Hallor Chronicles

CHAPTER XII. - RETURN

Rolling my eyes at Woreus and his secret way of helping me out with the dance, I go turn off the music. I toss the phone back on the table and I put hands on my hips, trying to look angry at my brother. He kept lying on the floor, sweeping dust with his tail, totally ignoring me. I ask him if he taught me the technique on purpose, to help me learn the dance. Woreus only huffs, replying he doesn't know what I'm talking about, and shifts position so his muscles don't get stiff. To have a little fun with my brother, I sneak behind Woreus and when I am close enough to attack, I launch myself on his huge fluffy wolf body. Pinning him down with full body weight, I try to tickle my brother or play and ruffle his fur. Of course, it's nothing for Woreus to shake me off and press me against the floor with his giant paw. I tap out, saying I give up but also thanking him for teaching me that technique and essentially the Equinox ball dance.

Dancing on an empty stomach wasn't a good idea, because now I feel dizzy and hella tired. With perfect timing, Ms. Do'or walks into the living room, dressed in a clean new apron, and calls me to eat. Untagling myself from the bedsheet first, I join Woreus, who is walking out.

My stomach grumbles out of happiness upon seeing the generous spread on the table. Amazing aroma hits my nose, and I can't wait to dig in. I thought Woreus followed me, but he is nowhere to be seen. Weird that he would skip breakfast. Since my hunger is strong, I stop thinking about Woreus and dive straight into the plate with the biscuits.

Wanting to go back to the dance practice, I eat fast, barely chewing the previous bit and already taking another one. To not choke, I push the food down with juice. Ms. Do'or seems to be worried not just about my bad eating habits, but also something else is plaguing her mind. Probably the situation with the Morrigan incident is still not solved. I wanted to ask about it, but Ms. Do'or beat me to speaking up.

Ms. Do'or: You seem to feel better.

Me: Thanks to your hospitality, and probably taking a break, using powers less helped too.

Ms. Do'or: The principals requested an update about your health. Since it has gotten better, you are summoned back to Umbras for a check-up. If everything is alright, you will be allowed to stay at the academy again.

With dropped jaw, I only stare at Ms. Do'or, not knowing what to say. Maybe I got too used to the normal life, the thought of going back is not pleasant. I do miss Reilly, the girls and Draco, but I can't help to feel sad about not having the normal days I've spent here. It's just Ms. Do'or and Woreus, yet it felt like a real family.

Ms. Do'or must have noticed the mood shift and also realized why I feel down suddenly because she gave me a soft smile and said I am free to visit her anytime I'm out of the academy grounds. Ms. Do'or also told me to not hesitate and call whenever I have some questions, or to just let her know how I am doing. It might seem strange to keep in close touch, since we are not family or friends, but I gladly agreed to the idea.

Me: When will I be going back?

Ms. Do'or: Since you might have a lot to catch up on, the sooner the better. I don't want you to fall behind in your studies. I would like to spend more time with you, help you master our Manifestation, but it's dangerous for you to be around me right now. you should slowly pack your things throughout the day and return tomorrow.

That's sooner than I expected. Hearing this, the appetite is gone, and I leave some leftovers on the plate. Woreus suddenly appears under the table, and I almost trip over him as I am going to my room and get my stuff. I was going to leave it there without cleaning up, but Woreus' pleading puppy eyes told me everything. I don't even need the connection to talk. I grab my leftovers, add some fresh pieces, and then place the plate in front of him.