Chapter 20
1191 Words
20
“So, let me see if I got this all in a row… You travelled to the Veil, got lost in the Veil, and ended up in this mythical Forest of Illusions? You met a male Valkyrie, even though they’re not supposed to exist. Then there was someone that wasn’t real and a Keeper, who gave you a Wood Elf mark. And now, you can’t get lost in the forest anymore.” Ryoko paced nervously through the room, her arms crossed tightly.
I nodded, unsure what to do. Did I just let her fret? Did I ask her to sit down?
“To top that up, you got bitten by the headmistress’ catzel and it turns out you’re a Shadow Walker, who are just super rare? And then you got attacked by a teacher, you escaped into the forest, you found your inner wings, you went to the Veil, saw the gates of Valhalla, and got the stolen dusk wolves back!” Ryoko gasped for air, disbelief in her eyes.
“Exactly.”
“Really? That’s all?”
We shared a look and burst out in laughter.
“I know, it sounds crazy,” I admitted. “But that’s what happened.”
“Wow.”
For a moment, neither of us spoke. I didn’t mind silence, but this one wasn’t very comfortable. Between Pickles loud munching and the first noises of the dormitory waking up, there was just tension.
Finally, Ryoko turned to me. “I’m sorry for being so confrontational.”
Relief flooded me. I didn’t want to fight with her. I didn’t really want to fight with anyone. Confrontation was just so pointless and tiresome.
I reached out to her, scared that she’d flinch away and hoping she wouldn’t. I brushed my fingers over her skin, slowly, tentatively. Making sure to give her the opportunity to pull away, but she didn’t.
“I’m sorry for not telling you sooner.”
“It’s my fault.” The Dragon finally sat back on my bed and folded her legs underneath her. “I should have let you get there in your own time. Please forgive me for being so rude.”
“Hey, you’re not rude. You were just telling me what you wanted.”
She shot me a look. “That’s considered rude where I’m from.”
“It’s not where I am from. Wind Children are expected to tell the truth and only the truth. It makes things so much more simple.”
“I wish it was.” She intertwined our fingers and looked up at me, her eyes filled with a deep sorrow. “But it’s not for me. I know I’m too loud and outspoken. It’s not proper.”
Her voice was laced with shame, the type that didn’t just grow overnight. It was the kind that had been drilled into her by repetition, over and over until she believed it was really true.
Whoever did that to her, to anyone, was just a real piece of garbage. Anger flared up with me as I tightened my grip on her hands.
“Hey, you’re not too loud. You’re right just the way you are. Shame on anyone that told you otherwise. You can’t believe that kind of stuff about yourself.”
“But I do.” She cast her eyes down, the struggle carved in her beautiful features like cracks in a painting. “I have to constrain myself more.”
Not knowing what to do or say, I chewed my lip. I couldn’t erase the toxic thoughts with one sentence if someone else had used countless words to make her believe it. She was poisoned and there was no quick antidote or an instant cure. But that in itself seemed like something that would make her sad.
I took a deep breath. “I like you the way you are.”
“You don’t have to say those things for my benefit.”
“I’m not.”
How could one person be both so free and captured in one breath? A moment ago, she was teasing me, laughing without a care in the world, daring to be brave. And now, she was lost in a pit of despair and doubt.
This was not the Ryoko that she was deep inside. She liked adventure and made jokes, she held fire in her eyes and summer in a breath. She was beautiful and different from anyone I ever met. That was what made her so special.
“What can I do to help?” I asked, giving her a reassuring squeeze.
“Nothing, I’m afraid. I don’t want to burden you with my troubles.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “You’re not a burden.”
“I feel like it.”
“Hey.” I pushed her chin up, asking her to look me in the eye. “You’re not to me. I’m not going to lie to you, I don’t know what this chemistry between us is or where it’ll take us. But you’re my roommate and my friend. I’ll help you because I want to.”
“Really?” Her voice sounded so small, and yet, there was a spark of hope that hadn’t been there before. I put it there.
“Yes, really.”
“Thank you.”
I shot her a smile, one that was just for her. “You’re welcome.”
“You’re amazing.”
“Nahh, I’m just okay.” I waved her gratitude away and slunk down on the bed. “I’m really tired though. I’ve been awake for like twenty-four hours. Oh, that reminds me. I have these drops for my eyes. Could you help me?”
“Sure.”
I handed her the small vial of essence and closed my eyes, only just realising how tired I was.
“What am I supposed to do with it?” Ryoko asked.
“Just put three drops on my eyelids. Or four, I don’t remember. Ehh, I’m sure it doesn’t matter much.”
I felt her lean over me, her fingers brushing my face softer than a butterfly’s kiss.
Despite myself, a smile tugged on my lips. I liked how she touched me. It was gentle, as if she was scared she’d break me.
“Three drops?”
I looked up at her, struck by her beauty. Even in her silent sorrow, she took my breath away. Being away from her only made me realise just how important she had become to me.
“Ylva?”
Right. I pushed my distracting thoughts away and focused on the task at hand. “Let’s do four. Just to be sure. Professor Brynhild said it would stop the nightmares.”
“Nightmares?”
I tapped my temple. “Courtesy of the curse.”
“Oh. You’ll have nightmares?”
“Not with the drops. But I might…”
The Dragon remained silent for a moment. “I don’t have class until this afternoon. I could stay here with you if you like. Watch over you.”
“Really?”
“If you like.”
My chest tightened. “Yes. I’d like that.”
“Okay, then I’ll stay.” She traced a finger down my nose and flicked the end playfully. “Now close your eyes.”
Comforted by her presence and the safety of her company, my eyes fell shut again. Sleep whispered in my ear, seducing me with sweet promises of rest.
I heard Ryoko unscrew the shrieky cap from the vial and the liquid glugged as she dripped it on my eyes.
One, two, three, four. The droplets were surprisingly cold, but not unpleasant. As soon as they fell down, a strong aroma spread into the room. It was deep, yet flowery. Mysterious, but familiar. It almost smelled like… Like… Something.
Sleep overtook me before I could figure out the smell and that was okay. I deserved to rest and recharge after the adventure I had. This slumber was my reward after a punishing day of catzels and curses. And maybe, when I woke up, things would all be different.
- Writer
