Hallor Chronicles

CHAPTER XV. - GOLDEN HOURS

Thanks to Reilly and the boys, we finished the course early and for the rest of the class we could take it easy. We could have trained more, but Nima and I were tired so we decided to join Gaia. Of course Nix then said he will stay with us too, which made Draco change his mind as well. The siblings wanted to practice with weapons and Reilly joined them. All four of them went to pick up swords or spears and trained in pairs near our camp. Gaia served us some tea and I slid on the chair, sipping on it. The fruit tea warmed me up and the exhaustion from all the training today finally caught up with me.

I wake up to someone shaking me slightly and calling my name. Opening my eyes, everything is blurry for a bit, but I can still hear people grunting or screaming, so I know we are still at The Pit. I rub my face and when I finally focus on what's going on, Draco is crouching in front of me, his hands placed on my thighs and gently brushing them. Still feeling a little bit sleepy, I apologize for dozing off and quickly pack my things, then search for Woreus. I can't see him anywhere, so I use our connection to talk to him, asking where he is. My brother only snorts and then the chair I am sitting on shakes. When I look down, I see Woreus sitting next to me and bumping into the furniture.

Woreus: You are getting tired again. Maybe you should visit the infirmary.

Me: No need. It was just an exhausting day.

Woreus: I wouldn't leave it like that, little one. Just to be sure, go get checked up.

Me: I'll deal with it somehow.

I don't really want to show my face in the infirmary again. The nurses are always nice to me and stuff, but if anyone sees me there again, they might spread rumors and that's the last thing I need right now. Instead I promised to ask girls at Aveus to teach me a spell I can use. Woreus isn't happy about that idea, but he says it's better than nothing and agrees.

Walking for me is hard and I end up being piggy-carried by Draco. Any other time I would protest, but right now I am glad I don't have to use my legs. We walked passed the Chronos dormitory and the guys separated from us. Nima didn't go back to her room yet, saying she will help Gaia on the staircase. Half way between Artemis and Hades dorms, a familiar voice greeted us, telling us a good job done for making it through The Pit again. Everyone thanks the person normally, only Draco's reply is dry like he hates them.

I unstuck my face which was glued to Draco's back and check who they are talking to. My eyes are greeted with the sparkle in those emerald orbs. I am really glad to see Mr. Hale again, especially when there is something I need to talk to him about. I tell Reilly to go without and that Draco can return. He protests, saying I can't walk on my own. I tap on his shoulders and order him to put me down, that I will find a way back somehow.

Mr. Hale: Is your health not back fully?

Me: Just a tough day. First time at The Pit today.

Draco: And that's why you should rest. School stuff can wait until tomorrow.

Mr. Hale: I don't mind helping outside of office hours. Anything urgent, Kaitlin?

Draco: Of course you don't mind, but her health should be on the first place.

Me: Don't be ridiculous, I won't die from my legs hurting.

Draco tries to fight me but I don't let him speak up. I quickly point out that Woreus is with me if anything and I really need to ask something. It is not that urgent but I play like it is for them to leave me alone. Mr. Hale offers to bring me back to my room and Draco immediately steps in front of me, saying he will stay then, wait in front of the office and then he will help carry me. I wanted to decline his offer but Reilly smacks my shoulder and drags me away to talk.