9. Chapter 9
9
A radiant light materialized before me, urging me to pursue its luminous path. It danced with a kaleidoscope of golds, violets, and orange hues, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of colors. Its gentle whispers carried sweet melodies, soothing the turmoil within my heart. As the light intensified, it pierced through the darkness, forming a shimmering doorway. Its core gleamed with such brilliance and purity that I had to shield my eyes from its radiant glow.
Eliah.
It whispered, softly enveloping me in its ethereal embrace. I reached out, gently touching its radiance as it spun around me, spiraling into infinity, illuminating everything in its path like a spiral of gold. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I basked in its comforting warmth, feeling the hope and longing I had always sought.
I allowed the light to envelop me, its graceful movements intertwining with my own as I danced with it, my hands trailing through its tangible essence. Abruptly, searing pain stabbed me, unbearable and consuming. I crumpled to the ground, the warmth and light draining from my body, leaving me cold and empty. The once-gentle light now trembled violently, its radiant hues twisting into a dark, cruel shade of red, staining everything it touched.
My scream echoed into the void as I reached desperately for the flickering brightness, battling against the destructive darkness. Haunting wails and screams pierced through the air, their chilling presence intensifying as I tumbled downward into a new doorway overflowing with nightmares and malevolent energies that thrashed. Its abyssal jaws consumed me, dragging me deeper into its depths, far, far away from the gentle light. A static, wailing noise consumed me entirely, scraping my own light from me until my anguished cries faded into the dark abyss.
I bolted upright, instinctively reaching for the dagger at my thigh, but found nothing except a tight bandage. Panic surged through me as I stumbled over something, sending me sprawling to the ground with a thud. My head smacked on the wood floor, causing a sharp groan to escape my lips. A moment later, the door flung open, rattling its frame, as quick footsteps clipped close.
"Eliah!" Aoife yelped, seeing me in a heap on the ground.
I sighed deeply, another groan escaping my lips as I felt the stiffness and soreness ache within my body.
I'm safe and in my room.
With a grunt, I attempted to sit up, only to find my foot tangled in the bedsheets. Aoife hurried over, swiftly loosening the fabric and gently guiding me back into bed.
"Please, don't tell me you were considering getting up like this ," she urged, gently settling my legs onto the bed, prompting me to slump into the welcoming embrace of my pillow. My head churned with a dense fog, but I clung to the reassurance that I was back in the safety of my room.
"I...I had a nightmare, I think," I murmured, my voice uncertain. The dream lingered in my mind, its reality hauntingly vivid and leaving me overwhelmed and confused.
"Let me take a look at your leg," Aoife insisted, casting a frustrated sigh that hinted at her irritation towards Jesri for allowing me to do such an evaluation. Wrinkling her brow with concern, she unwrapped the cloth tightly wound around my calf, extending to my lower thigh. I hadn't realized the wound had reached so high. Another bandage was wrapped around my arm, wrist, and head.
"How long have I been out?" I asked, sensing a slight throbbing in my head where the bandage covered the cut above my brow.
"Almost two days, my dear," Aoife answered softly.
" Two days? Did…" I hesitated, my words faltering. "Did I complete the task in time? Is the golden beast—" she hushed me, carefully rewrapping the bandage and tucking the bedding around me.
"Let's begin with getting you some food, shall we? You've lost a considerable amount of blood, Eliah," Aoife advised, with a concerned expression. "A healer will return around noon to administer more blood if necessary." She fixed me with a stern gaze. "And for my peace of mind, please take things slowly!"
She gave me a soft kiss on my cheek. "I'm very relieved you're awake." She ran out the door, fetching me food. The mere mention of it rumbled my stomach.
I sighed, staring at the blotched ceiling, my mind consumed by thoughts of the dream—the fight of light and darkness. I shifted my gaze to my arms, noticing dark purples and browns speckling them, leading up to a larger splotch on my right collarbone, barely visible beneath my white nightgown.
A soft yet firm knock came at my door. I shifted to a seated position, clearing my throat. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Levon stepped inside, his attire suggesting he had just woken up himself. His brow furrowed in concern, a sentiment I rarely witnessed from anyone besides Aoife and occasionally Cal.
"My lady," he greeted, bowing low before moving towards the foot of my bed. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Aoife told me you were awake. You had me extremely worried," he admitted.
I quickly adjusted, sitting up straighter and pulling the covers slightly higher, feeling exposed in my nightgown.
"I'm alright, truly. Just…out of sorts." I held my breath, not sure what to say.
"I'd be honored to have you join me, Eliah. At my estate, I mean…if you accept," he interjected, stumbling over his words, which seemed out of character, given his usual composure.
"I passed then?" I asked, not fully believing I did.
"You completed it well within the hour," he paused. "However, Jesri, as you know, is quite particular about order, and…well, he's under the impression that you didn't, given that I carried you out."
The memory of strong, comforting arms enveloping me flashed vividly in my mind, his voice echoing my name like a lifeline, tethering me back.
"Of course, Jesri would assume such idiocy. He'd prefer to see me bleed out for the remainder of the hour than offer assistance," I remarked bitterly, not caring if he told Jesri. He let out a low chuckle, but it quickly faded. "Thank you, Levon. For helping me once more that day."
He smiled with a nod. "If you accept the offer, I'll inform Jesri, and we can depart whenever you're ready." He hastened towards the door, appearing noticeably uneasy in my private chambers. Pausing just before exiting, he added, "I'm glad you're awake." With that, he slipped out before I could respond.
Although Levon appeared closer to my age and exuded a quiet charm, his presence still evoked the same unease I experienced around Jesri, who wanted power, wealth, and control.
Brushing aside the thought, I nestled deeper into the pillow, my mind churning with all the possibilities of leaving, actually leaving this place. A twinge of excitement nestled deep into my heart, carrying me off to a deep sleep.
"No more sleeping."
I felt a gentle pat on my feet and blinked at the warm, inviting light.
"Eat," Aoife insisted, setting a tray before me filled with a feast fit for a queen. My mouth watered at the sight of the sugared plums, savory pastries stuffed with an array of greens and sweet ham, and warm , delicate eggs. I wasted no time devouring it all, savoring each bite and reveling in the lavish flavors.
"Oh, slow down!" Aoife teased, her laughter infectious as she took a bite of a sugared plum. Giggles escaped me effortlessly with each delightful taste. Whether it was thanks to Aoife's persuasive skills or Levon's, I couldn't say, but one thing was sure—Jesri would never permit me such food, especially after a failed evaluation. I couldn't help but feel delighted, imagining Jesri's likely frustration.
I finished off the last bite with only crumbs left. My stomach, now uncomfortably full, churned with a sudden onset of nausea. I flopped back in bed as a genuine smile lined my lips. A rush of excitement coursed through me, imagining a world beyond the confines of Jesri's estate. Recollections of adventures shared by Jesri's friends and Calum's parents, who had fled to the distant East Ulvery Sea, flooded my mind. What had once felt like an unrealistic dream now seemed within reach. Despite the upcoming training with Levon for the Match, no one cares to tell me about it. The prospect of leaving behind these yellowed walls fills me with hope.
"Aoife, help me get dressed, will you? I'd like to get some fresh air."
She gave me a look before helping me rise from the bed, grounding me with a comforting sense of normalcy. I couldn't help but wonder if I truly needed the help, considering how surprisingly well I felt despite the lingering discomfort in my leg and small thrum of pain in my head.
Aoife helped me into a pale yellow dress with sheer sleeves adorned with delicate blue flowers along the hem. Wearing the dress felt rejuvenating as if declaring to Jesri and Levon that I could exceed their expectations and be more than just a pawn in their game.
She wove my hair into a long braid down my back and helped me slip into my shoes. Despite anticipating whatever this new adventure held, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving Aoife behind. Her gentle demeanor and motherly kindness had always comforted me, making her feel more like family than I had ever considered Jesri or even Calum to be.
My thoughts drifted to Cal, and the memories of our time together under the wretched wish tree flooded my mind. I knew I would miss him too.
"Aoife, have you seen Calum around?" I inquired, finding it odd that he had yet to visit. But then again, I should expect nothing less from him. I cleared my throat, hoping to dispel the swirling thoughts.
"I saw him briefly yesterday after breakfast but not since then," she replied.
I nodded, forcing my expression into one of unconcern. Standing up from the vanity, I linked arms with her. "Care to take a walk with me?"
After walking a few laps around the gardens, Aoife decided it was time to return and attend to her other duties, encouraging me to rest. Feeling a slight ache in my leg, I agreed it would be wise; plus, I wanted to continue my search in the library to calm my growing anxieties about the impending departure and find more information about why Levon and Jesri were discussing the Leonardian War.
My heels clicked against the freshly polished floors as I entered the library. The air was thick with dust, and the scent of mildew was evidence of pages left unread for years. Enjoying the solitude, I relished the quietness of my thoughts. The shelves towered high and wide as I went to where I had left off, reading a book containing information about the Spellcasters.
Approaching the shelf, I noticed the book was missing, along with several others nearby. Furrowing my brows, I wondered who had been rummaging through them.
I reached for one of the last books on the shelf, its corroded red cover and gold binding catching my eye. I twisted it over reading the title: The Dark History of Leonardian Trials. Pausing momentarily, I noticed that the book appeared relatively clean compared to the others nearby, suggesting somebody had recently read it.
As I turned the page, a sense of foreboding gripped me, causing me to unconsciously hold my breath, knowing the illegality of such contexts. Each page turned felt like a step deeper into a dark abyss of history. My fingers hesitated, yet continued to flip until they randomly landed on a page detailing a gruesome massacre where thousands of men, women, and children perished in flames.
The words on the page seemed to sear into my mind. With a sharp intake of breath, I slammed the book shut, squeezing my eyes closed to banish the haunting images from my mind. Clutching the book tightly against my chest, I pivoted to leave, only to hear the swift approach of footsteps echoing through the silent aisles.
In a panic, I grabbed several other books from nearby shelves, hastily attempting to blend in with the library's ambiance and conceal the illegal book. But in my haste, I collided with someone emerging from an adjacent aisle, sending the cascade of books tumbling from my grasp. Each one hit the floor with a resounding thud, echoing the weight of the unsettling knowledge contained within the book's pages.
"Apologies!" the footman exclaimed, taking a step back in surprise. "Lady Eliah, forgive me. I didn't realize you were in here."
I relaxed the tension in my shoulders as I bent down to retrieve the fallen books, still holding onto The Leonardian Trials . He stooped down to assist as I swiftly snatched a few, hiding the book beneath them.
"Not to worry. I wanted to read some of my favorites before I leave."
He handed me a few books with a quick smile before bowing slightly. "Enjoy your reading, my lady," he said, promptly striding past me. Seeing a footman here, especially one with a specific purpose, struck me as odd. He didn't look familiar either. I found myself staring at his retreating figure, trying to place where I might have seen him before, but nothing came to mind.
Gathering my books, I began to walk away when I noticed him turning down the same aisle I had been in. Confusion clouded my thoughts before a sickening feeling crept over me, urging me to hurry. With a throbbing limp, I quickened my pace, tiptoeing out of the library and into the foyer.
"My lady?" the footman's voice rang out, his footsteps clipping closer.
I stopped in my tracks, feeling the weight of inevitability settle upon me. Turning back, I forced my expression into a mask of serenity. "Yes?" I replied coolly, pausing for effect. "I don't recall us being properly introduced."
"Malcolm, my lady," he stated, his tone eager. "May I have a look at the books you're carrying? I seem to have misplaced a particular one."
My heart lurched. Why would a footman be interested in The Dark History of Leonardian Trials ? Anger and fear bubbled within me, wishing I possessed the sharp wit of Calum.
"I doubt you'd find the…romance I'm reading to your liking," I retorted, starting to walk away, quickening my pace.
"Wait!" His hand closed around my shoulder, sending a jolt of pain shooting through my bruised collarbone. I let out a curse, pulling away. "Forgive me, my lady. I…I didn't…"
"Don't you ever lay a finger on me again, Malcolm, or I'll hunt you down like I did to those beasts!" I spat, my words dripping with venomous anger before I reined it in. His face paled, and his attempt to regain control was evident in his scrambling demeanor.
"Eliah," Calum's voice echoed from the balcony above, instantly quelling my anger. The footman stiffened, standing at attention. I bit my cheek, turning to see Calum descending the stairs. "Leave us, Malcolm," he ordered with an eerie forcefulness. I cocked my head, puzzled by Calum's formality with the footman.
The footman nodded and scuttled away, his footsteps echoing in the distance. I waited until I heard the back door close before succumbing to the pressing annoyance of Cal's disappearance.
"Where have you been?" I paused. "What's going on with you?"
A smirk danced on his lips as he tenderly kissed my hand. "I'm relieved to see you're alright, Eliah. Truly." He enveloped me in a gentle embrace, mindful not to cause further pain. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that…he wanted to. "And nothing is wrong," he whispered.
Stepping back, I didn't reciprocate the embrace.
"What's going on?" I demanded, folding my arms in tighter around the books.
He chuckled, a wicked gleam flickering in his eyes, reminiscent of Jesri when he hatched a mischievous plan. "I've stumbled upon something I believe could spare you from this Match," he whispered.
"What kind of information?" I countered, eyeing him warily as he moved closer and reached for my hand again.
"Eliah, what if I took your place so you could remain here, safe and sound, until I returned?"
"What?" I blurted out, his proposal catching me completely off guard. "You can't be serious?"
"Or what if I found someone else?" Desperation colored his words, his breath tinged with urgency. "Please," he pleaded, his eyes shimmering with silver that had to be deceptive. "I can't…bear the thought of losing you like my parents."
He squeezed my hand, igniting a surge of anger within me.
No—NO!
This is rightfully mine. I've worked my entire life for it, and it was my key to freedom.
"No." I tore my hand free. Something about this all seemed uncomfortably wrong. "I know you want to make your uncle proud, but I can't stay here, Cal. I was trained for this, even if it leads me to my demise."
The longing that had adorned his face moments ago twisted into disgust. His jaw clenched as he glanced down at my books. " I need you, Eliah. And do you honestly think you'll come out victorious in this Match?" he scoffed. "Just look at how well you handled those beasts."
His words dripped with venom, piercing my heart. "You wouldn't last a day with Levon and his plans, but I can keep you safe!" he said, pointing to his chest.
Advancing towards me, he backed me against the wall. His eyes blazed with anger and desperation, a side of him I had never witnessed before, starkly contrasting his usual playfulness. He appeared weary, pained, and sad, as if he were grasping at straws.
I readjusted the books in one hand and pressed the other against his chest, attempting to push him back slightly and quell his rising fury.
"Cal, you know how I feel about this life. This might be my one chance at actual freedom, not just wishful dreaming." His eyes narrowed, piercing into mine. " I have to do this, Cal. I couldn't live with myself if I let you take my place," I said, my voice trembling as I tried to suppress the overwhelming emotions, realizing that I was truly marching towards my doom and taking all my dreams with me.
I slipped out from under his hand, which rested against the wall, and began to ascend the stairs to my room, refusing to look back.
" You know I'm only trying to protect you !" his voice sliced through the air in a low, hissing whisper, mingling with grief and anger. I forced myself to glance back, seeing tears staining his cheeks, yet his eyes burned with nothing but rage.
My fury surged through me, a searing heat threatening to consume me. I clenched the books until the bindings dug into my skin. " I don't want your protection ," I spat out.
The tension in the air crackled, the fire between us intensifying. Gritting my teeth, I locked eyes with him before continuing up the stairs, holding my head high despite the lingering pain with each step.
I slammed the door shut with a force that rattled the frame, locking it to keep him out. My heart pounded in my ears as I tossed the books onto my unmade bed, frantically scrambling to light the hearth, not caring that Jesri had forbidden it, even on the coldest of nights. Rules meant nothing now. I needed the fire. I needed something to burn as hot as my anger.
The spark caught, and the wood crackled as flames flickered to life, feeding on the air. My breath came in ragged gasps as heat surged in the room, letting it consume every rational thought. With a wild, reckless motion, I grabbed Calum's purple shawl and The Dark History of Leonardian Trials and hurled them into the fire as if they were poison I needed to purge. Seeing the words in the book burn as all those innocent Magics did.
The fire roared, devouring the book and shawl with a ferocity that mirrored my own. The shawl twisted and blackened while the book's pages curled and disintegrated, their essence reducing to ash that filled the room with a bitter, acrid scent. Soot clung to my yellow dress, smearing it with blackness, but I didn't care about the dress, the room, or anything else—I needed to see them burn. The flames' heat licked at my face as I watched it rage, begging to consume more as a twisted satisfaction brewed in the pit of my stomach.
I didn't need him or his protection .
All I wanted was the feeling of control.