Poisoned Lips

13: Before the Storm

"Before the storm hits," Cozbi whispered."the day will be clear; the sky will be blue. Then, before you know it, there will be lighting and thunder."

After her unusual visit with Felix, the High Guard, it took Freyja some hours to become normal. Night had fallen. The cell was pitch black and light snores intertwined with the silence of the night. A cold breeze drifted into the cell from the small window, forcing her to appreciate Azalea's body heat.

Despite her tired eyes, her brain refused to stop working. It turned and analyzed everything that happened in the High Guard's office. Though most of her memories were blurry, a distinct one stood out to her. 

She had found a freaking file cabinet in his bathroom.

She remembered trying to open it but it wouldn't budge because it was locked. The blueprint of the prison could be in there but there was no way she could be certain without concrete proof. She needed to find the key to his file cabinet. 

Freyja sneezed.

"Bless you," A deep voice whispered. Devland.

Skies! She placed a hand on her rapid heart.

In the dark, she could discern his hunched figure. The moonlight offered enough brightness for her to make out that he still wore his face covering. What a weird specimen, she thought.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Freyja asked, louder than intended.

"I could ask you the same."

Azalea stirred awake against Freyja. "You both better shut up or I will cut your tongue. I'm trying to sleep." She whispered harshly.

"Sorry," Devland said in a hushed tone.

But Azalea had already drifted back asleep.

Freyja cleared her head and continued thinking of the day's events. Before finding the file cabinet, what was she doing…?

She couldn't remember.

Like a finger had traced a line on a foggy glass, she remembered another event in vivid colors.

The High Guard mentioned that King Osiah recently added Caznia to his growing empire. Caznia was a wealthy kingdom, located in North Daerris. She was known for her riches and power. This Kingdom was like the capital of Daerris; every other kingdom followed her steps. If King Osiah had taken over Caznia, it wouldn't take long for the other kingdoms to bend their knees. And soon, Osiah would be the sole king of Daerris.

Her heart dropped. As a Magi, she wouldn't be safe anywhere. King Osiah was a monster. His rule will spread well beyond Daerris, and he would own whatever land that laid bare. 

The back of Freyja's nose tickled and at last, she let out a soft sneeze for the second time.

"Bless you," Devland mumbled again.

"Thanks." She sniffed. "You should get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day for you."

"I know. Getting Ken his instruments and whatnot. But I can't sleep. My brain keeps turning and working. Why are you awake?"

She looked at the dark ceiling with exhausted eyes."The same reason."

"Oh…well...I hope your brain stops working."

Amused by his choice of words, Freyja replied, "I hope your brain stops working too."

                             ***

Freyja snapped her eyes open, her breaths short and rapid. It was just a nightmare, she told herself. The image of the High guard standing over her body and holding a vial of poison was still fresh in her mind. Felix won't hurt you. Lies. He was her nightmare, and he was real.