Hallor Chronicles

CHAPTER XIX. - BLOODLINES RECONNECTED

Freezing on spot, my muscles tighten and chills run down my spine. Cohen found me and Mr. Hale together, and if seems like it's triggering him in a way. I kept checking Mr. Hale's face which is half-covered in blood. He is pressing the back of his hand against nose to stop the bleeding, but it's not working. I tear a piece of the blue part from my dress and clean Mr. Hale's mouth, then hold it against his nose. I am worried about him, but I am also using this as an excuse to hide from Cohen. Despite feeling awkward and heat flushing my whole body, I stand close to Mr. Hale. Fighting the fear, I lose and my hands tremble as I hold the now red fabric. He must have noticed it, because Mr. Hale takes the cloth from my hand and pulls me closer. The tip of my nose is brushing against his chest and I don't dare to turn around to look what Cohen is plotting.

All of us just stood there without talking until a familiar annoying voice spoke up. Didn't have to turn around to know Cohen has been with Saxa this whole time. I scoff at her behavior, because the reason she hated me in the first place was being close to Mr. Hale, and now she is suddenly all about Cohen?

Saxa heard me and started yelling, but Cohen interrupted her. One thing good about this guy is that he seems to have an upper hand over Saxa and she complies with it. They must must have moved closer or do something, because Mr. Hale's grip on my lower back tightens. I lift my head to look at him, but Mr. Hale is focused on the duo. His eyes are shining red, probably using his powers to cloak us so we don't make a scene and ruin the ball, but the color is more of a wine red. He must be exhausted.

Mr. Hale: I am okay, don't worry. You should have told me what happened.

Me: You don't look-. Wait, how do you know?

Mr. Hale: I win the bet this time.

His voice is low and soft, but there is a subtle hint of worry in it. My focus must have wandered and the shield broke, allowing Mr. Hale read whatever was on my mind. I wanted to explain, but Mr. Hale's eyes shifted to the right and then he twists me to stand behind him. He ordered someone to get me out of here and I dragged away.

When we emerge from the crowd and I stop looking back at Mr. Hale and Cohen with Saxa, I noticed it was Reilly who got me out. We don't stop and go straight towards the door. I stumble with my steps, because Reilly is pulling me hard and we are going fast, but I don't question it and follow her until we get back to our room.

More concerned about my feet being on fire rather than not being able to catch breath, I instantly flop on the floor and take off the high heels, tossing them aways from me. Reilly told me to get up or I will catch a cold and I wanted to listen to her since the floor isn't twice comfortable, but everything catches up with me and when I want to stand up, I crash down on the floor again.

Reilly rushed over and started checking me for injuries, but I pat her shoulder and tell her I am just not used to the heels and my soles are on fire, which is true, but my body is also in pain and the fear lingers around me like a shadow, making me weak. I don't let any of that known on my expression though. Reilly snorts and replies her feet are dead as well. She gets rid of the heels and joins me on the floor.

We were both just sitting there, leaning against the wall, when someone knocked. I looked at Reilly and she is surprised as I am. I get up to open the door despite my body protesting and Reilly immediately stood up as well, grabbed my arm to stop me. I was scared a few seconds ago, overtaken by the fear, and maybe I still slightly am, but I realized it's not likely that it's Cohen behind the door, being so nice to knock before killing me or whatever. I mustered up the courage and went for the handle. Reilly dashed away and returned with one of her swords. She stands behind the door, sword ready to swing and nods at me to open the door.