Valex burst into the palace, his arms wrapped tightly around Odesse's limp body. Her head hung against his chest, her skin pale and cold. Servants gasped as he stormed past, his voice cutting through the hall like a blade.
"Get the doctor!" he ordered, his tone low and dangerous.
Kael immediately nodded and sprinted off down the corridor. Valex climbed the grand staircase two steps at a time, his heartbeat loud in his ears. When he reached her chamber, he kicked the door open and laid her gently on the bed.
Moments later, Miss Faye rushed in, her eyes wide. "Sire, what happened to her?"
Valex brushed a strand of white hair from Odesse's face, his expression tight. "I don't know," he said, his voice rough. "She just fainted. And… she was crying blood."
Miss Faye froze, her hand hovering in midair. "Crying blood?" she whispered.
He nodded, stepping back as Miss Faye sat beside Odesse and gently wiped the dark streaks from her cheeks with a cloth. "Were you aware of this?" Valex asked, his eyes narrowing.
Miss Faye shook her head slowly. "No, Sire. I've never seen or heard of such a thing."
Before Valex could respond, Kael returned, followed by the pack doctor, a thin, older man with steady hands and a calm demeanor. He bowed quickly. "Your Majesty."
"Do something," Valex said sharply, stepping aside.
The doctor began his examination, checking her pulse, her eyes, and the strange faint markings that had appeared near her collarbone. The room was silent except for the soft clinking of his tools and the quiet hum of worry that filled the air.
After a few tense minutes, the doctor finally straightened up. "She's weak," he said carefully, turning to Valex. "Exhausted. Whatever happened to her drained a lot of her energy."
Valex's jaw tightened. "She cried black blood," he repeated. "Why?"
The doctor hesitated, eyes dropping. "That… is beyond my understanding, my lord. This isn't a matter of simple health. You'll need someone with higher knowledge, perhaps a seer, or a spiritual healer."
Valex exhaled sharply and looked down at Odesse. "Will she wake up tonight?"
The doctor glanced at her, then back at him. "I can't say for certain." He reached into his bag and pulled out a small packet filled with powdered herbs. "Mix this with water and give it to her twice a day, morning and night."
Miss Faye looked up. "When she wakes up?"
The doctor shook his head. "No. Even while she's unconscious. It should help her regain strength... and may force her body to awaken. But once she wakes, do not give it to her again."
Valex took the packet silently, his gaze lingering on Odesse's still form. Her breathing was shallow, her lashes trembling slightly, as if she were trapped in a dream she couldn't escape.
It had been two days since Odesse had fallen unconscious. The room was quiet except for the soft rustle of silk as Miss Faye entered, carrying a cup of water mixed with the powdered medicine the doctor had prescribed. She approached the bed carefully and raised Odesse's head onto her lap.
"Odesse, please wake up," Miss Faye whispered gently. "You have to fight this. You can fight it. I know you can. Master Valex has been worried, so worried. Please wake up."
She tilted the cup and poured the liquid slowly into Odesse's mouth, making sure she swallowed it. Once done, Miss Faye laid her back on the bed with care and stood, ready to leave.
Then a faint, fragile voice broke through the quiet, almost like a whisper struggling to be heard. Miss Faye paused and turned.
"Odesse?" she asked softly.
The girl's eyes fluttered open, weak and heavy, unable to focus properly. A small smile curved Miss Faye's lips. "You're awake, my dear," she said, pulling her into a gentle embrace.
"Ouch…" Odesse murmured.
"What's wrong?" Miss Faye asked, concern lining her voice.
"My body… it aches. It's burning," Odesse whispered, her voice barely audible.
"That's odd," Miss Faye said thoughtfully. "Perhaps it is just because you've just woken up. I was so worried… but not nearly as worried as Master Valex."
Odesse's gaze drifted weakly around the room. "Where is Master Valex?"
"He went out. He'll be back soon," Miss Faye replied.
"I'm tired… I want to shower. I feel so weak," Odesse murmured.
"That's alright," Miss Faye said, smoothing her hair back. "I'll get everything ready for your bath."
"No," Odesse said quietly. "I can shower in the servant quarters."
Miss Faye shook her head gently. "This is your room now, as ordered by Master Valex. You'll bathe here, comfortably."
Odesse's eyes widened, but she didn't argue further. Miss Faye smiled softly. "Alright. I'll get everything ready for your bath," she said before leaving the room.
Left alone, Odesse whispered to herself, "Who was that… beast?"
Minutes later, she was guided to the bathing area. Two girls were waiting to assist her.
"No, I can shower myself," Odesse said weakly, but the girls were firm. "It is an order from His King."
Reluctantly, she removed her outer clothing, keeping her inner wear, and stepped into the bath. As the girls began washing her, Odesse closed her eyes, lost in thought.
Then something changed. The texture of the girls' hands on her shoulders felt different, harder, yet soothing. Their hands seemed larger, stronger, yet comforting. She felt a wave of relaxation wash over her, and a small smile appeared on her lips.
Then a deep, familiar voice whispered into her ear. "Are you enjoying that?"
Odesse's eyes shot open in shock. There, leaning close to her, was Valex. His gaze held her completely, intense and unyielding, and her breath hitched as her mouth fell open in surprise.