I wake to the sensation of someone gently stroking my hair. My eyes flutter open, and I'm met with the most magnetic blue eyes framed by jet-black hair. I try to speak, but my throat is dry and aching.
"Shh," Mateo whispers.
I glance around, taking in my surroundings. I'm lying on a stark white clinic bed, with thin blue drapes hanging on either side, likely separating me from other patients. Mateo lifts a glass of water to my lips, helping me take a sip. The cool liquid soothes my throat.
"You're not supposed to be doing this," he mutters.
"Doing what?"
"Training. Fighting. For Daryn."
I let out a slow breath. "I haven't even fully processed why I'm here."
"It's just…" He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You were sent away to protect you. It doesn't make sense to throw you back into battle."
"You think a battle is coming?" I ask.
"Yes. The Anorem won't stop until they have the power of the Frinx."
"And somehow, I'm the key to stopping them?"
"That's what Her Highness Frieda believes. The power to control the Frinx has always run through the royal bloodline. But she doesn't have that ability."
"So that leaves… me?"
"Exactly. But you're not strong enough yet. That's why you're here."
His eyes soften, a deep crease forming between his brows. I suddenly become hyper-aware of how close we are. My heart pounds in my chest.
"My goodness, Arina!"
Both our heads snap toward the voice. A familiar pink head peeks through the drapes, and I lock eyes with Evelyn.
"I swear, I'm going to give Reina an earful when I see her," she huffs, stepping fully into space.
Mateo chuckles. "I'll leave you two to it," he says before pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. Then he's gone.
I turn back to Evelyn, who is watching me with a smirk.
"Mateo, huh?" she teases.
"Shut up." I try—unsuccessfully—to suppress the blush creeping up my face.
Evelyn flops into the chair beside me. "You know, I think you need to know more about this place. About the Frinx. About the war. About everything."
I narrow my eyes. "And you just happen to have answers?"
She leans in, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "I found an ancient library hidden beneath the academy, and I'm dying to check it out."
I can't help but smile at the sheer excitement in her eyes.
"Want to come with me?" she asks, batting her lashes in an exaggerated attempt at puppy-dog eyes. How could I ever say no to that?
"When do we leave? I have some digging to do by myself." I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my ribs where Reina struck me. I wince.
"After you're healed," Evelyn says matter-of-factly.
"But that could take months," I groan.
A slow smirk spreads across her face.
"Not in Daryn."
As if on cue, a nurse in a blue dress steps through the curtain, carrying a half-filled basin.
"Excuse us, please," she says firmly to Evelyn.
Evelyn stands, winking at me before slipping out.
The nurse sets the basin on a nearby table. "My name is Marissa. I'm an AQUA, and I will be healing your wound." Her voice is robotic, detached, as if she's done this a thousand times before. "Please raise your arm so I can examine it."
I lift my arm, revealing the angry red-and-purple bruise spreading across my ribs. She barely reacts—like she's seen much worse.
With a simple gesture, the water in the basin rises into the air, forming a hovering sphere above my injury. As it sinks onto my skin, an icy sensation spreads through my body, deep into my bones. The pain fades, melting away with the water.
When she's finished, all that remains is a faint mark where the bruise once was and i am in complete shock
As she exits the room, I get dressed in my uniform.
Evelyn pops back in
"I tooold youuu" she squeals
"How did she do that?" I ask in a hushed tone
"Oh there's so much wonder on Daryn, and I can't wait to show you all of it