Page 68 of A Whisper of Cinders

But it is my past, and although I feel deep down I can trust him with it, I am not ready to open up. I stand up on wobbly legs and walk over to my clothes, only to see they are soaking wet, probably by the waves we created.

“Here.”

Aramis throws me a sweater, I don’t even know from where, but I hastily put it on, grab my shoes on the way and walk up the stairs. I don’t care that my hair is dripping on the floor or that I nearly fall on the slippery, dark staircase, cursing myself for my panic. All I want is to head back to my bedroom and hide.

Because facing what I had to go through back in Anima is not what I want or need right now. By wonder, I don’t see any other students and with a racing heart, I reach my room and lean against the door. Crying my heart out until I can lock it all back up once more.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Aramis acts…normal, his usual smooth and gentleman self. And when he doesn’t bring it up even a week later, I’m certain he’s dropped the subject. But it is me who is struggling. I feel like I need to explain myself, but I know he doesn’t expect that from me and I wouldn’t know where to begin either.

It occupies my mind nearly every waking day and night, but training with Conláed is certainly distracting enough. The only running I currently do is to warm up my body, the rest of time I work with weights or fight one on one with him. Although I can’t really call it fighting, more me trying to punch him and keeping my balance when I miss.

Siri is currently taking me to the Sanctum. Arlo is finally stable enough for a visit. She was a bit hesitant at first, but I can be persistent if I want to.

I would’ve asked Aramis, but I didn’t see him this morning at breakfast and I was planning on spending my afternoon with Siri anyway, so it made more sense I asked her. “Will you join me?”

“Oh, uhm, no. I need to get back to the greenhouse as soon as possible. There is a flower that needs my attention. Maybe next time?”

I give her a hesitant smile. “Sure, I understand.”

The Sanctum is at the northern side of the building. We’ve been walking for a while now and I’m about to ask her if she is lost when she suddenly stops and I nearly bump into her. “Here we are! Do you want me to show you the way?”

“No, that’s alright. You can go back to the greenhouse. Thank you for bringing me. See you at dinner?”

She makes a funny regretful face, and I know she’ll decline. “I’ll try, but the blossom only grows a couple of hours and I know it’s set for today, but I’m not sure of when exactly.”

Only she can be so passionate and dedicated to plants. But I understand, of course I do. It is who she is. “Don’t worry about it! I’ll be fine.”

She gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, something I still have to get used to. “See you later, Mai!”

I wave her goodbye, watching her long blond locks sway as she walks the same way back. My hair has grown a little since being here, but it’s not near as long as hers.

I sigh and push open the wooden door, hearing the wood groan softly as it swings open, the scent of aged cedar and fresh herbs wash over me. A breeze of warm air blows my hair back and it feels like a greeting.

As I walk underneath the embrace of carved wooden beams, the Sanctum opens up to me. There is a small slope winding down opening into a big room. The curved walls are etched with complicit designs and light filters through the roof, giving everything a golden glow.

I start my descent, slowly taking everything in. In the centre of the room stands a ginormous tree, roots spreading out like a spider’s web and the top branches seem to support the roof. I don’t know how old this tree is, but it feels ancient.

As I take in the tree, a silent hum sounds in my ears. My hair lifts up again, but on a stronger breeze this time. My name sounds on the wind, a low rumbling voice calling out like a plea. I start walking towards the tree, unable to withstand its call.

It’s even more impressive up-close, I reach out my hand, my fingers nearly touch the bark.

“Maily.”

I nearly jump out of my skin. Someone stands next to me, and I didn’t even hear them coming. It’s hard to pull my gaze away from the tree, nearly painful even, as if it doesn’t want me to look away. I must have inhaled some incense that makes me see and hear things that aren’t there, because trees that speak to me, well, that would be a whole other level of crazy.

With a little restraint I turn my head to the right and see Althea standing next to me, her hands folded in front of her. “Oh, hi Althea! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“I’m sure you didn’t,” she says. I can’t quite decipher the look in her eyes. “What brings you here?”

I look back at the tree. What brings me here? Excellent question. Why did I… “Arlo!” I almost shout, making Althea’s brow furrow, my voice disturbing the silence. “My apologies, I’ve heard Arlo has improved enough to have visitors and I would love to see him.”

“I see… I shall bring you to him then.”

“Perfect, thank you.”

“How are the headaches?”