《Grim Grove》


 Prologue

    Dear Diary,


    Today has got to be the worst day of my life. I am not exaggerating, either. I went to school this morning thinking this would be like any other day. That''s until Coltian spotted me at my locker. I''ve mentioned how much I detest that High Elf before but he really crossed the line. That idiot passed by me with his smirk before turning back to face my direction, and threw a rotten egg at me. It cracked on the top of my head!


    I loathe Coltian! Anyway, I went to the infirmary to see if shampoo was available to wash that goo off. I was told to wrap my head with a shower cap to hide the smell. It didn''t work. So, I was sent to the Headmaster''s office to explain what happened. I was told that I would need to leave school for the rest of the day. This would count as an absence, and I had an exam in Elemental Magick that I would not be able to make up. So, there goes my perfect attendance and A grade. I was so angry. I tried so hard to reason with the Headmaster, but he stood by the decision, and told me to leave his office because my smell was intolerable.


    So, I left the office, went to my locker, and I lost control. This was injustice! If I could not finish the school day, I made sure that nobody would, either. I went to the Alchemy Lab because there was a fresh delivery of fertilizer. The doors were left open so I snuck in. I was not thinking very clearly at this point. I should have known that staff members were going to arrive with another load. So, I was caught with an open crate of fertilizer by the air ducts that I covered with ammonia. Before I could be stopped, I used a withering spell on the mix that created a gas that could be lethal. I wasn''t trying to kill anyone. I just wanted to produce a gas leak to close the school down for the day. One custodian pulled the alarm, another grabbed me by the arm to dragged me outside. He wasn''t very gentle.


    When we got to the safe point, an explosion occurred, students, teachers, and other staff came out of the school screaming. Thick black smoke rose into the air. The school''s defense system rose a shield that created a barrier preventing anyone from entering or leaving. The remaining Elves inside placed shields around themselves, but many of them were very injured. This was complete chaos.


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    I was isolated from everyone, except for a couple of officiants. They placed cuffs on my wrists to ensure that I wouldn''t be able to use Magick. They also put shackles on my ankles to keep me from running. I told them I didn''t want to run. I wanted to help. I didn''t mean to cause harm. They ignored me. I was also pushed to the ground.


    Rescue crews arrived. Healers tended to who they could but many were sent to the hospital due to the lack of necessary supplies. The Headmaster was able to deactivate the barrier. I watched as students were carried away from the school. Some crawling to safety, covered with burns, incapable of breathing. I sat on the ground, crying. The Headmaster was the last to exit with a shield surrounding him. His eyes were full of fury. He scanned the crowd until he spotted me. I don''t think I was ever that afraid until that moment. He didn''t approach me. He turned his focus to the severely injured.


    The sun began setting as the last of the faculty and students were gone. Repair crews began surveying the damage. I saw the Headmaster speaking with my parents. They were not happy at all. I saw my Mother crying. My Father shook with rage. I was sure that I would go to prison. Or worse. I did this out of petty revenge. The Elven Counsel would not be lenient.


    After about another hour, my parents along with the Headmaster came towards me. I braced myself. I deserved whatever punishment they would give me, but I was still terrified. The two officiants saluted the Headmaster. He told them to remove my shackles and cuffs, then dismissed them. I didn''t say a word. I just looked at the three angry faces peering down at me, and cried. The Headmaster instructed my parents to get me out of his sight.


    I was brought home in silence. My parents didn''t say a single word. Once we got home, I went straight to the shower. I came to my room to find a plate of food but I couldn''t eat. I don''t know if I can even sleep. I keep hearing those pain filled screams. I really hope no one died. Many of them were my friends. I should not have snapped like that. Coltian finally got me to crack. I can''t blame him for what I did, but I blame him for pushing me over the edge. I can''t let anyone get me to this point again. That''s if I survive this mess.


    Sometimes, I really hate being a Death Faery. I am having a difficult time controlling my own emotions. If I can''t do that, how can I control my powers?


    My parents just told me to turn the lights off.

 Coltian

    The tension between father and son was so thick, everyone in attendance at the Elven Counsel could feel it. Coltian stared in defiance at his father, who was a member of the counsel. That usual smirk would turn into a frown. It had been two weeks since the incident at the school. The girl that should be here is no where to be seen. All Coltian heard from his father was that the counsel had questions for him about that tragic day.


    The head of the counsel spoke first, "Coltian, thank you for coming. We have fully investigated what happened at the school. We even investigated incidents that happened prior to the tragedy. It has come to our attention that quite a few eggs have been stolen from a hatchery located near the school. A witness has come forward stating that you have been seen entering the school with the stolen eggs. Can you please inform us as to why you would go to school with these stolen eggs?"


    Coltian kept his eyes locked on his father, "I actually paid for those eggs. I needed them for a class experiment." The smirk returned to his face. It was from remembering that perfect shot. A thought entered his head, "I am curious, what do eggs have to do with the attack? Many of us were hurt. My best friend is still in the hospital. Where is that Death Faery? She is the one responsible."


    The Elder spoke, "You will answer the questions we give to you. There will be no speaking out of turn. It is interesting that you would mention paying for the eggs. There is no record of the transaction. The farmers do not agree with your statement. We require the truth, Coltian. Did you steal the eggs from the hatchery?"


    Coltian lowered his shoulders, "I made a trade for the eggs. I did purchase them, but not by the farmers, but from my best friend." The look from his father took a form of anger. "It was not to cause any trouble. I really had an experiment, a personal one." Coltian could not believe it, a truth spell!


    The Elder nodded, "Thank you for your honesty. Now, I would like you to explain this ''personal'' experiment you mentioned. Again, the truth is imperative. I strongly encourage you be straightforward from this moment on. Patience is not going to last long."


    That spell just took a stronger hold. Coltian glared at his father who now had a slight smirk. He cast the truth spell. The urge to tell the truth is just getting annoying. He could not hold it in any longer. "I was trying to figure out how to get the Death Faery to use her powers against me." After a moment of silence he began speaking again, unable to stop himself, "She is a plague to our school and our community. I have been attempting to get her expelled for two years now. I am not ashamed of my actions. That disgusting creature has proven what a blight she is capable of being. To even have the family living amongst us is a stain to our kind."


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    A gasp rose from the attendees. Murmurs slowly dissipated once the Elder rose his arms for silence. "Coltian, your animosity toward races outside of this community is quite shameful. The measures taken toward a fellow student with such hostility is unforgivable. It is disgraceful to have no remorse for your actions. It is you who are the aggressor in the incident at the school. You hold as much responsibility for those victims, including your best friend.


    Rowan created the catastrophe but you engineered the destruction. However, Rowan has remorse. She has placed herself at our mercy. She said that the death penalty would not be enough to undo her actions. Yet, this is the punishment she requested.


    Moreover, you have given members of this counsel disrespect from the moment of your arrival. You attempted to lie. You make claims, that you honestly believe, that lives of other races are of no importance. The Universe is filled with living beings. We may not welcome many into our community, but we do not take aggressive measures that may lead to war. We are peaceful, no matter how offensive others may be to us.


    As such, you will be removed from this place effective immediately. You will learn how beneficial other races are while you compete the remainder of your education at Grim Grove. I suggest that you gather whatever belongings you will need. No assistance will be sent to you. No friends will visit you. No family will comfort you. From this day hence forth, you are banished. Take him away."


    Coltian would stare angry at his father as three officiants bound his wrists, ankles, and placed a black cover over his head. The musty smell of the mask grew stronger with every inhale. After a few steps, he is hoisted into the air, then thrown onto a very hard surface. A door slammed shut. Coltian gave a groan as the realization that his healing spell would not work. A motor starts causing his body to vibrate violently. Movement of the vehicle caused his body to slide across the floor. His head hit against a wall.


    Coltian felt his arm being shaken. A moan is all he could muster, but he heard a female voice yelling. "Just because he is banished, doesn''t mean that you neglect his safety! He should have been transported with proper restraints. Look at all the bruises. How do you think your Elder will react when I contact him about the condition my student is in? You had better leave before I really become angry." Footsteps march hurriedly away.


    Coltian noticed his hands and feet are free. Slowly he opens his eyes. The cover over his head, gone. "Where am I?" Coltian starts to sit up but a gentle pair of hands hold him down. He sees a Faery peering down at him.


    "Rest for now. You are safe here. Welcome to Grim Grove."


    Coltian lay his head down then fell asleep.

 Venetia

    Professor Darrus paced the line of students slowly to gauge their attempts at producing a hovering light. "When you are in the dark with a creature wishing to tear you to pieces, a simple light source will guide you to safety." Most of his students struggled. He could tell the reading assignments were not completed. Some of them rolled their eyes, looking bored. "If any of you read the assignment, this would be easy." He then saw a hovering light filled with electrical flashes at the end of the line. A shorter girl smacked on gum as he steps closer, "Venetia, while this is a hovering light, it is not what the assignment called for." The stormy grey eyes glared at him with annoyance. He began to step closer to the center of the line, ''You have all failed this assignment today. Go read the instructions. You may attempt this assignment again tomorrow. Dismissed."


    Venetia brushes past other students to get to the Professor. Electricity flowing across her skin would intimidate mostly anyone, except the teachers. "Professor Darrus!" She heard a low growl before he would face her. "I did the assignment. I was the only one in the class able to get a floating light. Why are you failing me?"


    The Professor made a fast hand gesture before a light blue ball of soft light starts to hover above his head. "This is the assigned light source. You did not successfully produce this orb. You produced an electric orb. Thus, you failed." He took notice of the escalating anger in his student. "However, if you are successful tomorrow, I will change the grade accordingly. Now, I really need to go."


    Venetia would stand there to watch as Darrus quickly walks toward the main hall entrance. She turns to walk toward the dorm almost bumping into a High Elf. "Hey! Watch it!" She gives a low gasp of annoyance while she begins to walk. She feels the boy following her.


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    Coltian smirks, "What is a harmless little lightning bug doing here? What did you do to end up here? Oh! I know. You failed at", he saw a bolt come toward him with no time to react. A quick flash of light would cross his eyes which he would squint shut. A loud thunderous sound would follow above. Coltian could only think about the blast, but nothing happened. He would open his eyes slowly only to see the back of an object. A loud smack with a pang of pain on his forehead would cause his eyes to close again. "Ow!"


    "Venetia! That bolt could have killed him. If I didn''t block it in time," the female voice went quiet for a few minutes. Coltian recognized that voice. "Can we just go to the dorm?"


    Coltian would open his eyes to see the raven black hair that used to irritate him. He could not bring himself to believe he is seeing the same girl. This had to be a hallucination. "Death Faery?" It could not be possible.


    Rowan would sigh heavily while turning to face Coltian. It is not the face he remembers. This girl is very pale. Dark circles under her eyes suggests she doesn''t sleep. This girl is also too thin. Her voice sounds familiar. It can''t be, though. "Hello Coltian. Up to your usual stunts? You better be careful who you try to insult. I may not be able to save your life next time."


    Venetia gave a smack of her gum, "You know this guy, Rowan?" Her roommate just gave a slight nod. Venetia steps close enough to Coltian, poking him hard in the chest, "You better stay away from her and me." She would gently wrap her fingers around Rowan''s upper arm, "Come on, I will make you some tea."


    Coltian stood still as the two girls begin to walk away but had to ask, "Why aren''t you dead?" Rowan stopped but did not respond. "I was told you asked for the death penalty." He could not understand how this happened.


    Rowan would wipe tears from her eyes, "Don''t worry Coltian, you get to see me suffer. Isn''t that what you want?"


    Venetia glared at him, "I know that High Elves are self centered, but you''re just horrible. Leave her alone!'' Venetia would lead Rowan away gently.


    Coltian did not know what to make out of this situation. Why didn''t Rowan just let him die? Why would she be sent here?

 Mynx

    Venetia wants to say something to Rowan that might help but no ideas came. She blows a gum bubble that gives a loud pop. As she licks up the mess around her mouth, she senses someone close. It is probably some other student heading to the dorm. She gives Rowan a quick glance noticing tear streaks on her friend''s cheeks. Rowan would not say anything about what happened. The guilt seems to be too much.  It would be so nice to see Rowan smile. A memory came to mind, "I almost forgot! I saw a package on your bed while I was leaving for class." Rowan just gave a nod, no smile or any hint of excitement. A twig snaps. Both girls stop. "High Elf, if that''s you, I swear that I will blast you in the face!" No response. "Come out, whoever you are."


    A tall boy would step away from a tree. His appearance changed from a tree to a Faun. His hooves causing leaves to crackle with his steps. His face blushes with embarrassment, "I hope you don''t blast me, Venetia. I am just practicing my stealth." He gave Rowan a quick glance of concern, "She is still sick?"


    Venetia rolls her eyes while giving her gum a smack, "Mynx! I should have known. You shouldn''t be sneaking around and spying on me. One of these days, you might get hurt." She sighs slightly as she gives Rowan a glance, "She is. I spoke to a healer but there''s no way to get rid of whatever is wrong. The healer said that guilt is eating her up."


    Mynx shakes his head, "What could you possibly have done to deserve this, Rowan? You should talk about it." He steps closer to try to wipe the tears away from her face. Rowan steps back.


    "Just leave me alone. Both of you. I don''t want your pity or help. Besides, what can a Shifter or Elemental do for me? Nothing." Rowan steps hurriedly away.


    Venetia bites hard on her gum, anger building up enough that her skin vibrates with shimmering light. "I know who''s responsible for this. That new guy, the High Elf. He knows exactly what is going on."


    Mynx knows who she is referring to. "Just don''t do anything you''ll regret." After a few seconds he states, "It really is difficult to be friends with someone that doesn''t want any."


    Venetia nods, "True,  but she really needs a friend. She refuses to eat or sleep. Something horrible happened to her. I wish she would just talk with someone. Why do I have to get the strange roommate?"


    Mynx chuckles, "Just give her time. She is bound to find someone to help open her up. I will try to find out more information on that High Elf." Mynx steps away, his appearance changes to a raven. He sees Venetia leaving, so he lifts himself into the air. He circles the school until he spots Coltian being scolded by a teacher. Mynx lowers himself onto a branch to get a better view. From This vantage point, he can see but not hear. His appearance changes to a mouse. He quickly runs toward Coltian. He only gets close enough to hear the conversation.


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    "Not even twenty four hours of being released from the infirmary, you get into several confrontations with your peers. One being Rowan. Banishment was not enough for you, then?" After a brief pause, "Look at me when I speak to you." After another pause, "So be it. You are suspended from classes. You are going to the stocks for a period of seven days."


    Coltian shrugged, "Do you actually believe that putting me into the stocks is a good idea, considering my father is on the Elven Counsel?"


    Mynx heard a scuffle but couldn''t see from so low on the ground. An older voice spoke now, "Your father will not intervene on your behalf. You brought shame to your family. You have no honor." Another scuffle is happening with the area clearing. Mynx knows it is risky but shifts his appearance to a fox. He begins following the trail until the holding cell building comes into view. Mynx lowered himself to the ground as much as possible. He watches as men place shackles on Coltian''s wrists and ankles. Chains are connected to the shackles then Coltian is lifted up. He struggles against the restraints only to have the chains pull harder. The men walk away, leaving Coltian suspended in the afternoon sun. The way is clear, Mynx shifts to his Faun self. He steps cautiously towards Coltian. "I have questions for you. If you answer them, I can get you down from there."


    Coltian stares down at Mynx then scoffs, "How do you plan on getting me down, Faun? You can''t even reach my ankles." He watches as Mynx begins to walk away, "Wait! If you are able to get me down, I will answer your questions."


    Mynx turns toward Coltian, "How do you know Rowan?" Coltian lowered his head while closing his eyes. Mynx crosses his arms in front of his chest, "How do you know her?"


    Coltian opens his eyes then begins to speak in an angry tone, "I am so sick of being harassed about that Death Faery! You really want to know?" He stopped speaking to spit on the ground next to Mynx, "I threw one egg at her. Just a single egg! Then, she tried to kill everyone in the school. I am the one being punished. My best friend was sent to the hospital while I have no way of checking on him. Do you know why? Because I am the one to get banished. As extra punishment, they sent that rotten soul here to torture me some more!" Coltian lowers his head again, "I am not answering your questions."


    Mynx just stares at the Elf, confused. Parts to the story are missing. "Well, if that''s all, good luck. I will come by tomorrow to see if you are still alive." Mynx shifts to a buzzard, lifting himself into the air. Coltian would try to call Mynx back but there were answers to get from Rowan.

 Finding Answers

    Mynx perches on the rooftop of the female dorm. The consequences for entering the girls rooms kept the curiosity bubbling inside away. This is different. The question is will Rowan attempt to murder everyone at this school? Is there any chance it could happen? Mynx did not want to believe it. All he knew was what Coltian told him. Could having an egg thrown at her really send her to a murderous rage? There had to be more but Rowan would not say anything about what happened. This is utterly so frustrating. For the past two weeks, Rowan has been quiet, withdrawn, not eating, and breaking down into tears for no reason. Yet, she hasn''t attacked anyone, either. In fact, she had a protective side to her. Girls are difficult enough to understand without all this extra drama adding to it. Why the fixation on Rowan? Why even try this hard to connect? Mynx sighs heavily while adjusting himself into a more comfortable position. He did not want to admit it. Not yet. He needs to get answers, first.


    Mynx found out that there will be an emergency drill at some point today. Being able to shift really has advantages. Once the alarm sounds, he will wait until the dorm is evacuated. He will only have a few minutes to get into Rowan''s room. Luckily, he knows which one she is in. Staring out the window as she does is not very safe around here. He should warn her about that. Or not? That will sound creepy. His ears begin hurting as the emergency alarms ring out. His wings lift up as he tries to cover his ears when he remembers he is still in buzzard form. He attempts mouse form, but the vibrations from the alarms toss his body from the roof. He uses his claws to grip onto a window sill. His grip begins to loosen. The alarms stop. He pulls himself onto the small ledge. He feels sick to his stomach. He should have accounted for the sound waves. He weakly lifts himself to peek in the window. No one is around. However, this is not Rowan''s room. He needs to go down another story. In case the alarms go on again, he shifts himself to an ant. He scales the rough stone easily. Thankfully, he finds the right room. The window is open enough for Mynx to crawl in. He crawls down to the floor, shifts to his Faun form, then lays there feeling exhausted.


    It takes a few moments to struggle to stand. His body shakes from the effort. The other students will have to walk to the main entrance before being able to be clear to return to the dorms. There is not much time. He sees the desk with an open drawer. He looks inside to find a diary. The temptation is just too overwhelming. He quickly picks it up then flips to the last entry.


    Dear Diary,


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    I have been here for two weeks today. I thought I would not see that High Elf again. I was wrong. He was about to get a lethal dose of Venetia''s lightning but I blocked the attack. Even though I helped him, I don''t feel any better. I thought doing good things would help. It doesn''t. I still hear the screaming. I still wear gloves to stop myself from causing everything I touch to rot.


    I feel horrible for Venetia and Mynx. They try so hard to be my friends. I really like Mynx, he is so kind to me. I don''t desrve his kindness. He tried wiping my tears earlier but I had to stop him. What if he touches me and gets hurt or even dies? Am I the monster that Coltian believes me to be?


    My mother called just now. She said that the incident was bad but nobody died. Everyone fully recovered. She also told me to forgive myself. This was just a horrible mistake. She even said she is proud of me for taking responsibility for my actions. My parents want to visit soon but I don''t want them to see me. It would be too painful. I put the package she sent me under my bed. I can''t bring myself to open it.


    I feel so


    Mynx sighs as he closes the book, then places it into the drawer. Rowan clearly needs to know that she is not going to destroy everything she touches. She has to know that already. What is she wearing gloves for? He did not notice it before. Then again, he really does not pay attention to anyone''s hands. Does she really believe that anything she touches gets destroyed? There has to be a way to help her through this.


    Giggles! Mynx stayed too long. The girls are returning. Quickly he shifts to ant form. As he crawls toward the wall, Rowan steps into her room. He crawls faster. A shadow of her foot hovers over him, and Mynx freezes. Venetia calls from the door that causes her foot to change direction. "Rowan, come to the dining hall with me, please?"


    Mynx waits for a few moments to allow his beating heart to slow down. Too many close calls happening in one day. All because he wants to know more about Rowan. He glances toward her. She is opening the door. This is the time to go. He gets to the window, crawls to the outside ledge, and shifts himself to a pigeon, and flies toward his dorm building. Today is almost over. He feels his stomach rumble.


    Once Mynx finishes his food, he goes to his room to stare out the window. He needs to speak with Venetia about everything he found out. Rowan is not a killer. She is just like everyone else in this school. In some ways, she is better than many of the students. She just needs to learn how to manage her powers.


    Mynx steps to his bed about to lay down when he hears the buzz of an incoming message. He presses the receive button. Venetia shows as a hologram standing in his room. "You should come to the infirmary. Rowan is hurt." The hologram disappears.

 Infirmary

    Venetia is pacing around the waiting area. Her gum is smacking louder than usual. She is hugging herself tightly. She does not see Mynx enter until he grabs her into a hug. Venetia hugs him back. "Thank you for coming." She takes a deep breath, "The healers are with her right now. They told me to wait here. I just couldn''t stand being alone."


    Mynx begins to rub Venetia''s back with his hands lightly, "I am sure Rowan will be alright." He begins to use a calming spell to help. "What happened?"


    Venetia steps away, wiping her tears, "I asked Rowan to come eat with me. She said that she wasn''t hungry, but would keep me company. After I finished eating, we decided to go for a walk." She pauses to push her hair out of her face, "We got to the garden area, and she just fell."


    A healer came out of the exam room, walking towards the two students. "Are you here for Rowan?" Both nodded, "She is moderately dehydrated, severely under fed, and exhausted, but she will be fine in a few days. She is resting right now. If you want to see her, make it brief. She needs her rest." Mynx and Venetia follow the healer to the room. The healer adds before leaving, "She will be given a different room, soon. You will need to find out which one at the information desk."


    They both step quietly into the room. Rowan lay on the thin mattress covered by a thin sheet. A light green energy covered her skin. A monitor flashes information too quickly to read over the bed. Rowan''s eyes are closed, her breathing slow. Venetia steps to the side of the bed while Mynx steps to the other. Mynx sees that the gloves were removed. His hesitation only lasts a moment before he gently places his fingers on her hand. Venetia does the same. The two stand there in silence. The door opening gives them a startle as a healer enters. "We are about to move her. You will need to leave."


    They both step into the hallway. Mynx gives Venetia a hug, "Go get sleep. I am going to stay here." Venetia nods slowly then walks toward the exit. Mynx steps back as the healer opens the door, pulling the bed from the exam room. Another healer comes to assist with the room transfer. They notice Mynx standing by. "I am going to stay. She should not be alone when she wakes up. She gets bad nightmares." The healers look at each other for a few minutes then just nod at Mynx. Once they arrive at the hospital room Rowan would recover in, Mynx is told to wait in the hall until she was settled. The healers then pushed the bed into the room while the door closes behind them.


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    It seems like hours passing by before the healers open the door, pulling the now empty bed from the room. One healer stays to speak, "Remember, she needs to rest. Sit quietly. There is a chair by her bed. Do not touch any of the equipment in her room." The healer opens the door allowing Mynx to enter." The door closes behind him, and he sees Rowan on a more comfortable bed. She is surrounded by screens recording information. The green energy seems to be brighter, and tubing is connected to Rowan at her nose, mouth, and a hand on the oposite side. His thoughts were he would be sitting in a foldable chair. Instead, a recliner waited for him. The level of the bed lines up with the height of the recliner. Mynx sat as quietly as possible to keep Rowan from waking up. He places his hand over hers.


    He must have fallen asleep because a loud beeping sound caused Mynx to jerk up. Rowan is breathing heavily, her body twisting. Mynx stands now at her side, calling her name softly. Her eyes slowly open. "You will be alright. It was just a bad dream." Her eyes close once again. Mynx stands now, keeping hiss hand over hers. He watches her breathe slowly, peacefully.


    A healer steps into the room carrying a tray, "Good morning. The kitchen had us deliver you breakfast." Mynx grins while taking the tray as the healer scans the screens. "She is doing well. Thank you for staying with her. Interrupting the nightmare really helped during the night. Have a good day."


    The healer left the room as Mynx sits on the recliner with tray across his lap. There on the plate is scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and some grapes. It all looks so delicious, but he is too tired to eat. As he is about to grab the fork, he hears, "Mynx? What are you doing here?" He turns his head to see Rowan staring at him clearly confused. Mynx stands with the tray before placing it on the floor beside the recliner. He steps to the side of the bed. "You sort of passed out when you were walking around with Venetia. She got you here to the hospital, called me over. I asked if I could stay with you." Rowan lay her head down slowly. "Grape?"


    Rowan shook her head. "You didn''t need to stay. I will be fine. You should go. You need to get to class." Rowan put her head back on the pillow. She seems to be having difficulty keeping her eyes open.


    Mynx places his fingers over her hand,  Rowan tries to move her hand away, but Mynx grips a bit tighter, "I am not going to leave you alone. I am here for you." Tears begin to slowly well up in Rowan''s eyes. Mynx brings his fingers up her face, wiping away the tears. "Sleep, Rowan." He watches as she begins to sleep. He takes the time to eat his breakfast.