I was back in bed when I woke up, feeling slightly refreshed. I pushed away the blanket that was draped over me and sat up, only to immediately lay down again after being hit by a wave of dizziness. I must not have rested long enough...

After a few moments, I sat up again, but slower this time. After successfully getting to my feet, I took the few steps towards the door and opened it slowly, then jumped in surprise when I saw someone else on the other side.

My rapidly beating heart slowed when I lifted my gaze to meet Sebastian's. He was smiling at me, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"I was just coming to check on you. You've been sleeping for several days."

I lost my smile and instead gaped at him. "Days? Why didn't anyone wake me?"

Sebastian's smile fell as well. "We tried once or twice. Your abilities left you so exhausted you wouldn't even stir."

I stared up at him. I'd really been asleep for days and I still wasn't fully recovered? Could I even bring myself to tell him that I was still tired?

"Well, let's get you downstairs and fix you something to eat, shall we? I don't want you to go too much longer without eating."

I nodded, beginning to feel the hunger pains in my stomach. "Me neither."

He smiled, then we made our way down to the kitchen together.

As we reached the bottom of the staircase, I heard what sounded like a sigh of relief coming from the living room. I turned to see Lisa quickly approaching.

"Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried."

I felt my familiar old habits kick in, and I forced a smile. "I'm fine, Lisa, but thank you for your concern."

She frowned slightly. "Don't try to pretend with me. I've been watching over you almost your whole life. I can tell when you're faking something."

I stared at her, shocked for only a moment, then let my smile fall. "You're right. I'm sorry." I then summoned the courage to tell her and Sebastian the truth. "I don't think I'm fully recovered. I'm pretty sure the only reason I was able to wake up was because I'm about to starve."

Lisa gave me a small smile as Sebastian entered the kitchen. "That's much better. We're here to help you, Chrystal. You need to be honest with us."

I nodded, then we both walked into the kitchen.

Sebastian already had a sandwich and a glass of milk on the dining table, and appeared to be adding the finishing touches to a bowl of mashed potatoes. I felt my mouth begin to water at the sight of the food, and sat down at the table and began to eat.

We sat in silence as I quickly devoured the food placed before me. It tasted like a slice of heaven, but in the back of my mind I knew it was only because my body desperately needed the food.

Once I was finished, Lisa spoke up, "If you really are still weak, you should probably head back up to bed. We'll talk about our next plan of action once you're fully recovered."

"I don't want to go back. I'm alright," I said, standing to face her. But as I did so, another dizzying wave of exhaustion rushed through me, and I felt myself fall back into my chair.

Lisa gave me a stern look. "Chrystal, I know you're tired of resting all the time, but it's for your benefit. Once your trials are over, you'll never have to rest again."

I tried to return her look. "I have not chosen to become your queen."

Her sternness faded. "You do realize that this will continue, yes? The visions, the teleporting. You will still have these powers until the day you die, and they will forever have this weakening effect on you. Are you prepared to deal with that every day of your life?"

I was silent for a moment, trying to come up with a reply, but Sebastian stepped between us. I could feel the glare he was giving Lisa even with his back to me. "She will decide her own fate."

Lisa took a small step back. So small I almost didn't notice it. "I understand that, and I am not trying to sway her decisions. I'm just trying to make sure she understands the consequences of them." She looked past Sebastian at me for just a moment, then darted her eyes back to his. "I care about her wellbeing just as much as you do, believe it or not. I want her to be happy with the life she chooses."

Sebastian stared at her determined expression, then sighed and stepped down. "I understand you have known her and watched over her for far longer than I have, but do keep in mind that everything she does is of her own choosing."

I smiled at his words. He understood me. He stood up for me. He put Lisa in her place for me. He really did love me.

After Lisa was silent for a long moment, he turned to me and held out his hand. "I know you don't want to, but I strongly recommend you get some more rest. You'll need to be at your best next time something happens."

I frowned. "Next time? When is this going to end?" I asked, more to myself than anyone.

Lisa's frown grew deeper. "Chrystal, I didn't want to tell you this yet, but do you really think that when your trials are over you'll be safe? For as long as you live, there will be the chance that you decide to become our queen. The demons who are against it now will continue to track you down to make sure you never have the opportunity to change your mind. And I know Sebastian is going to stay by your side, but just like several times before, he won't be enough."

My heart sank into my stomach. "So my friends will never be safe around me. Jasmine..."

My vision went black as I spoke my best friend's name, and I saw the same scene as before, except she was clearly several years older this time. When the vision faded and I could see the people around me again, I felt my tears begin to form.

Sympathy washed over Lisa's expression, and she knelt before me. "I'm so sorry, but you're visions will come to pass if you remain in this world."

My tears multiplied, and I held my face in my hands.

"That's quite enough of that, Lisa," Sebastian's stern voice interrupted. Lisa sighed and backed away as Sebastian picked me up from my seat and cradled me in his arms. I felt weak from my vision and couldn't move, so I just lay my head on his shoulder and tried not to cry.

"I apologize. I have been out of line. Get some rest, Chrystal. I hope you have pleasant dreams." With those words, I heard her leave the house.

Sebastian stood still for just a moment longer, then left the kitchen and ascended the stairs. When we reached the bedroom, he gently lay me on the mattress and covered me with the blanket. I immediately reached out and grabbed his hand.

He looked at my hand, then met my tearful gaze. His sympathetic expression returned, and he leaned down and kissed me. I kissed him back even harder, giving it all the energy I had left.

He pulled away slightly, our noses occasionally brushing each other as I breathed. "What is the matter, My Love? What has brought all of this on?"

I stared into his red brown eyes and tried to smile through my tears. "You said I was asleep for several days. I'm afraid I will be for several more." I tried to blink away my tears as one slid down my face. "I'm just preparing myself in case I can't see you again for a while."

He smiled at me and wiped the fallen tear with his gloved hand. "I swear to you, Chrystal, you will wake up again soon. I'll be sure of that, and I'll be right here beside you when you do."

He leaned down and kissed me again, and the last thing I remember was his hand caressing my cheek as I drifted off to sleep.