I gasped, opening my eyes.
"You're awake. That's a relief. It's been days." There was blue energy radiating from Daniel's fingertips, placed over my chest.
I looked around, and then at myself. "I died? Again?"
"Almost." Daniel's expression grew solemn. "You exhausted your powers. If you didn't call me when you did..."
I breathe in and out slowly, pursing my lips.
"My ties to this world are temporary, regardless. But more importantly, I looked back around. Wide windows and a grand room were presented before me. But dust covered everything. "Where are we?"
Daniella stood from the chair that was next to the bed, helping me sit up. "Far from the palace. The Abandoned Waterstate Mansion."
As my back rested on the back of the wooden frame, my eyebrows raised. "What?" My attention peaked. "I heard it was torn down after all the family was killed in the war."
"It was only a rumor, it seems." Daniel shrugged. "The exterior is completely overrun by nature, though. Well hidden by trees as well." I nodded my head. Daniel spoke up again. "While you were asleep... did you see anything? A vision or another message?"
I shook my head. "All that I saw was... past memories. My childhood and such. But it is strange; I haven't heard that voice again since my awakening."
Daniel quickly turned to me. "Is it possible... we are being lied to?"
"Lied to?"
" J-Just think first. That voice... that voice which told me to find you and the voice that told you to commit the act are most likely the same, yes? But- since then, further information wasn't provided... is it possible—this voice is just using you?"
"Whoever this person is, they were able to perform the strong techniques of disenchantment and broke the protective seal cast on my chains. There are not many who can do such a thing in this world. While it is suspicious they haven't contacted us," My frown deepened. "It wouldn't make sense to go to such lengths to simply play a game of chess with my powers."
'Then again... Isabella had tried to do the same.' I remembered back to what she said, thinking about the strange curse and connection magic she used on Adam.
"It's possible..." I spoke slower. "But unlikely."
"But then, you're pulse was alarmingly slow when you called me. This voice—why didn't it choose to intervene?"
I slowly shifted, staring at my hands. "This person could only be a vessel for someone more powerful. There is most likely a bigger plan at play. Whoever freed me has a bigger project in mind."
"What? But..."
"Daniel. When you found me, was there anything you noticed?"
His face suddenly turned apologetic. "I'm sorry. I was so focused on getting you out and performing the spell correctly. I-"
"That's fine." I quickly stopped him. "We will just need to pay more attention in the future, alright?"
Daniel quickly nodded. "Understood!"
My lips twitched, threatening to pull into a smile. "It seems you'll be able to keep your head, Daniel. You saved my life. For that, I owe you greatly."
"!" Daniel's face illuminated. "But of course! We are fighting for justice. That means we are partners and coworkers first!"
My smile, which made its way to my face, faltered as I quickly remembered something.
"Adam," I spoke softly. "Is he safe? Did you tell him about this?"
"No one's tried to attack him. And he is unaware. I've set up an energy alarm system. If someone enters, then we will be alerted."
I relaxed, nodding.
"That's good." I looked at him. "And you? Are you injured?"
Daniel quickly smiled childishly. "I am a strong magic user; you mustn't think I got hurt so easily!"
"Mmh." I faced back towards the window. "The natural energy around this place is quite strong. I'd like to cultivate."
"I understand." Daniel nodded. "Alert me if there's any problem. I will continue to make sure our location is concealed."
"Hm. Good."
"Then, excuse me." Daniel gave one last affirming nod before leaving.
I sighed, staring down at my hands. The memories from my dreams returned. Adam was in all of them.
'It doesn't matter. He doesn't remember me anymore. I need to focus on the task at hand.'
My hands balled into fists. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. I cultivated in silence.
****
When I opened my eyes, I was lying in my bed. This morning, however, the right side of my bed was cold and empty.
With a scoff, I clenched my fist. "You said you'd be back before nightfall... Elodie."
I shut my eyes, remembering the vividness of the dream I just had. A girl who looked strikingly like Elodie in a green dress... we were going to... a dance?
I groaned, wiping my face of sleep. My mind was far too busy to try and go back to sleep. "Barret. Barret!" I called out, sitting up.
"Sir, I've arrived! Is something the-"
"Everything's fine; I just wish to get ready for the day," I spoke softly.
"B-But sir! There is broken glass in the hallway, and the window is broken!"
"Oh, that's right," I said, facing him. "Please, get that cleaned up. Have you heard anything from Lady Victoria?"
"Huh? Oh," he shook his head. "I have not."
I sighed. "Alright then. You are excused."
"Right... as for breakfast?"
"Just prepare a light meal, please." I looked away from him, busy thinking of where Elodie could've vanished to.
"Yes, sir. Please excuse me." Barret said, leaving the room afterwards.
My frown deepened once he had left. Having absolutely no idea where she went wasn't even the worst part. She had units of military soldiers chasing after her everywhere she went.
It made me feel uneasy. Was she in danger? How could she just leave without telling me anything?
It was unnatural, her sudden disappearance. Especially for this long. And especially after how attached to me she's been.
"..." A sigh left my lips.
She released the Second Prince from dying simply because I had allowed her to stay with me.
Attached was an understatement.
Despite this thought running through my head, I couldn't help but wonder what was going through hers. What was she doing now? What was her next move?
And what on earth were those dreams I've been having? Why did they seem so?
"So real?" I mumbled allowed.
Shaking my head, I stood in my closet, taking out my clothes for the day. But as I got dressed, I was only reminded of her effortless display of magic, changing her clothes in a split second with a wave of her hand.
I sighed again.
"I need to try and work—I've taken a long enough break."
As I fixed my shoes, her words from when we were in the grass maze came back to my mind—the night of the inn.
I closed my eyes, remembering.
"When I rubbed your cheek, just like this, did you...Did you not feel anything?"
'Only thing that could warrant such a reaction would be- if we were lovers of some sort.'
The way she protected me and the dreams I'd been having,
The feelings that I now held towards her.
All of it would make sense.
"But it can't be possible..." I adjusted my tie. "Unless Elodie isn't truly evil?" The story I was told about her and the girl who fell asleep in my arms days ago were different. Drastically different. "There is no way she's evil."
I couldn't make out what to think about her except for that. If anything, analyzing everything had only made me more confused.
There was a knock on my door. "One moment, Barret."
"Sir, you have a guest at the door. Shall I allow them in?"
A guest? Elodie?
I inhaled quickly, swiftly making my way to my bedroom door. "Who are they?" I asked Barret once opening the door.
"Oh, I am not sure, sir; I was asking if--"
"I'll check then." I cut him off, immediately rushing down the stairs. My mind was already racing on what to say to her. Where was she all this time? Did she find the other key? As I neared the door, I settled on one question to ask, pulling the door open. "Elodie, are you okay?"
Staring back at me was a man in a blue coat. The lone traveler we had met from the forest.
I tensed. His eyes narrowed. "So, you do know her real identity."
"What are you doing here?"
Sir Shane only stared at me, growing serious. Angry, almost. "We need to talk." He said.