Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 33: Restful Days

I woke up, my heart pounding as I sat up abruptly. The sudden movement sent a wave of pain coursing through my body, and I winced, taking in my surroundings. There was medical equipment around me, I was somehow in the school's infirmary.

Confusion and worry swirled in my mind as I glanced down. My body was wrapped in bandages covering the wounds from the fight. I tried to move, but the pain was sharp and relentless, reminding me of how brutal the fight was.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cool floor beneath my feet. I felt weak and unsteady, but the urgency to act was overwhelming. If the battle was still raging outside, I couldn't afford to stay here, confined by my injuries. I needed to find out what was happening.

Every step toward the door was a struggle, my body protesting with each movement. I gritted my teeth, pushing through the pain as I made my way to the door. I couldn't just lie here while my friends might still be in danger.

As I reached for the door, it suddenly swung open, startling me. Standing there was Nytsul. I was taken aback by the sight of tears glistening in his eyes.

"Nytsul?" I said, my voice strained from the pain. Worry clawed at my insides as I struggled to find the words. "Is everything okay? How are my friends? What's going on?"

Without a word, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. "Everything's okay," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing. "I'm just glad you're awake. We didn't know when you'd come to. The fights are over, and you can relax now. Your friends are fine—some cuts and bruises, but nothing serious."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged him back, relief washing over me like a wave. "I'm glad everyone's okay. What about the festival?"

"The ball is on hold for now," he replied, gently stroking my hair. "We'll probably have it in a day or so. You just need to rest." With that, he carefully picked me up and carried me back to the bed

"I'll bring everyone by later, I promise."

"Okay, Nytsul. Thank you," I whispered, feeling the pull of exhaustion. As I drifted off again, the last thing I felt was the warmth of his hand in mine.

When I awoke again, the infirmary was dark, and I could see the sun setting outside the window. The quiet murmur of voices drifted through the door, pulling me awake. I slowly pushed myself up, surprised to find that the pain had lessened, leaving only a dull ache.

Curiosity and a need for reassurance drove me to my feet. I made my way to the door, each step feeling steadier than the last. As I reached for the handle, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what I might find on the other side.

The door creaked open, and there they were—my friends, huddled together in the hallway, their faces etched with concern. Their conversation halted as they noticed me standing in the doorway. Relief washed over them, and the weight on my chest felt lifted.

"Hi, guys," I croaked, my voice still raspy from the pain and fatigue. The words came out softer than I intended but were filled with relief. "I'm so glad to see you're all alright."

As I opened my arms, inviting them in for a hug, I could see the weariness on their faces give way to smiles. One by one, they stepped forward, enveloping me in a warm, comforting, and reassuring embrace.

After we hugged, both Pearl and Scarlet immediately started scolding me, their voices a mix of concern and frustration. "You shouldn't be out of bed yet!" Pearl admonished, her hands on her hips, while Scarlet nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed with worry.

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound raspy but genuine. "I'm sorry," I said, raising my hands in surrender, "I just couldn't stay in bed knowing you guys were out here. I'm just so glad everyone's okay."