80. Celie Takes Charge

[Celie]

(before Celie reaches the Queen’s chambers)

My mind felt woolly.

“Celie?” I heard Kaia call me but it sounded far away. I screwed my eyes shut and tried to reorient myself. Where am I? Why does my throat feel like sandpaper? The memories surface then, like blurry images, grainy and vague at first before they turn clear and eventually recollect everything. I sit up and find myself staring at Kaia, hovering at the foot of the bed, an anxious expression on her pale face.

“Are you okay? Should I call Miss Alexandra?” I frown at her. Why will she call her? Oh…

A distinct lack of heartbeat. I bring my fingers to my nose but don’t feel any breath, fanning my fingers. I touch my lips and then feel my canines, which have now become fangs.

I remember that I was keeping the Queen captive and my energy and powers were sapping out until I saw the Queen turn into ash and then I…

“Did…did someone save me?” Kaia’s wide eyes and gaping mouth are enough for me to get an answer. I know