Book One ~ Chapter One

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When Leviathan awoke in his guest room in the palace, he saw Loganne and Portia leaning over him. The two gasped, "He's awake!" they yelped simultaneously. Loganne gently shoved his arms behind Leviathan to help him sit up. He then placed pillows behind his back so he could sit more comfortably.

A lanky figure in a doctor's uniform also stood next to the bed. The person sighed out of relief, "That's good. I know Bela told me he was going to be fine, but that didn't stop the anxiety." The person sat on a chair near Leviathan. They took a book and pen out of their coat pockets and started writing.

"What happened to you?" asked Portia, "I was on my way to the palace and I saw you lying on the ground next to the fountain, unconscious!"

Leviathan groaned and rubbed his head, "I don't know what happened... I did a spell with the water in the fountain..." he sighed, "Maybe that spell took a bit too much out of me..."

Loganne sighed and smiled softly, "Well, whatever happened, we're just glad that you're alright. Nadia would've been here with us, but she had some stuff to discuss with the Courtiers."

Leviathan nodded, "That's alright." He paused for a moment then asked, "How long was I unconscious for..?"

"I think you were only out overnight." The lanky doctor responded.

Leviathan thought for a moment, "I wonder why they look so familiar..." then it hit him. "Ah, you're the person that was standing behind Procurator Volta when I met the Courtiers. Right?"

The person nodded and fixed their glasses, "Yes. I apologize for not introducing myself as well. My name is Abel. I'm a head doctor in training." he said as he closed his book and placed it and the pen back in his pockets. "I believe you should be free to go when you feel like it. You're contributing to the conversation, your pupils look well, and your face isn't flushed of its color."

Leviathan smiled, "Thank you for your trouble."

Abel nodded and smiled back, "It's no trouble at all. It's my job. I'll be on my way now. See you all later!" he called out as he left the room.

A couple of hours later, Leviathan had returned to his normal self. And there he stood on the staircase to the abandoned palace wing, gathering his courage. Mercedes and Melchior dozed on the steps. Their eyes opened when Leviathan approached. Gnawing unease settled in his stomach, "The last time I climbed these stairs, I saw something... A shadowy apparition with onyx horns and hungry red eyes... Something must have caused it to manifest. I need to find the ghost... maybe even get some answers from it." Just then, a strangely warm draft rushed down the stairs, stirring the dogs' fur. Their ears stood on end, and they each fixed one red eye on Leviathan. He carefully stepped around the dogs, giving them as much space as he could. Though the hounds watched his every step, they did not attempt to stop him. A vague sense of dread grew in Leviathan when he reached the top of the steps. Warm air blew from the room at the end of the hall. He watched as the door swung open, gently swaying on its hinges. Bone-white ash billowed from the room beyond, swirling down the hall toward him. With a deep breath, Leviathan squared his shoulders and marched into the room. A faint breeze swirled through the ruined curtains of the four-poster bed. Goosebumps formed on Leviathan's skin. He conjured some light to help himself see, but it was barely a wisp between his fingers, "My magic... it feels dull and unresponsive..." A pale shadow moved in his peripheral vision, rattling the bedframe. But when Leviathan whirled around, all he saw was the remnants of a heavy desk. A white peacock feather quill trembled in its empty inkwell. "Something... or someone, is certainly here with me..." he thought before calling out, "Hello?" A low whine echoed behind him. Leviathan jumped about a foot in the air. He turned around to see Mercedes and Melchior watching him curiously from the doorway. The dogs padded into the room, leaving narrow pawprints in the ash. Leviathan let out his breath in a rush, trying to calm his hammering heart, "You two must've followed me up the stairs." Mercedes and Melchior slinked away from him, nosing around the room's shadowy corners. The dogs' snouts twitched in all directions. "Are you two looking for something..?" Leviathan asked as he followed the dogs with his eyes. The smaller one nudged a large wooden chest. It teetered, then overturned with a groan. The lid broke off, and the chest's contents spilled across the dust-covered floor. A golden arm lay amidst the rubble and ash. Its long fingers outstretched toward Leviathan.

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