#2: Midnight

~Thalia's POV~

3 days and the boy was finally okay, they just left this afternoon when I told them its all good

Besides, Alena is already back on duty so I can leave the clinic on her watch tonight while I am away to find some herbs in the middle of the forest.

Now, why night when I can go during daytime?

Well, that's because of a certain herbs called Lunares Fern. These kinds of herbs only appear once in a blue moon and its also tricky to find them

The last time I went to the woods to find it, it took me at least 6 hours. Gladly the sun hasn't rose yet otherwise I would end up not finding anything

"Be careful out there, Miss," Alena said as she handed me the basket, her usual warm smile in place.

"Always," I replied with a grin, adjusting the strap over my shoulder. I turned to leave, waving my hand as I stepped out the door.

She waved back, her voice light with concern. "Come back safe!"

I nodded before heading toward the forest, the evening breeze brushing against my face.

It had been 6 hours of wandering through the vast forest, my feet crunching against fallen leaves and twigs. The trees loomed tall around me, their shadows stretching longer under the moonlight.

I sighed heavily, frustration settling in. "Maybe I missed it," I muttered to myself, glancing around at the dense greenery.

I did find some herbs though but not the one I was intending to find, maybe this will do

The surrounding is getting colder as usual tonight, maybe a rain is coming or is it the winter? No, its still summer

As I walked, the sound of flowing water caught my attention, leading me to a small, clear river. The moonlight reflected off the surface, making the stones beneath shimmer like tiny jewels. It was beautiful, but there was still no sign of the Lunaris Fern.

I sighed once again and decided to just head back since its almost sunrise

But just as I turned to leave, a sudden chill ran down my spine. My entire body froze as a hoarse voice came from behind me, and something tugged at the hem of my dress.

Heart racing, I panicked and let out a sharp cry, yanking my dress free with a desperate pull. The strangers' grip released making me stumble backward, falling to the ground with a thud.

My breaths came quick and shallow as I scrambled to sit up, my wide eyes darting toward the source of the voice.

A hand?

Where's the body?

Is it dead?

D-Did the hand just talk?

I don't know what to think. I grabbed a stick on the side and poke the hand and I hitched when it moved a little

It's... Its alive

Slowly, I approached it taking a peek and I sighed heavily in relief when I saw the hand still connected to its body...

Wait... body? There's a fucking person in the river and I didn't even notice!

I quickly pulled the person's hand, pulling his body to the shore.

Maybe this is a bad idea, I thought, my heart pounding as the figure came into view.

His body was battered and bruised, his clothes torn and soaked with water.

 And a deep, gaping wound stretched across his chest and abdomen, if I am right, these wounds were made from a sword that are 3 inches wide, i think?... and his pale skin told me he had lost an alarming amount of blood while hiding in the river.

I quickly knelt beside him, pressing my fingers to his wrist to check his pulse. It was faint—far weaker than any normal person's should be—but then I froze.

Beneath the fragile beat of his heart, I felt something else... mana, flowing faintly through his veins.

My eyes widened in realization. He's not an ordinary person.

My breath hitched as the realization sank in.

He's a mage.

The faint hum of mana coursing through his veins was unmistakable, even in his weakened state. I looked at him again, his pale skin and the deep wounds making it clear he had been through something brutal.

Mages with this kind of mana are rare, and one ending up like this—alone, beaten, and hiding in a river—was even rarer.

But, if he's like this... then there's a chance that the people that did this to him are still near considering the fact that his wounds are still fresh.

I got to really get out of here

Wrong idea

wrong idea

I started to panic again and left the man be, starting to walk away but stopped when the man grunts in pain as he called for my help

I can't just leave him like this, he's dying and he's really going to die if I leave him

But... I'll literally die if those people who did this to him came back and find me tending him

Just... UGH! Fuck this shit...

I swear on my mind as I walked back to the man, even if I drag him to my clinic which is certainly a mile away. He'll be dead before we get back there and I don't have any tools on me to tend him.

"God, please help me..." I whispered under my breath, glancing around nervously. The forest was still, save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of insects. But I couldn't take any chances.

Closing my eyes, I focused, channeling a small amount of magic to heighten my senses. The vibrations around me came to life—tiny ripples in the earth and air, painting a vivid picture of my surroundings. It was as if I could see everything within a hundred kilometers.

I took a deep breath, letting the sensations settle in. There were no humans nearby, only the quiet presence of forest animals going about their lives.

"Don't worry," I whispered, my voice steady despite the tension in my chest. "You won't remember me or know what I did when you wake up."

I took a deep breath and raised both arms to my sides. The air around me grew colder, and I felt the familiar chill of my magic flowing through me. As I opened my eyes, the world disappeared into a blinding white glow that only I could see.

With a gentle motion of my hands, I drew water from the river, its droplets shimmering as they floated toward me. I guided the water carefully, wrapping it around the mage's body like a cocoon. My magic began to work, weaving through his wounds, cuts, and bruises. The water glowed faintly as it cleansed his body, pulling out toxins and sealing even the deepest injuries. His pale skin regained its color, smooth and unblemished, almost as if nothing had happened.

Almost.

But I left the scars untouched. They were a part of his story, and I didn't want to erase them.

When it was done, the water faded away, and I lowered my arms, feeling my strength drain slightly. "That was quite... a lot... I haven't exercised my magic like that for quite some time," I said quietly, hoping I hadn't made a mistake.

This will do...

'Thalia, I hope you didn't made a mistake' I uttered to myself and before the sun rose, I teleported myself back inside my room.

I can't believe it, this night is more exhausting than what I do during day time. Damn that man.

When I opened the door, Alena was surprised a little that she almost spilled the tea on the tray she was holding

"Miss... I... I didn't notice you coming in. You surprised me," she said, rubbing her eyes and greeting me with a soft, "Good morning."

"Don't worry," I replied with a small smile. "I got back earlier than usual. I didn't want to wake you from your sleep." It was a lie, of course, but her half-closed eyes and drowsy movements told me she was still fighting off sleep.

"O-okay, I guess I really did fall asleep," she chuckled awkwardly, rubbing her eyes. "By the way, Sir William is in the living room. I told him you hadn't come back yet since I didn't know you were already here, but he said he'll just wait for you."

"I see, then I'll just get myself ready first before seeing him," I replied with a smile. "I still haven't changed yet."

She nodded, and I gave her a reassuring look before gently closing the door back.

After cleaning myself up, I wore a flowing emerald-green gown, its fabric soft and light as it swayed with every step I took. The wide, bell-shaped sleeves were adorned with delicate floral patterns that seemed to bloom with life, and intricate designs trailed down the hem like vines. A sash cinched at my waist, tying the ensemble together, while the gradient of green, fading into a softer hue at the edges, gave the dress an ethereal glow.

"Have you waited long?" I asked as I approached William with a smile plastered on my face

I can see his eyes gazing my appearance up and down before

"It doesn't matter" He answered as he stood up from the chair, mirroring my smile

There was silence between us for a moment before he spoke

"I came here to ask you out, hoping this time you're not too busy," he said, his tone light but with a hint of nervousness beneath it.

I blinked, caught off guard for a moment. "Oh," I managed, offering a small smile. "Well, I don't have much time to spare since I'm always busy with the clinic, but—"

"Miss, you should really go!" Alena cut in excitedly, her voice almost giddy. "I can take care of the clinic today."

I glanced at her, surprised. "Are you sure?" I asked, a hint of worry slipping into my voice.

"Of course!" she replied confidently, a wide smile plastered on her lips.

I hesitated for a moment before turning back to William, who stood patiently, his gaze hopeful. "I guess I can," I finally said.

He smiled and extended his hand. "Then we shouldn't waste any time. I know how valuable your time is, and I wanted to take you to the capital. They're starting the celebration for The Day of Sovereign Dawn today, and I'd love to show you around tonight."

"I didn't know it was starting today. Hmm... I must've lost track of time, I think," I chuckled awkwardly, slipping my hand into his as he guided me outside the house.

Waiting in front of the house was a grand carriage, pulled by four sturdy horses. A coachman sat at the front, reins in hand, while a small group of William's servants walked behind the carriage, their heads slightly bowed as they prepared for the journey.

"Would you really let your servants walk for a three-hour trip?" I asked, letting go of his hand and glancing at the servants with concern.

"Don't worry," he said reassuringly, his tone light. "They can handle it."

I hesitated, my gaze lingering on the servants, but I decided not to press further. Instead, I stepped toward the carriage. William was quick to hold my hand, steadying me as I climbed inside. I settled onto the plush seat as he joined me.

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