Chapter 10 Self-Comforting
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
"Give me back my necklace!" I clenched my fists, feeling rage brewing inside me.
After playing the invisible girl for so long, I'd never felt this way before. I never argued with anyone, never fought.
This time was the same—I didn't want to stoop to their level or risk exposing my identity. But they shouldn't have touched my necklace. It was my most precious possession!
Rowan smiled smugly. "Want your necklace? Come get it yourself—if you're capable."
"Actually, we won't bully you. Just fish it out of the Spiritual Spring. If you're lucky, you might find it before the current carries it away."
"Give it back!"
Before I could reach her, she'd already opened the window and flung my necklace toward the Spiritual Spring below.
Without thinking, I leaped from the window and dove straight into the water.
The Spiritual Spring was freezing cold, the water nearly icy. But I couldn't worry about that. I forced my eyes open underwater, desperate to find my necklace.
Unlike ordinary fountains, the Spiritual Spring had flowing water. If I was even slightly slow, the current would sweep my necklace away.
I couldn't bear to imagine the pain—losing the last thing my mother left me, losing my final connection to her.
When night came, only endless loneliness and desolation would await me.
I couldn't think about it. I could only swim harder, push further, grasp what I needed to hold onto.
Fortunately, fate showed mercy. Just before the cold knocked me unconscious, I found my necklace.
Back in the dorm, I ignored everyone, climbed into bed, and clutched the necklace tightly in my fist, terrified that if I loosened my grip, everything would disappear.
I had no energy to deal with them. I only wanted to hold my necklace, protect it.
Rowan approached my bed with false sympathy. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to, I just—"
Before she could finish, I shot her an icy glare.
I admitted I was truly angry. I even wanted to use my witch powers, but ultimately held back.
Even in a magic academy, my identity couldn't be casually revealed. Exposure would only bring endless trouble.
All I could do now was hide. Once I learned powerful enough magic to completely suppress the force inside me, perhaps then I could become truly ordinary.
Yes, being ordinary and living a normal life—for me, that was just a dream...
The next morning, I woke to find my throat parched, my vision blurry, my face burning hot.
This time I was certain—I had a fever.
Soon I arrived at the infirmary. Alone, of course. Rowan and the others wouldn't bother escorting me.
Moments later, a figure rushed in frantically.
Kane. He'd come. The anxiety on his face was visible from a hundred meters away.
But when he reached me, he became somewhat awkward. Perhaps this was a side effect of being so economical with words.
After all, long-term verbal restraint changes one's personality, revealing itself at critical moments.
"You jumped in the water?" Kane finally spoke.
"Yes." I nodded, not hiding anything from my friend.
"Why jump in the water?" Kane's gaze fixed on my chest. "For this worthless necklace?"
"This is not worthless! This is what my mother left me—her only keepsake!" My voice rose sharply.
I couldn't tolerate anyone calling it worthless, not even my friend!
Kane immediately lowered his head. "I... was wrong."
This was the first time I'd heard him apologize. Something about it felt strange.
"Alright, let's not talk about that. Anyway, thank you for coming to see me."
I admitted I shouldn't have snapped at him—not just because he was my friend, but because anyone would probably struggle to understand.
I tried changing the subject. "By the way, what's next class?"
"No class. I'll stay with you."
"No need—it's just a fever. I'll be fine soon. You should go back to class."
Kane acted as if he hadn't heard me. He quietly peeled an apple with a fruit knife and handed it to me, then turned to peel another.
"Stop, stop—I can't eat that much. Let's just chat."
Kane had seemed interested in my past before, so I decided to start with the necklace.
"This necklace is what my mother left me. I never met her. Everything I know comes from an old diary she left behind."
"I only know my mother also attended Star Ring Academy of Magic, but the diary had limited information. Plus I grew up in an orphanage, and many memories have faded."
...
I talked for a long time. Kane listened attentively, staring at me intently throughout.
I admitted—having a friend who genuinely listened felt wonderful.
But strangely, disappointment flickered in Kane's eyes, as if he hadn't gotten what he wanted.
By afternoon, Kane bought me my favorite chocolate mousse cake, then stood to leave.
"You're not eating? Didn't you say no class?"
"Two classes this afternoon."
"Oh, then go. Don't come back tonight—I'll return to the dorm after my IV."
I reminded him because otherwise he'd probably come back. He needed rest too, especially after class and organizing notes. No need to waste time on me.
Kane didn't respond directly and left hurriedly. I didn't know why, but I didn't dwell on it.
I was a patient now. I just wanted to rest properly and recover, because the dorm situation wouldn't be the last incident.
Thinking about it gave me a headache.
Honestly, I didn't want conflict with Rowan and the others. Even if we couldn't be close friends, we could at least be strangers sharing a dorm.
I knew this meant isolation, becoming invisible again.
But I was used to it. Besides, compared to before, I now had Kane as a friend. That alone was a blessing.
I admitted these thoughts were somewhat self-comforting, but being invisible again was better than constant fighting.
Still, these were just my thoughts. As for the outcome, I couldn't guarantee anything.