Chapter 105: Revival

In the early morning courtyard, the warmth of the sun had yet to rise, and the dew-covered grass still carried a hint of the night's chill.

Noyce took advantage of the pleasant weather outside and carried Elara to a rattan swing chair in the yard for some fresh air.

The girl sat in the chair like a beautiful doll, her gaze vacant. Several days had passed, and there was no sign of improvement.

The situation was worse than imagined. Priest had tried every method he could think of, but still failed to bring her consciousness back.

He had already begun to consider the risky option of seeking help from the bishop. Although he didn't know what the bishop might do, it seemed better than just waiting aimlessly.

Moreover, the task of repairing the artifact had been postponed for several days, and if this continued, it would inevitably attract Timothy's attention.

He tidied Elara's hair, let her rest in the chair, and then turned back to the house to prepare breakfast.

Elara sat alone in the courtyard. The morning breeze rustled her chestnut hair, tickling her face, but she had no reaction and remained motionless with her eyes lowered.

The sunlight shining on her was blocked by a shadow. The white-haired girl stood in front of her, looking down at her with her ice-blue eyes, her expression calm and inscrutable.

"How useless," she mocked coldly, standing in front of the unconscious Elara for a while before turning and leaving.

Elara was immersed in an endless darkness, surrounded by chaos. She couldn't see, hear, or feel her body; everything seemed to have disappeared. She felt like a chick inside an eggshell, enveloped by the darkness. The world no longer had anything to do with her. She didn't want to think about anything and just wanted to stay in this void, away from pain.

"It's time to wake up."

A voice rang out, as if it were a divine command, forcibly breaking through the chaotic darkness and entering her mind. Her consciousness, under the irresistible will, rose involuntarily like surfacing from the depths of the ocean, floating towards the increasingly bright surface.

The blinding light shone in, and Elara, like someone who had been suffocating for a long time, gasped for air and opened her eyes.

The girl panted heavily, her eyes dazed as she looked around. Her mind was still a bit confused. She observed the garden for a while, moved her hands, and tried to remember why she was here.

"Elara?" Priest, holding a piece of cheese bread and a cup of hot milk, came out of the house. Seeing the girl starting to move on her own, his expression changed, and he quickly ran over. "You're awake?"

"Noyce..." Elara looked at Priest's familiar face, feeling a moment of relief, but then she instinctively shrank back, a look of fear on her face. The memories of the punishment she had received came flooding back, and she didn't know what else he might do to her.

Witch's reaction caused a pang in Noyce's heart. He gazed at her for a moment, then sighed deeply. "It's good that you're awake. You've been asleep for several days. Have something to eat first."

Elara then realized how hungry she was, her stomach growling loudly. She cautiously picked up a piece of bread and, curling up in the swing chair, began to nibble on it.

The rich aroma of cheese seeped into her taste buds, making her mind a bit clearer. She hid behind the bread, stealing glances at Priest with her eyes, and timidly asked, "Are you going to punish me again?"

Noyce's gaze sharpened, exuding a strong sense of pressure. "So, are you going to tell me now?"

Elara's whole body trembled. She closed her eyes and curled up like a little chick, waiting for the punishment to come, but she had no intention of speaking.

Noyce stared at the trembling girl for a while. Finally, he sighed, releasing the pressure. "I give up."

The girl slightly lifted her eyelids, not daring to believe that he would let her off so easily.

"I have no more means to use on you," Priest said thoughtfully, looking into the distance. "There must be a reason strong enough for you to hold on like this. I won't force you anymore."

"Noyce..." Elara's lips moved, wanting to say something but unable to. She had endured the punishment, but she couldn't feel happy about it. She wanted to tell him everything, let him comfort her, and help her vent, but in the end, she couldn't bring herself to speak.

Noyce reached out to touch her head, but the girl flinched and instinctively dodged. His hand froze in mid-air, awkwardly suspended there. It seemed that the relationship between them was irreparable.

The Priest reluctantly withdrew his hand and sighed. At least she was back now, sitting in front of him with vitality again. As for the rest, it didn't seem that important anymore.

"If you don't want to talk about it anymore, let's just forget it. Pretend it never happened," Noyce said. He had compromised. Elara was more persistent than he had imagined. If he continued to press her, he might not be able to afford the cost.

Elara sat there, hugging her knees, and made a muffled sound of agreement.

The Priest stood up and looked down at his Familiar one more time. "I've fallen behind a lot in the work of repairing the artifact. I need to catch up. I might not be back for a few days... take care of yourself at home."

The girl looked up and saw the Priest give her a forced, pale smile before turning and leaving the courtyard. She sat alone in the swing chair, still holding half a piece of cold bread in her hand.

Everything was different now.

There was a barrier between her and Noyce, and she could no longer find the intimate feeling they once had. She couldn't rely on him anymore.

From now on, she had to walk the path alone.