark, since she wasn't able to do anything other than that. With him being on a strict routine every day, and away from everyone other than Artemis, it was basically impossible for her to continue with her plans. That's why she could only watch whatever he and Artemis were doing. Watch in agony, because her plans were going further and further from its general idea.
As time passed however, her feeling of agony vanished, because there was someone who was undergoing a form of agony as well. That someone is Mark, who Alissa had quite the sympathy for, after seeing the struggles that he has to go through every day. She no longer felt as pained as before due to her sympathy, and although there is a difference between her and his type of pain, she still showed a greater concern for his struggles. The reason for her concern, is mainly because Evan's soul being inside of Mark's body. Mark's state could affect Evan's last memories, she figured. Because, if by any chance Mark's mind were to get affected due to his unhealthy state, Evan's memories would actually be the first to disappear. If that happens, Alissa's plan would be completely destroyed, and there would not even be a shimmer of hope left for her, because Evan would be completely gone at that point…
"Mark… Mark! Mark!!"
It was Artemis who was calling for Mark. She was trying to wake him up, because she could sense that he was alright already, and conscious enough to wake up. It was already past twelve in the evening as well, which means that Mark had slept in the forest for many hours already. Obviously, with it being so late already, he had to wake up. Although Artemis is an expert in combat, she couldn't be too sure in protecting Mark, after all. Rumors have it that the night can be abnormally dangerous sometimes, and even though Artemis had risked it many times in order to see if the rumors are actually true, she did not want to risk it with a completely vulnerable person by her side. That's why she decided to try waking him up.
A wet towel lied on top of Mark's forehead, a cozy fire was made, and even food was ready for Mark to eat. Artemis had risked it all, and had placed a lot of effort in taking care of him after he had passed out. She didn't feel guilty for letting Mark go through all of that however, because she knew what kind of experience Mark is going through, and knew that it is a necessary process. As long as she takes care of him, she knows he'll be alright. In fact, the treatment that he's giving him, is way better than the treatment that she had received as a child. A child, who had never experienced her childhood…
"Ah, you're finally awake. Go get yourself a fill of some soup. You're not far from being sick, so eat." Were the next words of Artemis, which she said after seeing the eyes of Mark slightly open.
The pot of boiling soup wasn't too far from Mark, and the bowl and spoon were also very close to him. Artemis didn't bother filling the bowl for him, and made him do it himself, so he could reawaken the energy of his body. Clearly, everything that Artemis has done so far, is for mark's own good. The pain, the habits, and the way she took care of him. It's all so he can grow independent and fearless…
"Oh! The soup is actually good. This is the first time you've actually cooked something good for me." Mark couldn't help praising the taste of the soup after he had taken a sip of it.
"It's your first day of resting. So, you don't have to eat poison. Consider it as a gift of mine." Artemis replied with an angelic smile on her face.
Looking at her, Mark couldn't help but wonder if she was smiling like that because she liked his compliment, or because she was proud of him.
'Wait a minute…' He soon realized the reason why she might have actually been smiling.
"You've made me eat poison?!"