By Midnight Blood

Chapter Ten: Old Aquaintances

Liridia
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Something is coming.

I couldn't stand to wait another moment in that infirmary. Firn was in the next room over, dead. And this place reminded me of the tent back in Nohma. Where Pa died writhing in his own blood.

"Are you well?" I hear a voice from behind me, icy fingers gently touching my shoulder, barely making me flinch because I was already consumed with cold.

My still damp hair was hanging behind me, soft creaking in my head as He shuffles about, filtering through memories and feelings.

Get out of my head.

You think I wouldn't if I could? I haven't had a young mind to keep for centuries and it smells like death in here.

Classy.

Says you, brat.

I swear on God above's name-

"Liridia? Liridia? Are you well?" Cal asked, concern etched in his brow.

"All blue skies here." I replied blandly, wringing my wrists with worry. I exited the infirmary biting my nails.

"Then tell me why you're here if nothing is wrong." He crossed his arms, most of the worry gone from his face, replaced with... curiosity.

"I just wasn't feeling good..." I trailed off, picking at the hem of my tunic with throbbing nails.

Cal's eyes shone white and his eyes narrowed a fraction, making me halt my breath and pick the seam of my tunic with more vigor than before.

"What happened to make you come back so soon, Liridia. Was it my irresistible good looks or do you just love the smell of herbs and death?" He asked, a smile creeping onto his face that barely hid his sadness. His eyes said it all.

Real charmer you got there.

"... I'm sorry about Firn, Cal." I apologised, stepping forward to take his hand in mine and squeezing reassuringly. He looked down at our entwined hands and frowned, etching his features in guilt.

Are you though?

"You shouldn't be sorry." He breathed, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart. But how could I hear his over mine? Everything was in full colour, his exhalations emanating a deep blue but his heart's vibrations pulsing red, creating a swirling violet that reminded me of the colours I saw when I fell out of control. When He took over.

My breaths seeped black, my trembling hands oozing an urgent and fiery red, mingling with the sorrowful royal blue of my heart. The two purples coalesced and danced, Cal's eyes shining a bright white that cut through the colours in front of me.

"We are all represented by colours. Ours match." He smiled through the grim sadness choking him. I tilted my head in confusion.

The purples turned in time with each other and twisted through the air. But my purple was not the same as his. Mine was darker and polluted with the black I breathed every moment. My heart galloped in my chest and I distanced myself with careful defense.

You're poisonous. He whispered in what could be pride or disgust.

You did this to me.

His heart flashed a sultry red and he looked up at me before quickly dropping my hand.

"I apologise wholeheartedly. It was foolish of me to even-" He rushed through, his hands raking through his hair and his eyes never leaving mine.