DIVERSITY

DIVERSITY- Chapter 28

The haze of darkness released It's burden over me, as my head slumped limply against my shoulder, revamping my senses from the forced slumber. I groaned vividly as I became aware of a fresh throbbing on the side of my head, feeling as though I had been struck with a solid object. I startled as the sound of footsteps created a rippling vibration against the ground that I was sprawled across. Their steps seemed to halt just before what sounded like a crackling fire.

The realisation of my situation had jolted my mental state, and I hastily squeezed my eyes closed, firmly enough so that I would not be tempted to open them. I curled my body and relaxed my limbs, so that It would appear to the unknown strangers that I was still unconscious.

"Is there any change In the girl's health?" A smooth but deep voice Interrupted the nerve-racking silence, their tone seemed strained with anxiety. Immediately, I identified the first stranger as a man. Focusing on remaining as still as I could, I waited for the response of the other person, visualising the men's appearances and their actions as they stood close to me.

"No, Alec. Nothing yet. She has heaved small amounts of blood from her system, but that Is to be expected after she was on the brink of death. I healed her with all of the strength I could afford to lose."

I found myself tensing slightly as the the new, calm voice spoke. My mind buzzed with questions as It processed the Information that the man had delivered. My breaths quaked with an uncertain fear as I realised that Alec, the man who started the conversation that I was secretly listening to, could be a person capable of anything. My heart abruptly skipped a beat, my mind dwelling on a familiar thought.

This man that was talking with Alec, had said that he healed me while I was dying, but In my experience with Damon and his healing ability, how was that possible? That fact that I was alive Indicated that some sought of power had healed me before I was claimed by death, but the way I knew the healing system to be, was that If a healer was to use their power they would absorb the other's Injuries. And In my case, the Injuries were fatal, but here the man was, standing healthy and talking about my own wellbeing.

Unexpectedly, Alec lowered his voice, and began to whisper a question to his accomplice.

"Have you any news on her arrival here? Is she a Banished? Or Is she a message from Melanie?"

My forehead creased with confusion. A message from Melanie, what did that mean? I hushed the Inquisitive voice In my mind to listen Intently when the second man answered Alec's distressed questions.

"I'm afraid that I cannot allow for Walen to assess her story, until she Is healthy enough to answer our questions. And Alec-"

There was a slight pause and I heard the scrunching of fabric being clenched In the man's fist as he clamped Alec's shoulder comfortingly.

"-He could still be alive. We cannot give up hope, If Aeolius was here, he would be telling you to stay strong and continue our search."

My body began to ache and I worried that I could not maintain this position for much longer, as I felt a rock pressing painfully Into the skin of my leg. Without thinking, the pain numbing my mind, I sharply pulled my leg away from the area. Instantly, I regretted that hasty decision. I cringed with fear as I heard the men's footsteps alter their direction and march toward me.

My eyes snapped open and were blinded by the sudden light that engulfed the landscape. Through the specks of glowing luminescence, I could see glimpses of a person that I assumed to be Alec, prowling dangerously toward me. I gasped, as I witnessed their outstretched hand, clasping a knife. Within seconds, I was defeated and pushed roughly against what felt like a cemented beam, dagger to my throat. Struggling under the pointed weapon, I gazed up Into the face of my attacker, and was bewildered by the man's features. His skin was pale, like the rim of a wave the ocean would create, auburn freckles were splashed perfectly on his flushed cheeks, clouding over the bridge of his nose, complimenting the amber-brown pupils that swam wildly within his gleaming eyes. I observed the full imagery of his features, my eyes following the streaks of chestnut hair that escaped In layers, extending down just past his ears. I gazed down to his ashen clothes, surveying the grey, dirt smothered shirt that stretched over his broad chest where a tattered, black jacket engulfed his body In warmth. Grimy black and white laced up sneakers secured his feet, the shoes extending up his leg and past the hem of his faded blue jeans, as they shifted uncomfortably before me. He appeared to be In his late teens, possibly nineteen years old.