Regardless, it’s overwhelming as hell. I don’t know what I felt the moment I stepped onto campus at Neverbound Academy, but I’m pretty sure I know myself enough to know I wasn’t anticipating resurrection and healing tears.
“I think I need to lie back down,” I grumble, my headache niggling once again, and the doctor nods.
“Of course. It’s all part of your healing. It takes time, and the more you learn about your powers, the more accustomed you’ll become to it,” he explains, and I scoff.
“I hope I never have to experience this ever again,” I retort, and he winces as he takes a step back.
“My apologies.”
I wave him off. “What is my recovery time likely to be? Based on your research,” I clarify, and he nods, glancing down at his board.
“Amnesia can last hours, days, weeks, or not even surface at all. It’s been four days for you now. I’m hopeful that by tomorrow, we’ll see even more progress. But recognizing a scent is a big step. Now, I’ll let you rest,” he declares, stepping between my fated mates, who don’t move an inch to make way for him.
I slump with a heavy sigh as he reaches the door, but he grabs the frame with his free hand, spinning on his heels to face me before he leaves.
“Oh, Miss Hayworth, not to add more to your plate, but my research does suggest that being a phoenix is a little more than simply being gifted the abilities as such by The Fates.” His eyebrows gather a fraction.
“I don’t understand,” I admit.
“Because you just said you needed to rest, and it seems the doctor can’t listen,” Mr. Man Bun grumbles, and I make a mental note of needing to remember all of their names.
“My apologies, it may just be more food for thought for the four of you while she rests,” he insists, and Archer sighs.
“Spit it out, Doctor.”
He releases the door frame, pressing his clipboard against his chest as he exhales slowly. “The first phoenix was gifted by The Fates in the First Kingdom, but more than that, they have only ever existed within a single bloodline.”
“What does that mean?” My migraine worsens as I shake my head, still unable to piece together the dots.
“It means you’re not likely to be the only phoenix in your family.” Dr. Holland devours my response, searching for what, I don’t know, but I’m shaken to the core.
“I’m not aware of anyone in my family being a phoenix, Doctor. Otherwise, I’m sure I wouldn’t feel as overwhelmed as I do,” I admit, and he nods.
“Of course, but what is even more concerning with the matter, Miss Hayworth…” he starts, rocking back on his heels as he takes a second to glance at everyone in the room, stealing even more of my breath as the silence elongates until his eyes find mine, holding me captive as he speaks. “You are the first and only phoenix to ever be registered in the Fifth Kingdom.”
5
IVY
The four walls that hold me captive are driving me insane. Frustration claws inside of me as I fold my arms, leaning against the windowsill, while I stare off into the distance, plotting my escape.
Nothing good or worthwhile comes to mind, but I can at least figure out where I am on campus now that I can see it in the daylight. The main academy building stands tall in the distance to my left, and the dorm buildings are off to the right, with the cliffs straight ahead, almost offering a view of the water beyond the shoreline. All while I remain cooped up in the medical center.
The sun glows this morning, beckoning me outside. I glance over my shoulder, hoping to find the rest of the room sleeping, but to my dismay, there is no chance of me sneaking out undetected when Mr. Man Bun peers at me with a level of intensity I can’t handle at this time of the day.
Pursing my lips, I return my stare to the window, imagining what it would feel like to have the sun on my skin instead of being stuck in here while the rest of my fated mates sleep.
Archer is sprawled out in my bed, while the others are curled up in their chairs. I wish I could join them, but I’m fed up withdreaming. It’s exhausting. It’s like my brain is alive in ways I can’t comprehend, and I’m not resting regardless.
Pressing my fingertips into my temples, I try to come up with a solution, but I’m quickly distracted by the sound of voices coming from the hallway. It’s the most life I’ve heard in the medical center. With my interest piqued, I glance over my shoulder at the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of something, anything, but nothing comes into view. As if sensing my curiosity, though, the voices rise, and the energy bleeds hostility, even from here.
My eyes dart to Mr. Man Bun, who sits tall in his seat, his eyebrows furrowing with the same air of inquisitiveness, when Archer darts up in the bed.
“Who the fuck is that?” he grunts, dragging a hand down his face, and I shrug, too busy trying to hear what they’re saying. “Baron?” he asks, tilting his face toward Mr. Man Bun, who shrugs.
Baron?
That suits him.
