Page 25 of Guardian

“Stop!”

I forced myself away,hervoice vanishing along the waters of my mind. My feet tumbled a few steps across the ground. Chills ran through my body as the numbing took over.

I started to drift away, but a force widened my eyes onto the motionless body on the ground. Blood trickled from their bare chest and stomach, a pool starting to outline around them. Then, a groan vibrated through their mask, my body inching closer.

I yanked it off, and the weight of the mask pummeled my strength.

Thick dreadlocks spanned across the ground, and sepia skin grew gray beneath a slick of sweat. Mr. Amelle’s breaths were short and sharp.

Why was Mr. Amelle here?

What had happened?

I scattered away as far as I could push myself until my back crashed against a surface. Cool shivers ran through my body, and the familiar numbness crept in, my vision blurring as I took in what I had done.

You’re weak.

My hands traveled to my ears and tightly cupped them in hopesshe’dburyherself. That I wouldn’t have to deal withherany longer. But that was a lie. It always was.

Muffles traveled around me. Everything spun. It all was a blur as I tumbled onto the ground. My hands wrapped around my knees and tugged them to my chest.

What had I done?

* * *

The velvet water hugged my body. It was like the bed I used to share with my cousin when we were small. Large but compact, with the two of us snuggled together. But the water wasn’t wet; instead, it was soft— like a plush blanket.

My eyes sprung open as my weight sank deeper into a mattress. Night swallowed the room as I regained my vision, slowly recognizing the fuchsia walls and different cabinets.

How had I gotten to my room?

I sniffed the familiar coppery, flowery scent. It was natural to want to follow it, but the shadow in my room kept me still. Sonia entered my vision and bowed, my body unresponsive when I tried to reciprocate.

“Ms. Eli, how are you feeling?”

My stomach sank. An instinct I unintentionally gained from that dreaded question.

Whenever Lace or my cousin asked, I always quickly blurted out the same response. Sure, for the most part, I was fine. But on days I wasn’t, I still had to bear a mask of strength even when I felt weak.

Not only did it force me to believe it, but it also gave them one less worry when it came to me. It was already enough how much I’d put them through for the past six years.

But was I fine right now? The medication waned my strength with uncontrollable nausea and a pounding headache. The fact that I was starving also wasn’t helping.

Maybe that’s what was weakening me, andshewas using it to toy with me.

“Are the sedatives still causing weariness?”

“What sedatives?” My hand traveled to my neck and rubbed along my skin. It was then I noticed the gauze against my left inner elbow.

“They were approved by the Sephtis,” Sonia said, “after they witnessed your sudden convulsion. I administered it soon after you were placed in your room.”

I removed the gauze, and thankfully, there was no blood, and the apparent wound was nonexistent. “Who brought me up?”

“One of the Sephtis, Ms. Eli.”

“Which one?” I asked, my body inching away from the bed.

Sonia’s expression remained deadpan. “Ms. Eli, if you are feeling fine, then I must report that you are acquitted of your duties until further notice. You acted accordingly; however, the Sephtis need to assess today’s occurrence.”

---