Bleeding Angel

Chapter 13

The room where Z'zatira lay was bathed in a soft, warm glow. Shelves lined the walls, overflowing with an assortment of herbs, vials, and other medicinal items, their earthy and sweet scents mingling in the air.

Crystals embedded in the walls provided the lighting, some glowing with a deep purple hue, while others emitted a gentle, soothing luminescence. The atmosphere was serene, contrasting the anxiety of the situation.

Z'zatira lay unconscious on a simple bed, surrounded by a glass vase filled with sticks that emitted a delicate, swirling smoke. Elara stood beside her, taking in a deep breath.

Elara carefully unwrapped the vial containing the potion, its contents shimmering with a rich, copper-like hue. She took another deep breath and approached Z'zatira's bedside.

My heart pounded as Elara carefully opened Z'zatira's lips. She then gently poured the liquid into Z'zatira's mouth. Almost instantly as all the potion entered Z'zatira's body, her torso reacted and flinched.

Without much other movement, she began to cough slightly.

"Winston," Elara said, her voice gentle but firm, "I need you to step outside for a moment. I don't want what happened last time."

I nodded, realizing it was for the best. Also, I felt my heart almost leap out of my chest in anticipation. Stepping outside the small room, into the waiting room, I take in a deep breath. I placed my hand on my heart and steadied my thoughts.

As my heartbeat slowed to a normal pace, I sat down in one of the wooden chairs.

However, just then, I noticed something. I didn't notice before since I was so focused on Z'zatira. But, there's another person here.

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Inside the room, Elara held Z'zatira's hand with both of hers. While her eyes are closed, Elara exhales before chanting in a strange language.

S'uu was quiet, staring at Z'zatira with hope in their eyes. In their mind, they repeated the words, "Please Work!"

Though they have faith in what Elara can do, S'uu has something in the back of their mind, making them doubt for a moment.

Elara's eyes frosted over with a thick white light. From her hands, spreads a pearl/off-white light that trails and follows Z'zatira's veins. However, once the light reaches her heart, something strange happens.

Though Elara can't see, S'uu witnesses something that they haven't seen. The light in Z'zatira's veins glows golden. S'uu has seen Elara cast this healing spell before... But this... This is new.

The golden light runs up into Z'zatira's throat, and suddenly, dark red liquid spews out. Instantly, Z'zatira jumps up, fully awake. Her eyes widened as she gasped for breath.

Z'zatira's eyes darted around the room, her breathing rapid and uneven. The golden light from Elara's spell began to fade, leaving behind a lingering warmth.

Elara stepped back, her expression a mix of relief and exhaustion. S'uu rushed to Z'zatira's side, their eyes brimming with tears of joy. "Z'zatira!"

Z'zatira blinked, her gaze struggling to focus as she looked at the faces surrounding her. Her voice was weak but clear. "What... what happened?"

S'uu hugged Z'zatira, "I don't know much but you were trying to figure out the deal with that magic item that Winston has and..."

S'uu sighs and steps back, "It sorta blew up, and we couldn't wake you up. We made this special potion, and Elara healed you!"

Z'zatira blinked a few times and took a deep breath. Placing a hand on chest, she sat silent for a moment. But after that moment, she opened her eyes and looked at S'uu with a sweet smile, "Thank you..." She said, her voice trembling with gratitude.

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Meanwhile, I survived the person's appearance out in front of me. I couldn't see much as they were hiding their features with a black hood.

It's weird, though; where have I seen that cloak before?

It feels so familiar...

Wait!

I remember! Back in the cave thingy with the huge spider!

...

Oh...

With the thought, I almost throw up in my mouth but I swallow it. "Okay, maybe they were planning to ask Elara where their friend is?", I pondered.

Though, If that is the case, I'm pretty sure Elara doesn't know about that since she probably would've told me... Wait! If that was their friend, doesn't that also mean that they're a human too?

Shit wait!-

Maybe I can ask them about a way to go home! I mean, S'uu did say that humans weren't from here, so...

I take a deep breath before walking over to the person. Other than the cloak, they have a nice black suit and crimson tie...

"Um..." I stutter as I stand in front of the person, "You waiting on someone?" I ask, though, I didn't really know what else to say.

They lifted their hood slightly as they looked up at me. They smiled as they let the hood fall, "Oh yes, you?"

This confirms that he is human. No horns or weird things...

Well... I just hope he's human for the sake of me finding a way home!

"Uh...." I just realized something, his eyes. Is he blind?

"Oh!- yeah... A friend is getting treated here... Ya know... Since it is a healer's place...", I fumbled on my words.

Why am I so nervous?

...

"Yes, would you like to chat while we wait?", He asks, still keeping a smile on his face.

I mean... It's not the worst thing right now since I have to wait anyway.

"Sure!", I sit in the wooden chair beside him. As I do so, he turns to me. Honestly, it kinda startled me...

"My name is Alexander Chaqwit Voa Delphine, but you can simply address me as Alexander", he says with a smile. Also, how can someone say all that will a straight face?

"Uh...oh!- my name is Winston Caldwell. Um... No middle name.", I adjust myself on the chair.

Am I nervous because he is taller than me? No... That can't be it, so it's S'uu, and I'm not nervous around them...

Alexander smirked as he put his hand along his lap, "So, do you come here often?"

I touched the bandages on my face but then pulled my hand back. Then I quickly realized that he probably didn't mean it like that... Considering... He's blind... I blush a bit and place my hands at my sides, "Uh... no, this is actually my third day in the village."

Alexander's smile didn't waver, though his eyes seemed to become more focused. "Ah, a newcomer then. It must be quite a different experience from where you're usually from."

I nodded on instinct, "Yeah, it's definitely a lot to take in. So, um, what brings you here?"

"I'm here on some... personal matters. And you? What's your reason for being here?", He says with a curious tone.

I shifted in my seat, my curiosity about Alexander growing. "Uh- ... Well... I kinda got saved from getting mauled by a bear by one of the people here and... yep."

I was silent for a moment while looking away, "... I do plan on going home soon though..."

Looking back I could tell Alexander's smile grew a little. "Well, I'm glad you didn't get mailed by a bear!"

His smile is kinda unnerving with what he just said...

Ignoring that, I decided to ask one of my own questions, "You mentioned 'personal matters.' Is there anything more to that?"

Alexander chuckled softly. "hmmm... I guess so. I'm... investigating something. Have you ever heard of 'The Angel's Tomb'?"