Shattered (Book One of The Progressive Trilogy)

Chapter 21: Purgers, Saints, and Other Crazies

*Unedited*  

As the darkness faded a severe ache began to pound in my head. The previous night's events flooded through my muddled brain, shocking me to awareness. My body, to my surprise was only slightly achy, making me wonder if last night was just a horrible dream. I opened my eyes slowly, wincing from the bright light. When my eyes adjusted, I looked around and realized immediately that I was not in my own home. My anxiety rose when I realized I was no longer in my own clothes, but instead I was wearing tiny running shorts and a tee-shirt that was a little too snug. There was slight bruising up and down my body, but that was it. No broken or bruised bones from what I could tell and I couldn't help but wonder if I had imagined the extent of my injuries.

Before I could fully analyze the situation, there was a soft knock on the door. My head whipped to the right towards the door. A second later it opened and a woman in her late thirties entered. Her dark brown curly hair was in a high ponytail. She had kind hazel eyes and a soft smile. She had a light blue blouse and denim jeans on her lithe legs.

"Oh, good. You're awake." The woman said softly, a small smile gracing her face. Her words tore me from my obvious gawking and I cleared my throat uncomfortably.

"Um, where am I? Who are you?" I questioned as the woman filled a glass with water and handed it to me.

"I'm Melody. The Saint's brought you here to be healed." Melody said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"So, so last night... what I saw, that really happened?" I asked cautiously still not believing what I saw the night before.

She looked confused for a moment before realization brightened her warm eyes, "Oh, that's right! You didn't know anything until last night. I completely forgot about that, sorry!" She giggled and scratched the back of her head bashfully; she was kind of adorable.

"No, that's alright. But, um... could you maybe tell me what's going on?"

She smacked her forehead lightly and snorted, "Of course sweetie, but first I have to do your check up, then we can meet my husband so he can explain everything." I nodded in agreement just ready to get answers no matter where they came from. She smiled before raising her hands palm down over my body and up to my head.

I was confused as to what she was doing until a warm white glow began to emit from her hands. She moved her hands slowly from my head to my feet, a warmth and slight tingle was felt wherever the light touched, and my headache was completely gone, which caused me to emit a sigh of relief. I watched as the remaining bruises slowly but surely disappeared before my eyes, only leaving behind the scars from Jax. After a while the slight aches disappeared completely and I felt as good as new.

When Melody looked up and saw my shocked face, she let out a tinkling giggle before speaking. "I forgot that you weren't used to Progressive healers. Most Prynciples have healing abilities."

How hard did they bash my head, I thought as anxiety coursed through my body from hearing Melody's words and seeing the impossible happen.

"Alright sweetie, all done." Melody said while standing straight.

Her words brought me back to reality and had me shaking my worries away. "Oh, um... Thanks." I said unsure.

"Any time. Now, are you ready for answers?" Melody asked with a bright grin.

I nodded, "Absolutely."

Melody nodded back, "Then follow me." She turned swiftly and walked out the door with me hot on her heals.

I followed Melody down a long, confusing array of hallways and down at least three staircases. It was like a maze, and if it weren't for my newest 'instinct upgrade', I would never be able to find my way out. Finally, after what felt like half an hour, Melody opened a door and lead me into what looked like a formal sitting room.