DELONIX [COMPLETED]

Chapter 22: MEETING HIM.

Red POV

Have you ever felt like your thoughts are a safe haven, shielding you from the harshness of reality? I have. In the quiet of my mind, there are no dangers lurking, no threats to my life.

"Why am I even here?" I whisper to myself, feeling the weight of my situation bearing down on me. "Why can't I just be normal? Why can't I have a typical teenage life, with parties and fun, instead of facing death in this messed-up school?"

Negative thoughts swarm my mind, making it hard to see why I'm here. But then I remember. My parents. I came to this school for them, to uncover its secrets. I need to push past these dark thoughts and face reality, or I'll drown in despair.

"Do you think she'll wake up soon?" I hear Avery's voice, followed by another woman's uncertain tone.

"I'm not sure. Whatever happened must have really shaken her," Ana replies, her voice heavy with guilt.

"It's not your fault, Ana," Avery tries to comfort her. "This wasn't anyone's fault. It just happened."

I know I need to wake up now. Goodbye, peace. Slowly, I open my eyes, wincing at the bright light. I still feel weak, but hunger gnaws at my stomach. Gathering my strength, I open my eyes again, seeing Ana and Avery by my side.

They're both in their school uniforms, but it's clear they haven't been to class. Ana's silently crying, leaning on Avery's shoulder, while Avery comforts her.

"Hey," I croak, my voice barely audible, but I need to connect with them.

They turn to me, surprised. Ana rushes over, hugging me tightly.

"I thought you said no touching," I joke weakly, trying to lighten the mood.

"Fuck that," Ana whispers back, tears still falling. I raise my weak hands to comfort her as best I can.

"It's alright, Ana," I say softly, barely audible. She lets go of the hug and looks at me, her makeup smudged from crying.

"Don't blame yourself, okay?" I reassure her. She nods slowly, but I can tell she's still feeling guilty. Turning to Avery, who's been watching quietly, I wonder if she wants to come closer after seeing Ana's emotions. She hesitates, rooted to her spot.

"So, Blood witches aren't big on hugs, huh?" I joke weakly, trying to lighten the mood.

She nods slowly. "But do you want one?" I ask. She nods again, and I smile faintly.

Avery approaches me slowly and gives me a gentle hug, not as tight as Ana's.

"Just don't wander out in the dark like that again," she whispers, hoping I won't hear, but I do.

"I won't," I promise quietly. She lets go and joins Ana, both watching me.

"How did I get here?" I ask, aware of my own weight and the strain it might have caused them.

"First..." Avery hands me a glass of water, which I gratefully drink. "Thank you," I say, placing the glass down. I try to stand, feeling a bit shaky from my weakened state.

"Are you sure you're okay to stand?" Ana worries. I insist I'm feeling better and just need to stretch.

"To answer your question, Avery cast a spell to bring you here," Ana explains, and Avery nods.

"Oh... thanks," I reply, still processing.

"We also called your guardian. He was here earlier," Ana informs me.

Uncle J.

"Oh... I hope you didn't tell him what happened," I say, fear creeping into my voice.

"Of course we did, Red. That's what guardians are for, and he seemed genuinely worried," Ana says.