Long sleeves hide scars (Zack X Reader)

Chapter Fourteen

The air was suffocating as you stepped off the elevator onto Gray's floor. You tightened your grip on Zack's knife, its weight an anchor against the rising tension in your chest. Beside you, Rachel carried herself with a quiet determination, though her face betrayed faint traces of unease.

Gray led the way, his steps unhurried and confident. "This is the place where revelations are made," he said, his voice low and calm. "Where truths, no matter how deeply buried, come to light."

You exchanged a wary glance with Rachel. "Can we skip the sermon and get to the point?" you snapped, your voice sharp.

Gray's faint smile didn't waver as he gestured ahead. "Patience, my dear. All in due time."

"We don't have time for games, Gray," you snapped, gripping Zack's knife tightly. "You said you'd guide us, so guide us."

Gray's faint smile didn't falter. "All things must be revealed in time. But before we proceed..." He reached into his robes, producing a small, pristine vial.

Rachel's eyes widened. "The medicine..."

"Yes," Gray confirmed, his voice calm. "I've had it all along. It was never in Danny's possession."

You clenched your fists. "You knew we were looking for it, and you just kept it from us?"

Gray's gaze shifted to you, his expression unreadable. "This journey is not just about survival; it's about discovery. For both of you."

Rachel stepped forward, her jaw set. "If you have the medicine, give it to us now."

Gray chuckled softly. "Not so fast, child. First, there is the matter of your trial."

Gray led you and Rachel through winding corridors, the heavy silence broken only by the sound of your footsteps. Finally, you emerged into a massive chamber resembling an ancient courtroom.

Rachel froze, her eyes narrowing. "What is this?"

"This," Gray intoned, "is where the truth will reveal itself."

He gestured toward a raised platform at the center of the room. "Rachel Gardner, take your place."

You stepped in front of Rachel, holding up Zack's knife. "She's not doing anything unless you explain what's going on."

Gray's eyes flicked to the knife, then back to you. "Such loyalty," he mused. "But this is her burden to bear. Not yours."

Rachel placed a hand on your shoulder. "It's okay," she said softly. "I'll do it."

You hesitated, then turned to her, holding out Zack's knife. "Take this. Just in case."

She nodded, taking the blade from your hand. "Thank you."

Rachel stepped onto the platform as Gray took his place at the judge's podium. The room darkened, and ghostly figures began to materialize.

The first was Cathy, her sadistic grin unmistakable. She strutted toward Rachel, her heels clicking against the floor.

"Well, if it isn't little Rachel," she cooed, her voice dripping with mockery. "Still playing the innocent girl act? We both know what's hiding underneath."

Rachel didn't respond, her grip on the knife tightening.

"Oh, don't give me that look," Cathy said, smirking. "You're not fooling anyone. Beneath that calm facade, you're just as twisted as the rest of us."

Eddie appeared next, his soft voice carrying through the room. "Rachel... you've always been selfish. You only care about yourself. That's all you've ever cared about."

Finally, Danny stepped forward, his ever-present grin sending a chill down your spine.

"Rachel, Rachel," he drawled, shaking his head. "You've come so far, only to face the truth. Your soul is already beyond saving."

You watched from the base of the steps, your fists clenched in frustration. Every word felt like a knife aimed at Rachel's heart.

Gray raised his gavel, his voice ringing out. "The evidence is clear. Rachel Gardner, you are a witch. And as such, you must face your punishment."

The platform shifted beneath Rachel's feet, flames roaring to life around her. You surged forward, but Gray's voice stopped you in your tracks.

"Do not interfere," he warned, his tone cold. "This is her trial."

You froze, your heart pounding. "Rachel!" you called out.

Amidst the flames, Rachel stood motionless, her expression unreadable. But her mind raced. Cathy's mockery, Eddie's disappointment, Danny's taunts—they all swirled together, feeding her doubts.

Then, amidst the chaos, an image of Zack flashed in her mind. His unwavering honesty, his relentless drive to survive—it was the opposite of everything she was being accused of.

"He's my God," she whispered, the realization hitting her like a thunderbolt.

Her grip on Zack's knife tightened, the blade biting into her palm. The sharp pain grounded her, pulling her back to the present.

The flames around her began to flicker and fade, the illusion unraveling. Rachel stepped forward, her gaze locking on Gray.

"This trial is over," she declared, her voice steady.

Gray's calm facade cracked, his eyes narrowing. "Impressive," he admitted, stepping down from the podium. He held out the vial of medicine, his expression unreadable.

Rachel took it without a word, her hands steady. You rushed to her side, your concern evident.

"You okay?" you asked quietly.

She nodded, though her face was pale. "I'm fine."

Gray watched the two of you with an amused smile. "Beware, Rachel Gardner," he said. "The truth has a way of catching up to those who run from it."

You glared at him, placing a protective hand on Rachel's shoulder. "We're done here."

"Not yet," Gray said, his voice carrying an ominous edge. "The path ahead will be even more difficult. I hope you're prepared."

Finally reunited with Zack, you knelt next to him, carefully administering the medicine to him. His eyes fluttered open, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"Took you long enough," he muttered, his voice hoarse but teasing.

You rolled your eyes. "You're welcome."

Rachel stood silently nearby, her gaze fixed on the floor.

"What happened up there?" Zack asked, his voice low.

"Nothing," Rachel replied quickly, her tone clipped.

You glanced between the two of them but chose not to press. Whatever had happened during the trial, it wasn't your place to force her to talk about it.