{HIATUS} Éternel: Between Two Worlds (#3)

xv. Valar Morghulis

Warning: This chapter contains threats of r*pe/non-con, death, and mentions of child and adult slavery.

I highly recommend listening to Track 45, Unburnt, while reading the end. One thing to note that the chapter (at the ideal reading speed) ends at 2:45 of Track 45, so the remaining minute and a half is just for you to soak everything in, like an end credits! You can take that time to read the ending notes while listening to the "end credits."

Artwork done by ForeverMedhok on DeviantArt!

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"You thief!" Jiwon yelled, snatching back her bubble tea from Taehyung who somehow managed to sneak it away from her. The others giggled as Jiwon began to sway Taehyung on the shoulder, scolding him angrily. Soomin sighed and rested her elbows on the table, cradling her chin in her palms.

"You two are so cute," The older woman gushed, watching the two bicker before us.

"Hey, they've only been together for a month. It could all go downhill from here," Jungkook snickered, leaning back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink.

"Be a little more optimistic, won't you?" Soomin huffed, glaring at Jungkook, who simply rolled his eyes and smiled. Soomin's voice was then filled with concern as she spoke to me. "Hey, are you feeling okay?"

With a quiet sigh, I turned away from the window and faced the group once again, flashing a half-smile at Soomin. Tracing my finger along my cup, I nodded gently.

"You don't look okay." All attention was suddenly turned toward me, and I felt the spotlights suddenly being shone down onto me. My figure shrunk under the other's wavering eyes.

What was I supposed to say? "Yeah, I'm not feeling too good because I got shot with a Dragon Root arrow yesterday and the effects are still wearing off?" They would think I'm insane.

"I'm just a little sick. I'm fine, though," I said, my eyes darting out to the light drizzle outside of the shop.

"Oh man, were you resting before? You should've stayed home!" Jiwon frowned, tugging on my sleeve lightly. "We didn't mean to pressure you or anything-"

"No, no. I needed to get out of the house. I appreciate you guys thinking of me and inviting me to go with you."

"Agh, I still feel bad though," Jungkook said, cocking his head slightly. I smiled and shook my head, letting him know that he had no reason to feel bad. After all, it's not like they showed up at my door and dragged me out to get bubble tea. They called beforehand and invited me while they were driving to the shop.

Still, going out after being inflicted by Dragon Root was more tolling on my body than I thought. The last time I got shot, Toothless was captured by the Dragon Hunters, but the arrow didn't have as great of an effect on me. Luthais said it was most likely due to me landing in the water afterwards, which washed away the more potent substances.

But this time, I had to endure it. I flew with the group to an outpost where the hunters produced and kept a supply of Dragon Root arrows. It was supposed to just be a simple mission: destroy the supplies and kill the hunters. Yet, the very first thing that happened was me getting shot in the leg with an arrow coated in Dragon Root. It took only a few seconds to knock me out, and Levi had to carry me back while the others continued the mission.