The Awakening

Chapter Twenty Four

Avelon had slept for an entire day after her sudden surge of energy. Her prolonged slumber had tested Brianne's patience to its limits. Although Brianne had expected and anticipated the long stretch of sleep, her anxiety gnawed at her, threatening to drive her to the brink of madness. Before Brianne's concern could fully explode, Avelon finally stirred awake. Her relief was palpable, but it was short-lived as Avelon spent the following days curled up their room, a bundle of nerves about encountering Elha again.

Brianne, understanding Avelon's need for solitude, had been careful not to intrude. Instead, Brianne offered Avelon various activities to keep her occupied. She delivered books, puzzles, and embroidery threads, doing her best to distract Avelon from her worries.

Jeera, however, became increasingly scarce, burying herself in tasks throughout the palace. Her avoidance puzzled Avelon, who had thought their introduction had been friendly. Jeera's behaviour left Avelon questioning her own social skills.

By the second day, the room had started feeling like a new prison to Avelon. She spent her time moving furniture, folding laundry, and working on patchwork, each task an attempt to stifle her boredom. As the third day of confinement approached, the walls seemed to close in on her. Desperation drove her to make a decision, she would get out and visit the stables. Cleaning the stable stalls and maintaining the horses was just what she needed to feel like herself.

The morning of the third day, after making her decision, Avelon eagerly devoured her porridge. Her excitement was palpable as she prepared to leave the room. Brianne, noticing her hasty movements, quickly caught on to her plans.

Brianne's eyes widened with concern. "Are you sure you want to go out? I can keep bringing things into the room for you," she said, her voice wavering as she chewed her bottom lip.

"Brianne," Avelon groaned, frustration heavy in her tone, "I either go out now, or Balor will send someone to find me again. I can't stay cooped up in this room any longer—I'll lose the last shred of my sanity." Avelon widened her eyes in exaggerated horror to emphasize her point, balling pieces of her bedspread into her hands.

Avelon had confided in Brianne about Elha's attempt to drown her but had withheld many details, particularly about the experiments and blood bending. She feared that revealing the full truth might endanger Brianne. The burden of protecting her friend weighed heavily on Avelon, especially with Fallon's safety also on her mind.

Brianne chuckled softly, though her concern remained evident. She shifted uncomfortably on her bed, setting her bowl down. Casting a look of pure wavering toward Avelon, she sighed and spoke again. "I understand, really I do. I just worry that if I let you out of my sight, something bad might happen again."

Brianne's shoulders slumped, a frown spreading across her face. Avelon noticed the guilt lingering in Brianne's voice, her eyes softening in response to her friends sadness. Brianne had repeatedly blamed herself for the incident, convinced she should have been there to help. No amount of reassurance from Avelon seemed to relieve her guilt.

The sudden urge to laugh filled Avelon as she considered Brianne's words. "Most of Teine is bad Bri, and we've both had our fair share of Balor. Bad things tend to happen around here- What could be worse than what we've faced?"

Brianne shushed Avelon half-heartedly, "Don't tempt any of the Gods that might spare a moment to listen in on our conversation."

Avelon laughed, joined by Brianne. The idea of a godlike Fae listening in on their conversation seemed as absurd as picturing Balor apologizing for his wrongdoing. Their laughter filled the room and warmed pieces of Avelon's heart. As their laughter subsided and Avelon remembered the purpose of their discussion, she stood from her bed and turned toward the door.