She looked at him, perplexed, as he made signals with his hands before his sword vanished.
"Thanks," she said, her voice strained. Her throat ached from the murderer's grip. She glanced at the body on the ground, but it dissolved into dust as though nothing had ever been there.
"Do you enjoy dining with trouble? Why can't you just sit like a good girl?" Twilight stepped closer and gently moved her hand away from her neck.
He studied her reddened skin. "Does it hurt that badly?" he asked, brushing his thumb over the injured area. Fiona hissed quietly in pain.
"Of course it does," she replied, watching his eyes remain fixed on her neck.
"Then stay out of trouble." He drew back his hand and turned away, preparing to leave.
"How do I stay out of something I don't cause? I am a victim here. And what was that thing..." She pointed at the sandy remains on the ground. "...that tried to kill me?"
Twilight did not look back.
"I don't know."
He walked away, leaving Fiona unsure if he was lying or simply clueless. But he spoke the truth. Twilight had never seen anything like that creature before.
Fiona left the exhibit and made her way to the canteen. Her classmates were gone. She spotted their museum tour guide and approached him.
"Excuse me, Mr. Henry."
He turned with a friendly smile. "Yes, Miss. What are you still doing here? You are from Royal High Academy, right?"
"Yes sir. Have they left already?"
"No, they will not leave without you. Check the parking lot for them."
"Thank you, sir."
She ran out of the museum toward the parking area. Sir Lewis stood outside the bus, while the other students were already inside.
"Where have you been?" he asked calmly. She was panting slightly.
"I went to the rest..."
"Do not worry about it. Just get into the bus."
Fiona nodded and stepped inside with Sir Lewis.
She returned to her seat. Aviva was missing, probably gossiping at the back of the bus.
"Were you waiting to be called, silly girl?" Twilight asked without looking at her, his gaze fixed on the window.
She glared at him. "Avoid me."
"Avoid you? So the next time a blood-driven madman tries to eat you alive, I will sit with tea and watch. Next time, save yourself." He turned his eyes to her, holding a sharp stare.
"You are just..."
The bus engine roared to life and they began moving.
"I am just what?" He raised a brow, waiting, but she clenched her fist in silence.
"Silly girl. She does not know how to make sense of her words." He looked back to the window.
Fiona ignored him and closed her eyes, trying to rest. Today had drained her. Every day felt like a new journey. From this to that. She wondered what was next. Witches, perhaps. If a witch caught her, maybe she would finally escape this menace.
Twilight noticed her drifting into sleep and sank into his own thoughts.
What was that thing? In all his years of killing beasts and monsters, he had never seen such a creature.
I have to get back to Phosaither, but instead I am stuck babysitting this pain.
He glanced at Fiona as she adjusted her hair with her eyes closed.
The bus bumped over a speed hump, and Fiona stumbled onto Twilight's arm. She remained asleep. Twilight stared at her in irritation but carefully shifted her head to rest on his chest instead, with his arm resting on the seat top.
Fiona snuggled against him like he was a blanket. Twilight looked slightly annoyed, yet faintly amused that this fragile being was the chosen one. And still, she had uncovered no powers.
When Fiona awoke, her head was on his chest. She quickly sat upright. Neither spoke.
The bus stopped. Students began stepping off. Fiona followed, with Twilight watching every step she took.
When everyone was out, Sir Lewis announced, "Just to inform all of you, there will be a test on the trip we just took. Orders from the principal. You are all excused."
Students chattered anxiously while returning to class.
They settled in, enjoying their free period. The excursion cost the school one whole day of lessons.
"Fiona," Aviva said. Fiona looked like she was about to sleep again.
"Mhm."
"If you need me, I am going to Sir Lewis' office." She did not wait for Fiona's reply and dashed away.
Fiona lowered her head onto the desk, feeling nauseous. Darkness pulled her under, and she fell asleep.