The Awakening

Chapter Fifty

"We need to leave. Now." Ernin appeared beside her, breaking the tension of Avelon and Fallon's reunion.

Avelon nodded swiftly, her body already in motion. She knelt beside Fallon, her arms sliding beneath her trembling, fragile form. Fallon's body was unnaturally cold, her skin like ice, but she desperately clung to Avelon, as if she would disappear at any moment.

Ernin stepped forward without hesitation, helping Avelon lift Fallon. Together, they rushed from the suffocating black void toward the flickering entrance. The red flecks of light still drifted around them like dying embers. Avelon had not realized how deep into the dark space they had ventured.

"How did you do that?" Ernin whispered, breathless, as they stumbled back into Balor's study.

The sudden return to the familiar space, with its flickering light, felt jarring. Avelon's gaze flickered to Fallon, concern flooding her chest. Fallon squinted at the sudden brightness inside the study, her eyes stinging from the contrast, though it was nothing compared to the void they had just escaped from. She blinked rapidly, trying to adjust.

"I'm not sure," Avelon answered Ernin, her voice low, filled with uncertainty. Her eyes stayed locked on Fallon, who seemed almost otherworldly in the study's flickering light, her once-vibrant self now diminished.

"Are you okay, Fal?" She asked, her voice strained with concern. She knew her friend was far from it, but the question came impulsively.

Fallon let out a rough, pained sigh, her voice hoarse. "Gods, I am now." She gazed around Balor's study, purposefully avoiding Avelon's lingering gaze.

"It took you long enough to find me, though." Her words were bitter. Something hollow rang within them. Avelon's heart clenched as she studied her friend, unable to tear her eyes away.

Fallon's black hair was matted to her skin, and her face had lost all colour. Her skin shone sickly pale under the dim light. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, as if she had not slept or eaten for days. She was Fallon, and yet... not.

"I'm sorry it took so long, Fal," Avelon murmured, her voice faltering. Guilt bubbled up inside her as her eyes dropped to the floor. "I swear I tried."

Fallon's eyes met Avelon's. Guilt swirling inside them. She had not meant to snap at Avelon.

"Balor made you forget," Fallon said softly, her voice dropping into a tremor of fear. "I don't blame you for not finding me sooner..."

"I don't know how," Fallon continued, "but Balor can do that. I forgot who I was... until I saw you a few minutes ago."

Avelon's heart stopped, her eyes snapping to from Ernin in shock, then back to Fallon before resting on Ernin once more. He met her gaze at the same moment, his face reflecting the same stunned disbelief. Neither of them had known.

"I can feel the tamper on my mind," Fallon whispered, her voice shaky with emotion as she tapped a finger against the side of her head. "It's like he's still lingering there."

"There's a lot we need to talk about." Avelon opened the door to Balor's study, the familiar squeak echoing in the quiet hallway.

Fallon quietly dislodged her arms from Avelon and Ernin's shoulders.

"I can walk from here. I may look half-dead, but I'm strong enough." Avelon hesitated, her eyes flicking over Fallon's body, searching for the slightest hint of a tremor or unsteadiness.

"Are you sure?" Ernin asked, studying her with the same concern that was evident on Avelon's face. Fallon crinkled her nose and waved them off.

"I'm fine, now let's get out of here. I know Balor, and sooner or later he'll meet up with us." She warned, her voice firm in warning.