“Make sure you do, Elizabeth. This female may be important to future plans.” His steps trail off until I hear the door close. Aware she still lingers, I remain stiff, keeping a leash on my breathing and disregarding my sudden spike in temperature.
“You can open your eyes now; he’s gone.”Shit! She knows I’m awake.“Don’t be afraid. I’m not here to hurt you. Just heal,” she adds softly, soothing any doubts. Against my better judgment, I open my eyes to see a tall figure standing a foot or two away. Rolling on my back and scooting towards the headboard, I feel an unwelcome ache invite itself in.
“Fuck,” I groan.
“Take it easy. I’m sure you’re in a heap of pain. Here, let me assist you.” She places a hand beneath me and lifts. I relinquish a few grunts, but after some dedicated effort, my back presses firmly against the chill headboard, which helps negate my overheating.
With a whisper of “thanks” and a half-raised smile, I take in thisroom’s other occupant. Elizabeth dons an all-white dress with her brown hair stopping shoulder length. Her skin radiates a faint golden glow, in a way, seeming angelic.
She is beautiful. Not all in a traditional sense, but the kind that invokes tranquility being in her presence. “What is this place?”
She chuckles. “That question is easier asked than answered. How about we start with one I can?”
“Okay. Who are you?”
“My name is Elizabeth, and you’re in the medical wing on the east side of campus.”Not what I meant, but sure.
“So, I’m in a hospital? Where?” My mind eases, but something tells me glooms don’t give a damn where we are. They’ll kill everyone in here to finish me.
“No. The Academy here in Valirene.”
“Academy?” I mutter. “Valiris? Are you making up words?” Fidgeting with my blanket, I notice how soft it is.
Another giggle precedes her answer. “Valirene. You were brought here to Rebirth Academy. An institution for…” she pauses, and I note the silence by giving her my undivided attention. “For those with exceptional talent. An Academy you’ll learn more about while here.”
Cryptic.The way she answers, but not answers at the same time.Secrets I’m not supposed to know, or is it something else?
“Ohhkay. Why was I brought here to…” I pause, reflecting on the name.
“Rebirth Academy? That, my dear, is another question I cannot answer. However, you arrived with severe injuries. Angie healed you well, but just enough to sustain your life. A momentary fix. At least now we’ve managed to make it permanent. For how long…that depends on you.” Elizabeth gives a tight grin.
Angie, so that’s her name. I hope she’s okay and not another name on my list of unprevented deaths. I’m already at five.
“May I ask another question?” Elizabeth says politely. Though, I’m not sure what she wants to know, or what information I can provide, I nod. “What’s your name?”
“Kyra,” I answer shyly.
“Well, Kyra, it’s nice to meet you.”
A period of silence is given as if we both agreed upon it, and Elizabeth studies the monitor with her fingers typing away. Thoughts flood my mind of past events leading me here, and slowly, I recall everything. Bit by bit, more questions surface without answers.
“Who’s the guy you were with earlier?” I ask, returning to fidgeting with my blanket.
“I awaited this question. You heard everything, then?” she asks, placing a hand over her chin, and I nod. “That’s one of our Elders. His name isn’t important as of yet, but you’ll find out more later. For now, try getting some rest. You’ve endured a lot in the past twelve hours.” She rises and smiles, then proceeds towards the door. “Oh, I failed to ask if you’re…hungry. I can have anything prepared and ready once you’re awake.”
Pondering, I recall the last time food was on my agenda was before leaving the apartment.
“Sushi? If that’s possible?” I question, giving a false smile. Rosie crosses my mind, and her death weighs more on me than before. There is no apologizing for getting her killed. No making it up. I can’t simply wave it off, and not let it happen again.
No, I killed her. Though, not by my hands, but by my scent. So any opportunity to remember her, even if it’s punishment to me, is a penance rightfully served until we meet in the afterlife, and I apologize the right way.
“Sushi? What is that?” She frowns, and my heart shatters along with my jaw dropping.How has she not heard of sushi?“Never mind, I’ll ascertain it and have it waiting,” Elizabeth says before shutting the door behind her.
Frightening, how can I trust someone to retrieve a dish they’ve never heard of? Let alone taste. Perhaps sushi was a bad idea.
The click of her heels recede as she leaves, and my body driftsdown the bed. Anguish coursing through me reminds me I can’t flee even if I try. Once my back presses against the sheets, my leg hooks over, rotating in one excruciating motion, and my eyes close.
For what seems like ages, the pain throbs and jolts around, and I grip the sheets until it subsides, waiting for sleep to find me.
