Chapter 10

CHAPTER10

Sera

Twilight streamedthrough the infirmary’s arched windows, at odds with the somber mood that lingered. Nurse Jillian Dewar, tutted over me as her spells knit torn flesh and fused fractured bones. The gash on my leg still wept crimson, but the pain had mercifully dulled.

In the next cot, Rhys lay unnaturally still, his stony form resistant to the nurse’s elixirs and charms. Guilt gnawed at me seeing his proud wings shattered, knowing he’d sacrificed them for my sake.

The infirmary doors burst open abruptly, interrupting my brooding. Lily and Jasper rushed in, concern etched on their faces.

Lily set aside the bubbling potion she’d been brewing all week, eyebrows furrowing in concern as she hurried over. I caught a whiff of pungent herbs and earthy scents rising from the concoction—she’d been experimenting more with spellcraft lately.

“Thank gods you’re alright!” Lily exclaimed, throwing her arms around me tightly before remembering my injuries. “When we heard about the snarevine...” She trailed off, eyes shadowed.

Jasper gripped my shoulder, stoic but gentle. “Takes more than a pesky weed to finish off our girl. But what in blazes were you doing out there alone?”

Their protectiveness warmed me, even as I avoided the question. Rhys and I weren’t ready to share this new delicate thing blooming between us. “Just restless I suppose,” I hedged. “I’ll be more careful going forward.”

Jasper nodded firmly. “See that you are. Can’t have you wandering into any more monster dens, you hear?” His tone was gruff but caring.

Behind him, I noticed Lily’s gaze straying curiously to where Rhys lay. Her eyes narrowed in recognition. I wanted to redirect her scrutiny, but just then the infirmary doors opened again.

“Mr. Knight, a word if you please.” The Headmistress’ crisp tones brooked no argument. With a mumbled excuse, Jasper beat a hasty retreat, leaving Lily and me alone.

She drifted closer to my cot, voice lowered. “Isn’t that Rhys Greystone over there? You shouldn’t be getting mixed up with the likes of him, Sera.”

I bristled, hackles rising. “And why is that?” I asked coolly. Who was she to judge Rhys when she didn’t even know him?

Lily bit her lip. “It’s only that... he’s cursed, you know. A wicked sorceress hexed him in first year for breaking her heart. He’s fated to become a stone sculpture forever when this term ends.”

Her bombshell revelation stole my breath. Rhys, cursed? He had hinted at some ancient burden, but never elaborated. Before I could press for details, Lily was already edging away nervously.

“Just be cautious with him, alright? I should leave you to rest.” With an anxious look at the silently observing Headmistress, she hurried off.

My thoughts churned in chaotic circles. Was it true Rhys was doomed to an eternity of darkness and isolation? Why had he not trusted me enough to share this agony?

Lost in brooding speculation, I didn’t hear Rhys approach until he spoke. “How are you feeling?” His hand hovered uncertainly over mine until I threaded our fingers together, my silent fury evaporating. None of it mattered next to the relief of having him alive and whole before me. For now, that was enough.

“I’ll live thanks to you,” I said simply. “And you? Any pain?”

He attempted a nonchalant shrug, ruined by his wince. “I’ve had worse. Anyway, it was worth it to know you’re safe.” The earnest depths of his eyes stole my breath anew. I would never understand what I had done to be worthy of such devotion.

Before I could reply, the Headmistress’ voice cut through. “Miss Silvermist, may I have a word? Privately.” Her severe expression allowed no room for argument.

Rhys tensed, but left us reluctantly. Once alone, the Headmistress eyed me sternly. “Would you care to explain what possessed you to go wandering the grounds at night when your life hangs in the balance?”

Her words stole my voice. She thought I had slipped out alone? But how did she know of the danger I faced?

Reading the confusion on my face, she continued. “Come now, did you think your divination professor’s visions could be kept from me? I have known of the threat against you since Samhain.”

The revelation left my head spinning. She had known all this time, yet left me ignorant and vulnerable?

The Headmistress went on relentlessly. “So I ask again—why would one marked for death act so foolishly, sneaking about unprotected?” Her hawk-eyed scrutiny awaited my reply.

But before I could form a response, Rhys appeared at my bedside, scowling. “Death threats? Sera, I think you and I need to talk.” His protective fury warmed me even through my turmoil.

I looked between them helplessly. Rhys deserved answers, but where did I even begin?

“I think so too,” I managed finally. Taking Rhys’ hand, I sat up and groaned in pain. I then turned to meet the Headmistress’ flinty stare unflinchingly. “But right now I need rest to finish healing, as you can see. So if you’ll kindly excuse us...”

For a suspended moment, it seemed she might refuse, forcing the issue here and now. But then, remarkably, she inclined her head in acquiescence. “Very well. I will speak with you both soon to get to the bottom of this.” With a swish of skirts, she departed, leaving stunned relief in her wake.

Alone with Rhys again, the weight of revelations pressed down. Rhys kept my hand clasped firmly in his, brows drawn together in concern. Before I could speak, movement caught my eye—his shattered granite wings were slowly regrowing before my baffled gaze, stone knitting seamlessly back together.

“How is this possible?” I gasped.

Rhys gave a rueful grin. “One of the few perks of being a gargoyle. I can regenerate from nearly any injury given enough time.” His expression darkened again. “But you cannot evade this subject any longer. Someone is hunting you?” He squeezed my hand tighter. “Why did you not tell me?”

I could only shake my head wordlessly, still stunned by the impossibility of his rehealed wings. Rhys took my chin gently, waiting until I met his earnest eyes again. “No more secrets between us, my brave one. Now speak.”

I let out a shaky breath, gripping his hand like a lifeline. “You’re right. No more secrets.” I had to trust Rhys completely from here on. Steeling myself, I began unraveling the ominous truth I had learned.

I shook my head helplessly. “Now I must ask the same of you.” I met his shuttered gaze. “When were you going to share that you’re cursed to turn to stone forever?”

Rhys paled, looking caught out. “Who told you that?” he demanded.

“Is it true then?” I pressed. After a moment he closed his eyes, shoulders slumping.

“Yeah… it’s true,” he admitted heavily. “I did not burden you with it because well... I have accepted my fate, even if I railed against it at first. There’s no fighting some things.” His bleak words pierced my heart. I gripped his hand fiercely, as if my touch alone could stave off his dark future.

“I don’t accept that,” I declared vehemently. “Now that I know, we’ll find a way to break this curse.”

Rhys searched my face, tentative hope dawning behind the shadows in his eyes. “You truly believe you can help me reclaim my future?” His vulnerable uncertainty undid me. I rose, embracing his taut form fiercely, mindless of my lingering aches.

“Have faith in us,” I whispered. “If we stand together, no curse-born darkness can defeat us.” I felt his slow smile against my hair.

“With you by my side, I’m starting to believe that too,” he admitted softly. We stayed enfolded in each other’s arms, drawing strength for the fight ahead.

The road was uncertain, but we would walk it together from now on. And united, no barrier seemed insurmountable anymore.