Published at 29th of July 2022 10:02 am

Chapter 242

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The first thing I did after I tried numerous times to get Aneva to communicate and failed, was to contact Zirani and let her know everything that had happened. I kept it brief as I would tell her in more detail when she got here.

She sent back a message to wait and that she was coming to the vehicle. I sent messages to the others but told them they didn't need to rush over if they were busy. Both sent over messages asking if I was sure, but I told them there didn't seem to be any immediate danger, or so I guessed from what Aneva had said.

She was quiet and nothing I did got to her to wake, and I might have thought it was on purpose, but there was something else to it. When she had spoken of the danger, she had trembled as though against invisible restraints and her thoughts had been chaotic, not to mention, many of her thoughts had been blocked, but not purposefully. It was like something was influencing her and she had no choice but to hide what she had clearly wanted to tell me.

As Zirani drew closer, I couldn't help but shake my head at this new problem. Why couldn't we just have a peaceful trip? The moment one thing ended, another popped up and not in the way I liked. This wasnt an ambush of enemies or something I could fight, at least not know. This would be like what had happened when we had first discovered the mental strings and that had led to fruitless searching.

I really couldn't do much at all when it came to problems like this. I didn't like feeling helpless. I needed to improve in more than just my raw arcane power I was starting to understand. There were other useful skills I needed to learn and more ways to use my affinities.

I unlocked the door when I felt Zirani reach the vehicle and she entered with an annoyed look on her face. Not at me, but at this interruption and new problem which had risen its ugly head.

She took one of the seats and met my eyes. "Ok explain everything."

I did, starting from what Aneva had told me about my drive bloodline to what had occurred and the unusual way she had acted along with everything she had said.

A thoughtful look overcame Zirani's face. "Another energy form. Like what happened in the labyrinth?"

I shrugged. "Maybe, I don't know. As I said, she just vanished and isn't responding no matter what I do. I think I could force her out, but I have a feeling it's not her fault she left."

"What do you mean?"

I explained what i thought about the way she had acted and how it felt like she was being restrained and influenced by an invisible force which made Zirani even more worried.

She sighed and shook her head. "Another problem we're unsuited to deal with. All we know is that someone in the expedition is messing with something powerful. That's it."

I understood how she felt, and the truth of the matter was we wouldn't be able to do much until we could speak to Aneva once again which didn't seem to be anytime soon.

"We should just try and keep an eye out," I said. "It isn't much else we can do until we can question Aneva, though I don't think she'll be able to tell us much."

A determined look came over Zirani's face. "There is more we can do. I've been hesitant to get her involved, but we need Aeverie's help."

"Is it worth it?"

Zirani nodded. "We don't have to tell her details just that we need help. She will push for more of course, but she will also help as much as she can if I ask. She knows I do not lie when it comes to things like this and if I tell her this danger is as bad as it seems, she will be a great help."

"Then let's do it." I stood, remembering the stray thoughts I had received before it had all gone dark. "You can handle that while I go investigate a lead. I just remembered something."

"A lead?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Before she blocked everything I caught a few thoughts and images," I answered. "Vampires and some odd runes. The only vampires here are the Red Ribbons and I'm going to have a look around to see if I can find those runes."

"Take care, Aiden." She had a serious look on her face. "If this person or whatever this is finds out your looking then it might turn ugly."

I nodded and smiled. "I know, but don't worry I won't be doing it myself. I have Misty."

"She won't have long," Zirani said. "Everyone expected to be with their group or who'll they'll be staying with for the night soon and people are expected to remain there until morning."

I nodded. "Just a quick check."

I sent the blonde vampire a mental message, quickly explaining what I needed her to do and that it was urgent. She sent back a response instantly.

"I'm on it," she said. "I'll have a look around. Send me the runes."

I sent her mental images of the runes through our bond as clearly as I could remember them. It wasnt perfect but it would have to do.

"If you find something, then make sure you don't pay too close attention to it," I said. "We don't need the person responsible for this danger finding out someone is onto them."

I felt her determination through the bond and Zirani nodded, having heard everything I'd said and received through our bond.

"I'll go speak to Aeveire," Zirani said. "You should relax for a bit. You seem a bit emotionally wrung out."

I opened my mouth to rouge, but then closed it and with a heavy sigh, nodded. She was not wrong. This day had started out normal enough but the reminders of my past trauma and now this had taken a toll. She was right. I need to rest and recompose myself before i did anything else.

Zirani and Misty would handle things, though I probably should also message Sandra.

Zirani left and before I rested, I sent a message to Sandra explaining everything and sent her images of the runes as well. She wasn't in the Red Ribbons area, but maybe she would find something with the Umbrin clan as unlikely as that seemed.

Once I was done with that, and Sandra confirmed she had everything i made my way over to the largest of the comfy seats and flopped onto it. It wasn't like I was physically tired, but somehow resting like this helped, or perhaps it was just the fact that I wasn't doing anything. I allowed all my worried to drain away, not allowing my mind to linger on any one of them. It would do me no good and just increase my worry and problems

After what seemed like a few minutes, a dryad entered with a tray of food, drink, and what seemed like an elixir.

"Princess Zirani told me to bring this to you." The dryad placed it down onto the table and bowed. "It should help ease your mind and help you rest."

I gave her a kind smile and placed a kiss on the back of one of her hands. She blushed and bowed once more before leaving. I had to admit I really like the dryads. Most if not all those I had met were positive and gave off feelings of warmth and peace. Being in their presence was also a soothing comfort. Like lying down in a peaceful meadow surrounded by beautiful trees and plants.

Maybe all dryads weren't like that, but I didn't care about that right now.

I sat up and made my way to the table. I took a seat and before I dug into the food, I opened the elixir which was in a small glass bottle with simple flowery patterns. It was small so I gulped down the whole thing. My lips instantly puckered at the sour taste, but I swallowed it down and instantly felt better as the elixir got to work.

It was like a weight was taken from my head and it felt much more clear. It worked its magic in seconds and I sent a mental thanks to Zirani who just waved it away with the equivalent of a mental smile and a stern message to make sure I rested up completely.

I dug into the food and drink feeling far better. It tasted as amazing as usual and though not as well as the elixir it did help ease my mind and by the time i was done, I felt far better, and though I could have gone out, I decided to lean back on one of the chairs and take a nap.

Despite not being physically tired or exhausted, my eyes drooped shut quickly and soon all was dark as I fell into a deep and peaceful slumber.

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