Hallor Chronicles

CHAPTER XXII. - CONNECTIONS, CONSEQUENCES AND CHOICES

       Reilly was staring at me with anticipation but also worry written all over her face. I placed the mug down, now free from all the marshmallows, and took a deep breath. I was still shaken up and I couldn't look Reilly directly in her eyes so I let my gaze fall onto my lap as I start explaining everything I've seen and experienced today.

Somehow I managed to talk to Reilly about everything without bursting into tears and crashing again. She picked up the drawing and started analyzing it, asking me questions. I didn't really have solid answers about it because we never figured out what it is. If it was just a prank or some sort of omen sign. I hoped it's the first option because I didn't want to be hunted for being some sort of a ticking bomb. And then as if she could read my mind, Reilly asked another question about the tattoo.

Reilly: Demigods definitely don't have powers to do tricks and spells so it couldn't have been anyone from Umbras. And you said the girls didn't know about it but aren't there some other magical students who could have do this as a prank?

Me: I've never crossed anyone or at least I tried not to anger others but I don't know, maybe?

Reilly: What about that pompous dude we saw after The hunt?

Me: Ledon?

Reilly: I don't know his name. But him and his girlfriend seemed really pissed about losing even though it was their fault not yours.

Me: It is possible. But why would they do this? For what reason?

Reilly: Do bullies even need a reason to torment people?

This idea actually makes sense and I prayed that this is what actually happened. But how am I even going to ask Ledon if it's true. I doubt he will happily answer me if I ask him: Hey Ledon, by the way, did you try to scare me off with a tattoo prank? You did? Oh thanks, now you make me feel better.

Me: He is not going to tell me anyway.

Reilly: You could use a truth serum on him.

Me: That thing is real?

Reilly: My mom told me that they use it sometimes when they need to question people. They have some pact with magicians that supply them with this potion.

Me: Great. I can't even ask that now because Potions are taught in the second year by Professor Kollin and I can't attend Aveus classes.

Reilly: You can go to Aveus during The student's week though. Wait, what did you say his name was?

Me: Professor Kollin. We saw him during-

Reilly: When they announced the winners for the week. If I remember correctly, Gaia got assigned to him. You can ask-

Me: No. I don't want to involve people into this. We could get expelled for even trying to do that potion if it's a secret so I am not going to risk anyone else. I've already...

Few strikes or expulsion for me is nothing for what almost happened to Mr. Hale. Killed. I've almost killed someone today because I am so selfish. Why do I feel so empty without knowing certain things? Why do I need to know who my parents are and where my powers come from? I started to get lost inside my mind but Reilly's voice saved me before I could drown between my thoughts.

Reilly: I must say though, this drawing is pretty nice. Professor Hale is handsome and talented.

Me: He didn't draw it.

Reilly: What do you mean? You told me he did this.

Me: Somehow he did it with his powers. Professor Coldos said that Mr. Hale "summoned" it from my mind. I didn't have time to ask him about it before he got hauled off to the infirmary. I didn't even get a chance to thank him.