Chills!
Ivaim's eyes slowly lifted to open.
The room slled faintly of herbs and clean linen.
Wooden shelves lined the walls, cluttered with neatly folded cloth, small bottles, and a single vase holding wildflowers.
He lay on a sturdy but simple bed, thick bandages wrapped around his chest and arms.
Despite the wrappings, there was no real pain.... only a dull awareness of his injuries.
His body felt heavy but whole.
"A dream..." Ivaim muttered under his breath, staring at the wooden beams overhead.
His thoughts drifted back to that golden workshop, his father's steady voice, and the warmth of his mother's kitchen.
"I've been longing to go ho, so I get why I'd dream about it."
His brow furrowed slightly.
"But that last part... strange... I don't rember making any wishes like that..."
He sighed softly, brushing it off.
"I'm probably overthinking it, Dreams are always strange after all..."
He thought to himself.
A soft rustling sound caught his attention.
He tilted his head and spotted a small figure slumped over at the edge of his bed, cheek pressed against the mattress.
It was Reves.
The boy's ssy hair stuck up in all directions, and faint snores escaped his lips.
His tiny hand still clutched the edge of Ivaim's blanket like he had fallen asleep mid-watch.
'This brat...'
Ivaim thought with a smirk.
'Did he really stay here because he was worried?'
Unable to resist, he reached out and ruffled Reves' hair playfully.
The boy grumbled in his sleep, nose scrunching like a stubborn pup.
"Hey, wake up."
Ivaim teased, shaking his shoulder gently.
"Your guard shift's over, soldier."
Reves stirred, blinking groggily.
"Huh...? Wha'...?"
His voice was thick with sleep.
"You drooled all over my blanket, you know..."
Ivaim said with a grin.
"I should charge you for cleanup."
Reves shot up, wiping his mouth furiously.
"I do not drool!"
"Sure, sure." Ivaim laughed.
"Whatever makes you sleep well, brat."
Reves huffed, crossing his arms.
"You're supposed to be resting! not making dumb jokes."
Ivaim chuckled, feeling lighter despite himself.
"Guess I'm feeling better then."
Reves' expression softened, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Uncle, you shouldn't have pushed yourself that far! Our main goal is to escape this strange place after all!"
Ivaim's teasing smile faded into sothing gentler.
"Sorry about that, kid. Couldn't help it, your dad's face just felt so punchable."
Reves sniffed, then scowled.
"Next ti, don't push yourself too much."
"Alright." Ivaim said quietly, ruffling the boy's hair again.
"Thanks for sticking around, though. Even if you did drool..."
"I didn't!"
The room filled with laughter—simple, warm, and grounding.
For the first ti in a while, Ivaim felt a little closer to ho.
...
After being patched up by kind folks who'd used rare recovery items on him, Ivaim finally felt steady enough to walk outside.
His muscles were still sore, but nothing he couldn't handle.
The warm afternoon sun filtered through arched windows as he made his way down the hallway,
Today was the awarding ceremony— one that awarded the champion who'd represent the region in the Coliseum of Chosens.
As he rounded a corner, a familiar figure strode toward him with a wide grin.
Mayor Halvin, dressed in his usual fine coat with silver embroidery, walked briskly, his presence commanding yet friendly.
"Ivaim! Good job out there."
Halvin greeted, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Don't be upset about not getting first place in the regionals."
Ivaim blinked, surprised by the upbeat tone.
"Uh, thanks, Mayor. I wasn't exactly planning a pity party, but..."
He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Second place doesn't feel that impressive."
Halvin's grin widened.
"Are you kidding? It's the first ti Fendral's ever made it to second place! We've never even reached the top five before."
Ivaim's brows lifted.
"Seriously? Not even once?"
Halvin shook his head.
"Not even close."
He chuckled.
"The whole town is already buzzing with pride—and even more ecstatic about how you managed to tick off every one of your competitors."
A sheepish grin tugged at Ivaim's lips.
"Yeah, none of my opponents were exactly thrilled with ..."
"You practically made them fu with your moves out there."
Halvin said, eyes gleaming.
"That takes talent."
"Or just a knack for annoying people." Ivaim joked.
Halvin laughed.
"Sa thing sotis."
As Halvin waved goodbye and walked down the hall, Ivaim made his way toward the door that led outside.
He reached for the handle, his mind still on the conversation with the mayor. The warm sun beckoned, and he was eager to get so fresh air.
But as he swung the door open, he was startled by the sudden figure that appeared in front of him.
He stumbled back, his heart racing as his eyes locked onto the woman standing there.
A tall lady dressed in a flowing black veil stood before him, her face hidden beneath the fabric.
Her presence was almost eerie, like sothing straight out of a ghost story.
"Jesus..." Ivaim muttered under his breath, taking a step back.
"Seriously, first a singer and now you wanna be a ghost? Make up your damn career..."
His thoughts were cut short as the lady spoke, her voice smooth and almost too calm for the situation.
"While you were unconscious..."
She began, her tone steady,
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"Nathan and I had discussed so things."
Ivaim raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.
"Hm?"
The Black Veil Master was silent for a mont, her figure almost blending into the shadows as she shifted slightly.
Then, with a calm motion, she raised her hand just a little.
A soft, shimring veil spread out from her fingers, flowing like a curtain made of mist.
It gently enveloped the area around them, wrapping them in a translucent barrier that seed to separate them from the rest of the world.
The sounds of the hallway faded, as if they were now in a world of their own.
"Don't worry, this is just to prevent anyone from hearing us."
She said, her voice still carrying the sa eerie calmness.
Ivaim's eyes narrowed as he took in the veil.
'Right... from the last ti I saw this woman, when we were fighting the Master of Cruelty, even he had a hard ti finding us while we were inside this veil... quite a tricky ability...'
He couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy, knowing how powerful and mysterious she was.
But there was sothing else that nagged at his mind.
'I wonder what the story of her Fractured Reality is about...'
He thought, but he kept his questions to himself for now.
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