Sentry of the Arcane: Engulfed

Chapter Nine: Sophie

The first thing I notice is a teal and brown scale laying on my chest. After I sit up, I then notice that the doors to the second room in the laboratory and the doors to the actual laboratory are completely broken, as if something large crashed into them.

"Glad to know you're awake." I turn around to see Caroline walking towards me with a smile. Before she can see the scale, I wrap my fingers around it and sit up, my curled fist at my side. When I look up again, Caroline gives me some water. "You were passed out for almost a day."

I manage to not do a spit-take and swallow some more water. "A day?" I finally choke out. "What happened?" I hand the water bottle back to the chemist, making sure that the scale is still out of her sight.

"You suddenly came in here," Caroline says, making me furrow my eyebrows in confusion. "But you were laying on the table unconscious. You seemed to be extremely exhausted, but I don't know why..."

"Where's Fitz?" I suddenly ask, looking at the two pairs of broken doors.

"He's actually the same as you," Caroline admits, causing me to look at her in shock. "The only thing is, I think that he's still asleep." She steps through the open space of the other room before coming out again. "Yep, he's asleep," she confirms. "Steven's watching over him, so you don't have to worry."

I smile gratefully. Standing up, I instantly feel a wave of lightheadedness, but I don't say anything. Instead, I say, "I think I feel better, thanks to you. Can I go to my room?" She nods, and I don't hesitate to rush outside.

Before I can reach the elevator, I hear Donovan and Benen shout behind me, "Sophie! Where are you going?" When I turn around, Donovan adds, "Aren't you supposed to be in the conference room? Fitz told us that Mr. Wallace called for the two of you."

"Yeah," Benen voices. Looking around, the male Altruistic frowns. "Where is Fitz, now that you mention him?"

"He's sleeping in the laboratory," I explain. "I don't know what happened, but he's really exhausted. Apparently, he still hasn't woken up yet." Shaking my head, I ask, "And Mr. Wallace is asking for us?"

Donovan nods. "That's what Fitz said, so..." The male Sovereign shrugs before walking towards the elevators with Benen.

I reach for the door handle to the conference room, but remember that I still have the unique scale. Slipping it into my pocket, I swing the doors open and step inside. "Mr. Wallace..!" I shout, listening to the echo of my voice. "I'm here!"

Mr. Wallace comes out, confusion on his face. I notice that he's limping, but I manage to stay quiet. "What are you doing here again?" he practically hisses at me, making me furrow my eyebrows at him. "You already came- you don't have to be here anymore..!"

My eyes widen and I slowly back away, suddenly feeling like it's not safe to be in the same room as him. As nonchalantly as I can, I let myself out of the conference room. Once away from Mr. Wallace, I turn towards the elevators and rush towards them. Luckily, the elevator on the left opens up immediately, allowing me to go to Level 8 as fast as I can.

When the elevator opens again, I dash down the hallway as if Mr. Wallace is still behind me. Not even five minutes pass since I slam the door closed when I hear knocking. Taking a few steps away from the door, I shout, "Who is it?" I find myself tightening my grip on the scale that I found as I wait for an answer.

"It's Laurel!"

A smile breaking out on my face, I tuck the scale away and open the door, revealing the female Altruistic. Inviting her inside, I ask, "What's up?"

"Audrey went to see Mr. Wallace a few minutes ago," Laurel explains. "So I decided to see you instead!" She smiles at me. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing much," I say, purposely leaving out the part that I woke up in the laboratory. "I just came back to my room from the conference room." Remembering that Audrey went to go see the middle aged man, I ask why.