The glass slipped from Celestira's hand and she… suddenly started to cough up blood.
Warm blood spilled onto her hand, and her throat felt numb. She felt dizzy, and the smell of blood was nauseating.
"Wait—what? I stabilized your power… this shouldn't be happening… No—no, I have to do something. I have to calm down," the man frantically said.
He took a deep breath and sat beside Celestira, then said in his deep, raspy voice, "Ara, look at me."
That name… Celestira thought, her attention drawn to the person in front of her. Black hair… Is it Mother? Have I truly died and now I am meeting you?
Her vision blurred with tears as she stopped coughing blood and hugged the person before her.
Mother, I missed you. I am so sorry. I was such an incompetent daughter and died. I am sorry.
She sobbed for a while before finally falling asleep in the arms of the person in front of her.
Laying her down after she slept, the mysterious man said, "What has she been through for her to cry so much?"
Touching her forehead, he said, "I can't hear her thoughts. She probably has awakened, but I should erase her memories just in case."
Then he cleaned up the blood and called for a maid. Her eyes were cloudy and lifeless as she said, "How may I help you?"
"Help her ladyship change. Then go back to your room and pretend like none of this ever happened."
Snapping his fingers, he added, "Oh yes, burn the nightgown she is wearing. Those bloodstains won't go—I don't want evidence that I was here."
The servant bowed and said, "As you wish."
Then the mysterious person jumped out the window, and after looking back once, he disappeared into the dark night sky.
---
Warm rays of sunlight seeped into Celestira's room. Her eyes fluttered open, and she lazily sat up, looking around the room.
I am in my room… then the plan must have succeeded.
After stretching, Celestira walked toward the mirror. I feel fine. This must be because of the little bit of antidote I took for the poison before drinking tea with Alicia.
She then walked toward the couch and plopped down.
Now that I think about it… it's so quiet today—almost too quiet.
Suddenly, the door clicked softly and someone entered. Celestira's heart skipped a beat.
Who is it?
To be continued...