Idk when the next chapter will be posted, it will depend on when I can get together with my co-writer friend so we can decide where to put the next chapter break. I'll try to have it out soon though! I also may not post this weekend, it's a family weekend with Easter and everything. Enjoy!
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Elwin was waiting for them at the entrance to the U shaped building. He was wearing the same pink unicorn tunic he wore the day they found Tam. His hair was very untamed but his smile (however fake it looked) was there. "Hey guys." He said, not hiding the monotone in the statement. Elwin pushed off the wall he was leaning on and licked the DNA sensor. He held opened the door for the 3 friends and they all somberly entered the academy. The only noise in the halls were their footsteps against the marble floor. All too soon they reached the healing center, and Sophie sucked in a breath as Fitz tightened his grip and did the same. Elwin pushed open the door and they stepped into the cot-lined room. They looked to the left to find Tam shirtless and unconscious on one of the white cots.
There are no words. He looks...better, and yet so much worse. His scar was smaller, only going from a few centimeters above his eyebrow to his low cheek. His chest was covered in bandages that clearly hid deep cavernous wounds that matched the ones on his upper arms. A blanket covered his legs and judging by the tints of former blood stains on the white sheets Sophie was sure they were really bad. He had a strange silver necklace with the pendant in his closed mouth. If Tam's face was not so pale he would look like he would be fine, but his skin was the shade of a ghost. Sophie dropped Fitz's hand and slowly walked over to his side with Linh close behind. Tears welled in Linh's eyes as she reached for her brother's hand.
"I wish I could promise everything will be okay," A new voice chimed in, as a woman with dark skin and long dark hair strode into the room. She had deep aquamarine jewels woven into her hair that matched her simple aquamarine dress."But there is a chance it would be a lie." Linh tightened her grip on Tam's hand and looked away. Livvy walked over gently putting a hand on Linh's shoulder. "You'll get your brother back, but odds are he won't be the same."
"The mark on his face won't go away." Elwin admitted, sounding defeated. "Livvy, could you take Linh into the hall? I need to talk to Sophie and Fitz." Livvy nodded and Linh reluctantly sauntered out of the Healing Center. Sophie and Fitz shared a confused face as Elwin leaned against the wall and tore a hand through his hair, releasing a long sigh. "She seems so sad." he huffed, sorrow glazing over his eyes as he looked aimlessly in the distance.
"There is something you aren't telling us, isn't there?" Sophie asked. Elwin nodded slowly, and mumbled something incoherent. "Sorry, what?"
"I think Tam's scars were caused by the Shamkniv, and who knows what was on the blade. There is something foreign in his system, but it doesn't seem fatal. Not yet at least." He bit his lip, seeming to be contemplating what to say next. His mouth formed 3 words before he finally said
"Chances are Tam could be paralyzed, permanently." Sophie felt her face go pale, and Fitz seemed just as shocked. "There is a bigger chance he will walk again." Elwin added quickly, "But… just prepare yourself for the possibility. If he can walk he won't be able to run nearly as fast, his endurance will not be as long, and there will always be at minimum a minor limp.” Sophie exhaled so shakily her chest rattled, she shifted her weight to lean on Fitz, however slightly. Elwin pushed off the wall his back was pressed against and walked over to Tam's cot, flashing an orb of dark blue light around his forehead and frowning. "There is something I'm missing. I can tell, I just can't tell what. So….I was wondering if you would check his mind." Sophie gave a nod and walked oh-so-slowly to Tam. Fitz only inches behind. The cognates exchanged a look, and Sophie slipped off her left glove so Fitz could intertwine their fingers. He gave her a reassuring smile that she tried to mimic, failing miserably. She reached for Tam's temple with her right hand and closed her eyes, plunging into his mind.
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Torment-A KOTLC Fanfic
FanfictionThey got away with it, right under their nose. When they took Tam, she never could have guessed what was in store. When Sophie and Linh found him he was centimeters from death, the basic privilege of walking striped away. The group thought they were...
