Mey stood outside the gates. The air was thick with dust and midday heat, the world beyond the castle walls feeling distant and foreign. John had just gone back inside to finish the remaining work. He had pushed for the stand, so she would be allowed to venture to Sereath and start the project there in her presence. He told her to get some rest before he left.
She had nodded, grateful for his words, but now that the moment was finally here, Mey found herself questioning her feelings. The excitement she had imagined for this moment—the triumph of success—was more muted than expected. There was no loud burst of joy. It felt more bittersweet.
She turned away from the gates and made her way toward the lab. Ein and the other junior researchers were waiting eagerly for her arrival. They braced themselves as she walked in and asked them to quiet down for the announcement.
"It's official," Mey said, her voice steady but carrying a quiet undertone of exhaustion. "His Majesty has approved the project."
The response was immediate—a burst of cheers, clapping, and exuberant congratulations. The lab had been the place these people had slept and woken up in for the last few days. Now that it was over, they were bursting with joy.
"Take the week off," she said, her voice stronger now as there cheers had finally woken up the excitement in her as well. "You've all worked hard, so you've earned it. Go rest your minds."
The researchers were thrilled by her command, practically rushing out the door to enjoy the rare time off. As they filed out, Ein lingered.
"Dr. Mey," he said, his tone knowing. "Join us. It's a good day. Let's celebrate together."
She shook her head. "I can't. I need to go somewhere first. But thank you."
Ein studied her for a moment before nodding, not pushing further. "Okay."
Mey left the palace walls and slowly made her way to Arthur's house. Every step felt heavy. She didn't want to go there when no one was waiting for her now. The place that had once been full of life, laughter, and the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the mornings now stood abandoned. Weeds grew in the garden, and the house looked dark and empty, as though time had stopped the moment Arthur had passed. Mey felt a heavy weight in her chest as she approached the door, unsure whether to enter or just return. She gathered her courage and stepped inside. She had to clean out and clear everything. She also wanted to take some of Arthur's beloved things with her to keep forever.
She stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee beans still lingered in the air. She walked slowly through the rooms, touching things as if to reassure herself that they hadn't changed. The furniture was where it always had been. The walls were now bare and dusty.
She wandered into the bedroom, and that's when she saw it—a small, delicate book lying open on the bedside table. It wasn't one she recognized. But what caught her attention was the note resting on top of it, scrawled in the familiar, neat handwriting she had known for so many years.
"Arthur Bellack log."
Her breath caught in her throat. She stared at the note, her hands trembling as she reached for it. She had completely forgotten about it—the book that was always in his hands. He used to carry it around everywhere but didn't let anyone read it. As there, a chill coursed down her spine like ice water, seeping into her bones. She slowly raised her gaze, her eyes scanning the room. And then, she saw him. Arthur sat in the chair in the far corner of the room, his eyes fixed on the pages of the same book she had in her hands now. His presence seemed to fill the room, making the air thick and heavy.
Her breath caught in her throat as she wondered if she was hallucinating. Was he real? She was too afraid to call out. He was dead, after all. Why was he here now? Before she could process the impossible, Arthur's gaze lifted, his eyes locking onto hers. A slow, familiar smile spread across his face, making her stomach turn further.
As he rose from the chair, the sound of the book hitting the floor seemed amplified in the silence. He began walking towards her, his footsteps echoing through the hallway like a death knell. Mey turned immediately and sprinted down the hallway, her fingers outstretched towards the front door, but it seemed to recede further with each step. Before she could reach the doorknob, her vision began to blur. Her legs gave way and she crumpled to the ground, with the world spinning around her.
As her vision faded, she saw Arthur's figure looming over her. She tried but couldn't move. But just before everything went dark, she felt a gentle touch on her head. Someone's warm, comforting hand stroked her hair, the touch soothing and parental. It was a nurturing gesture, like a mother calming a frightened child. The contrast between the terror she'd felt and this gentle caress was jarring. As her world went dark, she felt herself being enveloped in a sense of safety and she lost consciousness.