Chapter 55

Sarabella POV

It felt like my head was going to burst open. The pain was throbbing at my temple, playing a steady and loud rhythm. Even behind my closed eyes, my mind was assaulted by flashes of moments, so fast and fragmented it was hard to pause long enough to determine if they were memories or creations from my imagination. I wanted it to stop. But every time I would move a finger from an inch, or try to turn my head a way or another, dizziness would wash over, threatening to send me into the depths of the oblivion, which I would rather avoid, being here, in an unknown territory, surrounded by strangers.

There was this one girl who, despite the repeated warnings of Master Kodard, shown nothing but care and helpfulness. From the moment I was attacked by that scent, which seemed to be the trigger of the unremitting movie in fast forward, she was somewhere by my side, waiting to feed me or help me stand up. I got to stay alert, though, because some warnings were talking specifically about a girl with skin as pale as snow, hair that were as immaculate as a dove’s feather, with eyes as red and bright as shiny. My guards were standing up. It must be a scheme of some sort, because I was precious to my Master.

A knock on the door resounded in the silence enveloping me. It felt as though it was directly knocking on my head. I whimpered, the suffering unbearable strangling me. I guessed the sound was interpreted as a response, because the door opened, squeaked on its hinges, giving me the chills, as nails on a chalkboard would.

“I know you are awake. You need to eat.”

Ah, yes. Even if she was helping me on basics needs, there was always that tone. As if I was an hindrance on her side or something. It was a rather odd mix, as I was always treated so well back at the mansion. If I cooperated and was a good girl, that is. Maybe because I couldn’t partake in anything here she was mad? But I didn’t ask to be here. So, that was on them. Right?

“Do you need help stand up? Are you still in pain?”

I was about to answer ‘yes’ when I felt her hand on my forehand. The coolness of it eased the migraine, washing away the pounding as waves retreat from the shore. I sighed in relief and I could feel her hand retreating. I jolted, grabbing it and sticking it back. As my eyes met her surprised gaze, I felt the red tainting my face from the shame of my actions. I stuttered mashed words, not making any sense, still refusing to let go of her hand still.

A small grin grazed her lips and she stayed in the awkward position.

“No problem, we can stay this way. You are helping me too, it’s only fair.”

I didn’t quite understood what she meant by that, but she helped me to the couch near the coffee table where she disposed of very well garnished plate.

“Are we expecting other guests to join us?” Considering the amount of food, I couldn’t help but asked, though the nervosity made my voice shakier than I wished it would.

“Nope.”

“Then, you are eating with me?”

“Nope.”

“How am I supposed to eat all of this?”Astonishment hit me hard. It was so full, two or three grown up men would have been sasiatied with it.

“You haven’t eaten in three days.” She scoffed, her hand now pressed against my cheek for the sake of feasibility. “You will see, your body needs it.”

“I will never be able to eat all that.”

Oh, I was wrong. Ten minutes later, I was wiping my mouth subtly. She watched me in silence, her face unreadable again.

“How did you know?”

“That’s how it is when you are deprived of nutrients and drugged for too long.”

“What are you implying?”Anger made my blood boil. How dare she?

She stood up, her hand still touching my flushed face, as she stared straight into my eyes, deep into my soul. “It is what it is. I escaped the place you call home not too long ago, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Why would you escape a place so blissful and safe? Where you kidnapped like me?”

“Because it is hell.” Her voice was drained of emotions. A shiver ran up my spine, but I couldn’t tell what my instincts were warning me about. Was it the truth trying to make its way to my brain, or were they lies sneaking in?

“How do you explain your migraines?”

“It was that… scent, horrendous smell.”

“No. It’s from the drugs withdrawal. Your body demands it, and misses it, so it’s painful.” She nodded towards the plate. “That’s why you needed food so much.”

“No, the migraines started when I entered that… that room.”

“That trigger the trauma they caused you. I don’t know what they’ve done to you exactly, but I know to what extends they can go.”

“You are lying.”

“He told you that I would right? He told you about me, am I wrong? That I was not to be trusted, that I would try to make you turn your back on them, on him specifically? That is exactly what I’m trying to do.”

“SEE? HE WAS RIGHT!”I shouted at her, backing up on a whim.

The pain came crashing on me like an avalanche of rocks, stumping onto my chest, making it hard to breathe. I grabbed my head with my hands, shoving my face in my palms, screaming for help. But nothing came out except a long cry of anguish. And by me she stood, looking at me. Tears began to fall, blurring my view. I wanted it to stop. I wanted everything to stop.

Something in me wanted to scream to bring me back home. But I felt uneasy. Something switched and I didn’t know why. I felt like I couldn’t call the mansion home anymore. I felt so alone.

Two hands grabbed my face and forced me to look up. I met two scarlet orbs, as glassy as mine. She was crying too.

“I can help you, and you can help me. You are not alone.” I leaned into her hand before I could think to resist. Her touch felt so good.

“I know that it is scary. I know you don’t want to believe me. I will wait. Until you can trust me, I will just be there if you let me. You are home. You just don’t know it yet.”

I blinked a few times, teardrops still rolling down.

“I can heal you. Now, thanks to you, I can.”