32

~Akara

Staring out the window, I admire the sun setting over the forest as I wrap my towel around me, stepping from the bath.

I wish the Jade Province still felt like home to me. But when I look out toward the forest, all I see is hidden memories, and endless amounts of pain and suffering.

Out there, Marek is somewhere, hunting down who hurt me. I wish I could call out to him, have him come here and save me. But mostly, I wish I could save myself. All that matters is finding a way to get the antidote for Marek, to save his life, before I start concentrating on how to save my own.

Yawning, I wander out from the bathroom, only to see Tai sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Ah!" I yelp, backing away a few steps.

"Woah, sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you," he says, holding his hands up defensively. He's trying not to make me panic, and yet I watch as his eyes trail down my body, only covered by a towel. I shudder. This isn't good.

I narrow my eyes, wondering how I could physically force him