Chapter 36

It had been three long days since Meera last laid eyes on Eryx. He did not show up to the morning runs and Sven began to take his place in the afternoons. Meera was beginning to think Eryx was deliberately avoiding her. As she trained, her mind relentlessly picked away at the edges of her sanity, consumed by the need to see him and to confront him.

Meera needed answers—needed to know how long he had been aware of her secret and why he had chosen to keep her from getting caught. The uncertainty gnawed at her, driving her to distraction as she fumbled through training. Each missed encounter fueled Meera's frustration and deepened her longing to see him. She found herself constantly scanning the crowds, hoping to catch a glimpse of his familiar figure, but he remained frustratingly elusive.

On the fifth evening, Meera's resolve pushed her to cross the lines of proper behavior. With determination etched into her features, she marched to Eryx's room after dinner. Each step echoed in the quiet hallway, her anticipation building with every heartbeat.

Raising her hand, she knocked on the heavy wooden door, the sound resonating through the corridor. Holding her breath, Meera waited, her heart hammering inside her chest as she grappled with the uncertainty of what awaited her on the other side.

Should she start with her questions or should she begin by asking when he would take her to the waterfall again? Both matters had been pressing down on her mind, weighing heavily on her thoughts, and Eryx's prolonged absence only made them more unbearable.

"Your grace?"

Meera turned to face the maid bowing before her, breaking her from her internal deliberations.

"Prince Eryx is not here," the young girl informed her, her voice soft and hesitant.

"Is that what he asked you to tell me?" Meera questioned, suspicion lacing her words.

"No, your grace," the girl shook her head, her eyes wide with innocence. "He hasn't been here all week. He's been staying at the palace. His sister has fallen ill."

A pang of concern shot through Meera's heart. "Venna?"

The maid nodded solemnly. "Yes."

"What's wrong?" Meera's voice was filled with genuine concern, her worry evident in her furrowed brows. "Why hasn't anyone told me?"

"The council did not want to distract you from your training," the maid explained, her voice tinged with hesitation.

"A visit to the palace won't kill me," Meera said firmly, her resolve hardening. "Fetch me my cloak, please, and a lantern."

"It's past everyone's bedtime, your grace," the maid hesitated, concern etched into her features.

"Not a strong enough reason to stop," Meera insisted, her determination unwavering.

The maid did not know what to say as Meera hurried down the stairs to the foyer. She quickly retrieved Meera's cloak from her room and lit the glass lantern, preparing herself to accompany the princess across the great lawn to the palace.

"You don't have to come with me," Meera said gently, noticing the hesitation in the girl's eyes. "I know my way to the palace."

"I can't let you go on your own," the girl frowned.

With a small nod of gratitude, Meera took the lantern from her. "Put on your hood. It's windy outside. Are you wearing your snow shoes?"

"Yes," the maid nodded, following Meera's lead.

Meera took in a deep breath, steeling herself for the walk ahead. "Okay, let's go then."

As Meera and the maid stepped out of the tower, a biting wind whipped through the air, sending a shiver down their spines. The moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the frozen landscape. Meera pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, the thick fabric offering some protection against the cold. With the lantern casting a warm, flickering light, Meera led the way across the snow-covered lawns of the castle grounds. Each step crunched beneath their feet, the sound muffled by the thick layer of frost. The maid followed closely behind, her hood pulled up over her head to shield her face from the biting wind.

As they reached the gates, the young girl stepped forward, her small hand raising to knock on the weathered wood. She announced Meera's arrival, and the soldiers stationed nearby immediately swung the gates open in response. As Meera stepped through and removed her hood, the soldiers lowered their heads respectfully, bowing before the princess.

"Take me to Venna's room, please," Meera instructed the maid, her gaze sweeping over the grandeur of the palace's architecture. The high dome ceilings and intricate Gothic details envelop Meera in a sense of awe. "I'm afraid I have forgotten the corridors of this place."

"Certainly," the maid replied.

Handing over the lantern to one of the soldiers, Meera fell into step behind the maid as they began their ascent up the grand staircase. Her eyes wandered, taking in the walls adorned with oil portraits of royalty and scenes of historic battles. Each painting seemed to whisper a tale of the palace's storied past, adding to the sense of gravity that hung in the air.

As they walked, Meera couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that settled over her like a heavy shroud. The silence of the palace corridors was oppressive, broken only by the echo of their footsteps against the polished marble floors. Each step seemed to reverberate through the empty halls, amplifying the sense of unease that hung in the air.

Finally, they arrived at Venna's doors, where Meera's maid announced her arrival once again to the maids stationed outside. With a nod, the doors swung open, revealing the chamber beyond. Meera stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest as she prepared to enter the room where her friend lay ill.

"Thank you," Meera murmured, reaching out to gently touch the young girl's hand in gratitude. Drawing in a steadying breath, she crossed the threshold into the familiar space she had once resided in.

The room was cloaked in the familiar scent of Venna's rose oil, its sweet fragrance mingling with the crackle of the fire in the fireplace. As Meera's eyes adjusted to the dim light, her breath caught in her chest when she sensed a presence she knew all too well. Turning her head, she spotted Eryx seated on one of the sofas, his silver eyes fixed on her with a hint of surprise.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice low and measured. Despite the tension that had gripped her moments before, Meera felt the weight lift from her shoulders at the lack of hostility in his tone.

"I came to see Venna," Meera replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "How is she?"

Eryx's silence stretched on, his gaze lingering on Meera as if he were searching for something within her. Meera held her breath, feeling as though every beat of her heart echoed loudly in the stillness of the room. She watched him closely, her own emotions swirling beneath the surface like a tempest ready to break.

As Eryx's jaw tightened and his eyes flickered with indecision, Meera felt a surge of anxiety wash over her. She had never seen him like this before, so uncertain and guarded.

Finally, breaking the heavy silence, Eryx rose slowly to his feet, his movements deliberate and measured. Meera's heart raced as he approached the sliding doors that separated the bed chambers from the meeting room.

"She's sleeping right now," he informed her quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Meera followed him eagerly, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor as they crossed the threshold into the darkened bed chambers.

"Can I see her?" Meera asked, her voice barely audible in the hushed atmosphere.

Eryx nodded in response, his expression unreadable in the dim light. Meera took a tentative step forward, her senses heightened as she entered the room. The curtains were tightly drawn, shrouding the space in darkness, and the flickering light from the fireplace cast dancing shadows across the walls.

As Meera's eyes adjusted to the dimness, she caught a glimpse of Venna's form lying still and peaceful in the bed. A lump formed in her throat as she approached, her heart heavy with concern for the young girl.

"What happened?" Meera whispered, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. Her gaze lifted to meet Eryx's, searching for answers in the depths of his troubled eyes.

The deep frown etched on Eryx's lips sent a pang of heartache through Meera's heart. She had never seen such vulnerability in him before, and it shocked her. She couldn't look away from him as he stared down at Venna's sleeping form.

"She's been battling demons in her mind," Eryx replied, his voice strained with emotion. "The smiling face you see is just a mask she puts on for everybody's sake."

Meera's heart sank at the revelation, her stomach churning with a mixture of sadness and disbelief. The pressure in her chest began to build, threatening to overwhelm her as she struggled to process the gravity of Venna's situation.

"Sometimes, she gets tired of fighting," Eryx continued, his voice heavy with sorrow. With a slow, deliberate movement, he pulled back the sheets to reveal Venna's bandaged wrists.

Meera's eyes widened in horror at the sight, her breath catching in her throat as her hand flew to her mouth in shock. The reality of Venna's suffering hit her like a tidal wave, leaving her reeling with a sense of helplessness.

"Did she..." Meera couldn't bring herself to finish the thought, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I found her sitting by the window," Eryx recounted, his voice strained with pain. "She looked over at me, and I swear I felt her begging me to help her."

Tears welled up in Meera's eyes as she moved to stand beside Eryx, her heart breaking for both Venna and the man who stood beside her. With trembling hands, she reached out and placed her hand against his arm, offering what little comfort she could.

"How long has this been going on?" Meera's voice wavered with emotion as she gazed at Venna, her heart heavy with sorrow.

Eryx drew in a slow, steadying breath, his expression haunted as he carefully tucked the sheets back around Venna's shoulders, his touch gentle against her snow-white hair.

"I've lost count of the months and years," he replied, his voice heavy.

"How do we help her?" Meera's voice trembled, tears shimmering in her eyes as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of Venna's suffering.

"I don't know," Eryx admitted, his voice thick with defeat. "I don't know what to do, M. She's hurting, and I can't help her."

Meera stepped closer to Eryx, her heart aching. Eryx's shoulders were weighed down by the weight of their shared despair. With a gentle touch, she placed her hand against his back, offering what little comfort she could.

"I want to take her away from Voreios," Eryx confessed, his voice filled with desperation. "But she won't go. And being here is killing her."

"Do you think she will want to go with me?" Meera asked softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "To Azmeera?"

Eryx hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly, his expression pained.

"You could try," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. With a heavy sigh, he stepped back, running a hand through his dark curls before rubbing the back of his neck in frustration.

Meera watched him go, her heart heavy. Silently, she followed him out of the room, closing the door behind her.

"You look tired," Meera observed, her gaze lingering on the weariness etched into Eryx's features.

"I'm okay," Eryx replied, his tone strained as he tried to mask the exhaustion that weighed heavily upon him.

"Have you been here with Venna all these days?" Meera inquired, her voice laced with concern.

Eryx nodded, his movements slow and deliberate as he crossed the room to stand before the crackling fireplace. He folded his arms across his chest, his brow furrowed in deep thought as he stared into the dancing flames.

"What about everyone else?" Meera pressed.

"They come and go," Eryx responded. "Will and I have been taking shifts staying with her. I sent him away to get some rest."

Meera's heart twisted at the thought of Eryx bearing the weight of Venna's suffering alone.

"Why didn't you send for me?" she questioned softly. "I could have stayed with her."

"There's too much tension in the palace," Eryx explained, his voice heavy with resignation. "With the stunt you pulled with the shadowshade, I didn't want you involved."

Meera's chest tightened at his words, guilt gnawing at her heart as she lowered her gaze.

"But you're here," Eryx pointed out, his gaze shifting to meet hers. "How did you hear about Venna?"

"The maid," Meera replied, her throat feeling dry. "I had gone to your room to speak to you."

"About?" Eryx's voice held a note of curiosity.

Meera hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject without overshadowing the gravity of Venna's condition.

"It's not important right now," she murmured, shaking her head.

"Is it about the shadowshade?" Eryx's question hung heavy in the air, drawing Meera's attention back to him.

She bit down on her bottom lip, torn between her desire for answers and her concern for Venna's well-being. With a heavy sigh, she met Eryx's gaze, her eyes searching his for any hint of the truth.

"How...how long have you known?" she finally asked her voice barely above a whisper, the words spilling out before she could stop them.

"Since the night at the library," Eryx admitted, his gaze steady as he met hers.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Meera asked.

"What could I have said, M?" Eryx asked, his voice tired. "I didn't know whether to be mad at you or at myself. You didn't trust me enough to come to me about what you were doing. And I didn't know how to confront you without facing the reality that I caused that distrust."

Meera did not know what to say. She stared at her hands as her thoughts swirled around in her mind like a snowstorm.

"What were you trying to do?" Eryx asked.

Meera's insides gripped with guilt. She lifted her lashes and looked at Eryx, "I wanted to speak to Arthur."

"So you were dreaming with him."

Meera nodded.

"What did he tell you?"

Meera opened her mouth but stilled. She stared at Eryx as he held her gaze, waiting to hear what she had to say.

"Just that he hexed me," she said after a few prolonged moments of silence.

Eryx didn't respond right away. He continued to stare at Meera. His eyes seemed to disarm her armor.

"Your eyes are telling me you're lying," he said.

Meera opened her mouth.

"I'm not going to force you to tell me anything," Eryx spoke quietly. "I know you will come to me when you trust me."

Meera closed her mouth.

"But until then, can you make me a small promise?" Eryx asked.

Meera waited to hear what he had to say.

"Can you please not do anything dangerous?" Eryx asked. "You can ask me about anything and I will advise you. I won't question you."

"Why..." Meera felt her heart squeeze. "Why would you do that when you know I'm keeping secrets from you?"

"Because I can't live without you."

Meera's heart thudded against her chest, the weight of his words sinking deep into her soul. She felt a surge of warmth spread through her, mingling with the guilt and uncertainty that still lingered within her heart.

"I can't, M," Eryx continued, his eyes searching hers with a depth of emotion that left Meera feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Meera's mind raced as she struggled to process Eryx's words. "I..." Meera began, her voice barely above a whisper as she searched for the right words.

But before she could speak, Eryx reached out and gently cupped her face in his hands, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her veins.

"You don't have to say anything," Eryx said softly, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "Just promise me you'll be careful. That's all I ask."

Meera nodded.

"I promise," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion as she met Eryx's gaze with unwavering determination.

Eryx's eyes softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. With a gentle squeeze of her hand, he released her from his grasp, allowing her the space to gather her thoughts and emotions.

"Will you stay with Venna tonight?" He asked.

Meera nodded once more.

"Thank you," Eryx said with another sigh. He lingered for a moment before turning to leave.

Meera watched him walk away as guilt and warmth swirled around in her heart like an invader. Her confusing thoughts left her feeling overwhelmed as she tried to make sense of Eryx's words. Her heart was too anxious to hope again, yet, despite all the hurt and anger, something warm still resided there.

______________________

If it weren't for the sweet smell of summer roses and the warmth of the sun, Meera would have never opened her eyes.

"Good morning," Arthur greeted her cheerfully as he sat upon a boulder a few feet away from where Meera lay on the grass.

Scowling at the sight of him, Meera pushed herself up and glared, "How are you here?"

"You're dreaming."

"I didn't take the tea."

"Doesn't matter," Arthur shrugged. "You now have so much shadow shade in your system that we can share dreams without you ever needing to drink tea."

"What?" Meera's eyes widened. Her stomach dropped and she began to feel sick.

"Don't get mad," Arthur said with caution. "But I needed to make sure our channel will remain open."

Meera's fists clenched at her sides, her frustration boiling over as Arthur's nonchalant attitude grated on her nerves. She couldn't believe he had manipulated her in such a way, using her own vulnerability against her.

"You knew I would continue to drink the tea if you didn't show up?" Meera demanded, her voice trembling with anger and betrayal.

"It was a theory," Arthur repeated, his tone infuriatingly casual.

Meera's jaw clenched as she struggled to contain her rising fury. Arthur's expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of guilt crossing his features before he masked it with a forced smile.

"I did what I had to do," he said, his voice lacking conviction. "For both of our sakes."

Meera's hands balled into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to contain the surge of anger coursing through her veins. She wanted to lash out, to scream and rage against the injustice of it all.

"I should have never trusted you," Meera shook her head, her voice tinged with regret. "I lied to Eryx because of you."

Arthur's features hardened at her accusation, his brow furrowing as he struggled to mask his frustration.

"We all have to do things we don't want to do," he muttered, his tone weighted with resignation.

Meera's gaze bore into him, her skepticism evident in the furrow of her brow.

"Why are you here now?" Meera questioned, her voice laced with suspicion. "What do you want?"

Arthur hesitated for a moment before speaking, his gaze unwavering as he met Meera's stare.

"I want to know if you found the books," Arthur asked, his tone betraying a sense of urgency.

Meera's brows furrowed in confusion at his request, her mind racing with questions.

"Why?" Meera questioned, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"Now that I can come and go as I please in your dreams, I would like for you to get your powers back," Arthur explained, his expression grave.

Meera couldn't help but scoff at his words, her laughter ringing hollow in the surreal silence of the dream realm.

"Aren't you so generous," Meera mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Arthur's jaw tightened at her mockery, his frustration evident in the hard set of his features.

"I would do it myself, but the only problem is that I need to be physically near you," Arthur admitted, his voice tinged with resignation.

Meera's laughter grew bitter as she shook her head, her resolve unwavering despite Arthur's plea.

"Not happening," she declared, her voice firm with determination

"Don't you want your powers back?" Arthur's voice was imploring, carried by the wind that swept through the fields, tousling his hair.

"I do," Meera spoke, her tone resolute. "But I don't want anything to do with you. You hexed me, lied to me, tricked me, and now you want to trick me again?"

"It's not a trick, Meera," Arthur insisted, his expression earnest. "It's safe for you to get your power back now. I am able to stay in contact with you. I can help you from the outside. All you have to do is let me into the tower and I—"

"Are you out of your mind?" Meera's voice echoed with incredulity. "Let you into the tower?"

"Either that or you come to the other side of the wall," Arthur proposed. "Jasper and I still have connections within the kingdom. We can help you—"

"I am not going anywhere near you," Meera declared, her words laced with bitterness and defiance.

"Meera," Arthur spoke her name with an urgency. He was desperate to get her to hear him out. "You're in danger in Voreios. They will turn on your so fast. The ground will be snatched from beneath your feet if you don't do what they say."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Meera yelled, throwing her hands over her ears. "I can't with this nonsense anymore! Everyone's a threat. Who do I trust?"

"You can trust me!" Arthur hopped down from the bolder. "Jaspert and I can help you."

"Trust you?" Meera scowled. "You permanently altered my dreams!"

"It was necessary!"

"Get out of my head!" Meera commanded. "Now. Get out of my dream!"

"Meera, listen to me-"

Meera shut her eyes and felt her body twitch. Her mind felt like a tangled web of confusion and frustration as she struggled to regain control of her consciousness. With a determined effort, she forced herself to focus on the sensation of falling, using it as an anchor to reality.

As she felt the weight of her body sinking deeper into the dream, she clenched her fists tightly and willed herself to break free.

With a sharp intake of breath, Meera's eyes snapped open, and she found herself lying in her bed, drenched in a cold sweat. The room around her was cloaked in darkness, save for the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the window.

Shuddering, Meera pushed herself upright, her heart still racing from the intensity of the dream. She ran a trembling hand through her disheveled hair, trying to steady her breathing as she struggled to shake off the lingering unease that clung to her like a heavy cloak.

"Did you have a bad dream?"

Meera looked up, her eyes bleary with the remnants of sleep, as Veena's gentle touch grazed her shoulder.

"Venna," Meera gasped, her voice filled with relief. She enveloped Veena in a tight hug, a rush of emotions flooding over her at the sight of her awake. "You're awake."

"Yes," Venna nodded, returning the embrace with equal fervor. "Are you alright?"

Meera pulled back slightly, exhaling a heavy sigh. She shut her eyes briefly, trying to shake off the lingering unease from her dream. With a dry throat and a heavy heart, she struggled to find the right words.

"Yes," Meera managed, her voice catching slightly. "Just... bad dreams."

As she spoke, the weight of her words hung heavy in the air, the memory of the unsettling dream casting a shadow over her thoughts.

Venna studied Meera with concern etched into her delicate features. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Meera hesitated, grappling with the urge to confide in Venna and the desire to shield her from unnecessary worries.

"It's nothing of importance," Meera replied, forcing a reassuring smile. "How are you feeling? Did I wake you?"

"No," Venna shook her head, her expression softening with a hint of amusement. "I just couldn't sleep."

"How are you feeling?" Meera inquired, her voice soft with concern.

"Like I could eat a whole horse," Venna chuckled, her laughter a welcome relief amidst the tension that lingered in the air. "I'm so hungry."

"I'll call the maid and they can make something," Meera offered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Yes, please," Venna nodded eagerly, her youthful enthusiasm shining through. She sat up, her cheeks flushed with vitality, and tucked her hair back behind her ear.

Meera watched her for a few seconds, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. She felt a sense of relief seeing Venna's smile, but at the same time, she couldn't shake off the confusion. Venna's sudden change in demeanor, her cheerful attitude despite the recent ordeal, left Meera perplexed. She couldn't help but wonder if Venna was truly alright or if she was simply putting on a brave front.

But the smile on Venna's face was too precious to wipe off with any kind of mention of the horrors that took place. Meera climbed out of bed and grabbed her robe. She quickly wrapped it around her slender body and hurried out of the room. Her bare feet moved over the cold marble floors as she threw the doors open and called to the guards stationed at the end of the hall.

"Can you please have the kitchen send a glass of warm milk, some biscuits, bread, cheese, and fruits?" Meera requested.

"Yes, your grace," the soldier bowed his head and set off.

Meera quietly closed the door behind herself and stepped back into the chamber, the soft glow of dawn filtering through the windows casting a gentle light upon the room. Her eyes flickered to the clock over the fireplace, noting that it was just before sunrise. She pondered whether she should prepare for her daily run, but Venna's presence shifted her thoughts.

"I'm so happy you're here, M," Venna greeted, turning to face Meera as she entered the room. "Please say you won't go until after the celebration tonight."

"I won't," Meera assured her with a gentle smile, watching as Venna ran her hairbrush through her locks. "I've asked for some bread and cheese."

"Oh, I love bread and cheese!" Venna exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "When I was younger, my brothers and I would eat bread and cheese whenever we went fishing."

"Fishing in Voreios?" Meera chuckled, intrigued by the unexpected revelation.

"Not in Voreios," Venna replied, her attention momentarily diverted as she searched through the jewelry box on her lap. "Where is it?"

"What are you looking for?" Meera inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"I have something for you," Venna explained, her gaze lifting to meet Meera's as she retrieved a small trinket from the depths of the box. "Oh, and you also forgot this here. I kept it safe."

Meera approached the vanity, her eyes drawn to the glint of silver resting amidst the jewels. She reached out and picked up the delicate falcon pin, a pang of emotion tugging at her heart as she traced its intricate design with her fingertips.

"You should wear it tonight," Venna suggested with a warm smile. "It'll be a declaration of who your protector is."

Meera was momentarily speechless, the weight of Venna's words sinking deep into her soul. She felt her heart swell with a mixture of sorrow and gratitude, unsure of how to express the tumult of emotions coursing through her.

"Here it is," Venna pulled out a long golden chain from her jewelry box and held it out. Meera watched the small gold coin hanging from it, twirling as it caught the light shining in through the window.

"This is for you," Venna held it out toward Meera.

"You shouldn't have," Meera smiled. "I have nothing to give you."

"Your friendship is all I want," Venna said with a kind smile and a title of her head.

"Thank you, Venna," Meera held out her palm and watched the girl lower the chain into her hand.

As Meera accepted the golden chain from Venna's outstretched hand, the delicate coin pendant shimmered in the morning light, casting dancing reflections across the room. Meera's heart swelled with gratitude at the gesture of friendship, her fingers tracing the intricate details of the pendant.

Before she could express her thanks, there was a knock on the chamber doors. Meera looked over her shoulder as the doors opened, revealing Eryx entering with purposeful strides. His gaze immediately settled on Meera and all the blood in her body rushed up to her cheeks as she covered her shoulders with the silk robe she wore.

"Good morning," Eryx greeted, his voice warm yet tinged with a hint of concern as he looked toward Venna sitting at her vanity.

"Good morning, Eryx," Venna replied, offering him a small smile as she admired the golden jewelry in her box.

Meera's eyes flickered back toward Eryx as he crossed the room. The maid followed closely behind him, balancing a tray laden with breakfast delicacies. The aroma of freshly baked bread and steaming hot tea wafted through the air, enticing Meera's senses.

"Breakfast is served, Your Highnesses," Eryx announced as the maid placed the tray on a nearby table with practiced ease. He nodded his thanks to the maid before turning his attention back to Meera and Venna. His gaze lingered on Meera, his expression softening with a silent understanding.

"I hope you both slept well," Eryx said, his voice gentle.

Meera glanced at Venna before she responded, "We did, thank you."

"Breakfast?" Eryx's gaze shifted toward Venna, a hint of warmth softening the edges of his concern. "The kitchen made blueberry jam."

"I knew I smelled something delicious," Venna exclaimed with palpable excitement, rising from her stool and making her way over to the small table. With nimble fingers, she grabbed a biscuit and generously slathered it with a spoonful of the vibrant purple jam. Meera couldn't help but chuckle at the girl's infectious enthusiasm.

Eryx, however, wore a more somber expression, his eyes betraying the worry he tried to conceal as he observed his sister's every move.

"How is it?" he inquired, his tone gentle yet laden with unspoken apprehension.

"The best," Venna declared with a radiant smile. "Meera, have you tried Nan's jam?"

"No, I don't think I have," Meera replied, a curious gleam in her eyes.

"Come here," Venna beckoned, gesturing for Meera to join her at the round table.

Meera complied, crossing the room to take a seat beside Venna. With practiced talent, Venna swiftly served her a scone and generously dolloped it with a spoonful of the enticing blueberry jam. Meera chuckled as she watched Venna's eager motions, while Eryx maintained his vigilant watch over his sister.

"How did you sleep?" Eryx's voice broke through the gentle chatter, his concern evident as he handed Venna a napkin to clean up a spill of jam on her nightgown.

"Just fine," Venna shrugged nonchalantly, her carefree demeanor contrasting with the underlying tension in the room.

"How are you feeling?" Eryx asked.

"Wonderful," Venna smiled. "I'm so happy Meera is here. And you're here. This is a good morning."

"We're happy you're here too," Meera smiled with sincerity.

Venna squealed with excitement as she began to share all her plans for the evening celebrations. Meera was swept away by the girl's chatter as she nibbled on her biscuits and siped the tea Eryx made for them.

Eryx sat quietly while Meera and Venna chattered on about their plans, his gaze shifting between the two with a subtle furrow in his brow. Despite Venna's cheerful demeanor and Meera's attempts to keep the conversation light, Eryx couldn't shake the nagging worry gnawing at his insides.

He watched Venna's animated gestures and listened to her laughter, but beneath the surface, he sensed a fragility, a vulnerability that troubled him deeply. It was as though her cheerful facade was merely a mask, concealing the turmoil swirling within her troubled mind.

Eryx knew his sister well enough to recognize the subtle signs of her inner turmoil, even when she tried to hide them behind a bright smile. He noticed the slight tremor in her hands as she reached for her cup of tea, the fleeting flicker of sadness in her eyes that she quickly masked with laughter.

Despite Venna's reassurances of feeling "wonderful," Eryx couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He wished he could reach out to her, to offer comfort and support, but he felt utterly helpless in the face of her struggles.

After breakfast, as the chatter began to wind down and the room fell into a comfortable silence, Venna hurried off to dress for the day. The doors closed behind her with a bang as Eryx slowly rose from his seat with a sigh. He glanced at Meera, his expression a mix of concern and uncertainty.

"What is it?" Meera asked, noticing his eyes flickering around the room.

"Could you stay with Venna for the day?" Eryx's voice was gentle but earnest as he addressed her, his silver eyes meeting hers with a silent plea for understanding.

Meera nodded, her own concern mirrored in her gaze as she registered the subtle tension in Eryx's posture.

"Of course," she replied, her voice soft yet resolute.

"Thank you," Eryx said before letting out another sigh. "How are you feeling?"

Meera lifted her gaze, her chest tightening with a mixture of apprehension and unease. Memories of her unsettling dream with Arthur lingered in the recesses of her mind, casting a shadow over her thoughts. With a deep breath, she parted her lips to respond.

"Other than the lack of oxygen and the tiredness," Meera began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "What other symptoms are there for shadow shade?"

Eryx's brow furrowed slightly as he considered her question. "Not much," he replied with a shake of his head. "Minor headaches, nose bleeds, loss of appetite."

Meera nodded slowly, absorbing his words with a thoughtful expression.

"But the orchids," Eryx continued his tone grave. "That's unstable."

"What do you mean?" Meera inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Zeeb has only begun studying it for the past twenty or so years," Eryx explained with a shrug. "We didn't even know about its existence until we ventured deep into the Northpass."

"So no one knows what it can do?" Meera's heart quickened with a sense of foreboding.

"Zeeb and the others have some knowledge," Eryx clarified. "But it's still very new. Herbs and plants from the Northpass require centuries of study before we can unravel all their mysteries."

"I see," Meera murmured, her thoughts swirling with apprehension.

"Why do you ask?" Eryx's gaze narrowed slightly. "Are you experiencing symptoms?"

Meera shook her head, her resolve firm. "No."

"Are you sure?" Eryx pressed, his concern evident in his eyes.

"Mhm," Meera affirmed with a nod. "And I stopped taking the tea."

"Thank you," Eryx nodded in acknowledgment, a flicker of relief crossing his features. He took a moment to regard Meera with a lingering gaze as if silently assessing her well-being. Satisfied with what he saw, he straightened his posture and clasped his hands together.

"I'll leave you two to prepare for the evening," he said quietly. "Thank you again for staying with her."

Meera nodded in understanding, "Of course."

With a grateful nod, Eryx turned to leave the room. He paused briefly at the threshold, casting one last glance over his shoulder before disappearing into the hallway.

As he made his way through the rooms, his thoughts turned to the sea preparations awaiting him for the King's celebration. Lost in contemplation, he pulled the doors open and nearly collided with Will, who stood waiting just outside Venna's chambers.

"Will," Eryx greeted, his voice carrying a hint of surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Will's expression was somber as he met Eryx's gaze.

"How is she?" Will asked, his tone heavy with concern.

Eryx's shoulders tensed almost imperceptibly at the mention of Venna's condition. "She's awake," he replied, his voice tinged with worry. "But she's not herself."

Will's expression mirrored Eryx's concern. "Is there anything I can do? Can I see her now?"

Eryx's voice turned stern, his eyes flashing with authority. "No," he said firmly. "The best thing you can do for her right now is leave her alone. Don't go near her, don't talk to her, don't even look at her. Understand?"

Will hesitated, his eyes flickering to the room behind Eryx's shoulder, his face contorting with anguish.

"I swear to the gods, Will," Eryx warned, his voice edged with tension. "You will not be safe anywhere on this Earth if I see you near her."

An unsettling glint flashed in Will's eyes as if all patience and rationality had evaporated from his mind. "You can't keep her away from me," he retorted defiantly.

"I'll take her far away from here," Eryx declared, his voice resolute. "And day by day, she's starting to trust me more. You will stay away from Vee."

"We'll see, brother," Will mocked, taking a step back before turning toward the end of the hall, leaving behind a lingering tension that seemed to echo in the empty corridors.

PSA: This book is going to be long, I am doing my best not to make it drag but if I write it too quickly, it won't make sense....please bear with me. 

Also, what do you think of this chapter?