Strangely Familiar - The Stolen Fate | On Hold

Chapter 9

"I desire the things that will destroy me in the end." - Sylvia Plath.

***

One year ago

Inside the Surveillance Chamber 

Cian walked into the surveillance chamber with an annoyed glare on his face. He had been asked to do a task that could only be described as 'babysitting duty', an insult to his intelligence, skill, and title. However, as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he soon forgot his annoyance when he saw the frightened girl in the corner. 

Tia was crouched against the wall, perched on a platform, with half of her face in the shade, and small blisters spread sparsely across her skin. Magic was enclosing her inside the little cell. She lifted her head and gazed at him with fearful eyes, evidence that she had been weeping not long ago. "Am I a prisoner?" she quivered.

Cian stepped closer, his annoyance forgotten temporarily. He felt a memory flash in front of his eyes of another girl he had known and loved who had similar fear when she... He took a sharp breath and knelt so he was at her level - a good distance away from her. 

"No," he said softly despite his playfulness. "You're not a prisoner. I'm here to help you if I can." He looked around the room, searching for anything that might give him some clue as to how he could speed up the entire process.

The Surveillance Chamber hummed with mechanical precision. Magic levitated in the center of the room, a small golden sphere that scanned the veins of the surrounding walls. A faint blue light emanated from its core and seemed to bind with the veins, creating a webwork of glimmering energy. As Magic completed its inspection, the air seemed to still as it released an energy wave that destroyed any potential threat.

On the desk, Cian spotted a few items that might provide some help. A jar of an amber-colored salve and a bottle of clear liquid sat next to what looked like magical herbs, things he recognized as items used in healing spells. He also noticed some basic medical supplies: bandages, scissors, sutures, needles, and small containers for storing medicine. He wasn't a healer nor did he know anything about mortal science so he could only guess their purpose, but figured they might be useful.

He grabbed the jar and the bottle and then grabbed a handful of enchanted herbs and supplies. He quickly mixed them and then scooped some of the mixtures into his hands. Cian moved closer to the girl and handed it over to her to gently apply it to her skin. 

All of a sudden a magical explosion came with a shriek of thunder that sent a wave of sound through the room. It was so loud that it seemed like the walls would shake and crumble. Through the force of the blast, the furniture and objects in the room were flung across the room like rag dolls. 

Cian found himself on the other side of the room after being thrown by the magical explosion. He groaned in pain, feeling the stinging of cuts from the shattered glass and splinters that had been thrown against his skin. The air was still thick with the smell of smoke and magic.

Here they come.

Cian knew then and there that he had to act quickly. The word about the healer mage spread like wildfire, especially after what happened at the Median.  He slowly started to get onto his feet, to see if he could find what had caused this destruction. But before he could take another step, he heard another groan.

It was Tia. She was on the floor, surrounded by shattered furniture and objects, clutching her stomach and moaning in pain. She had been thrown by the same magical explosion that had thrown him across the room. 

He crouched down beside her and examined her closely. Her skin was pale and filled with small cuts and bruises. But it was more than just physical pain that she was suffering from. He could feel the dark magic lingering in her, controlling her body, opening up her wounds, and forcing her to endure the agony. It was slowly taking over her mind and body, and he could feel its power coursing through her veins.