Chapter 4

It was a slow and quiet recovery. The doctors worked efficiently and silently. None of them spoke to me, they didn't even look at me. I tried making eye contact once, but they merely averted their eyes away and continued with their daily routines. They shuffled out once evening came.

I was bandaged and given painkillers to alleviate the pain and ease my healing process.

The only cheery thing that kept me afloat was the sumptuous food prepared for each meal. They were probably the only thing that I looked forward to these days. I didn't see Godric at all during the entire period, which was good because I really needed that much needed rest.

I was taking a bite one day when Godric stepped in, he appeared in good spirits and he sat beside me, "I wonder if it tastes as lovely as human blood," he pondered out loud.

I nearly choked on my food upon hearing that and immediately lost my appetite soon after. Godric merely laughed when he saw my pale face and grabbed the napkin to wipe the food debris off the side of my lips. I flinched a little despite how surprisingly gentle Godric's act was. His eyes shifted a darker shade and he continued the act, "You'll really have to act a little better, Poppy."

I forced myself to hold his gaze in an unwavering manner and said in a steady voice, "I'm trying, but perhaps, it would be great if you could thaw yourself out a little too."

"I'm trying, but perhaps if you could be a little bit more, what's the word, feisty?" Godric said, wondering out loud before tossing the napkin away, it landed into the wastebin perfectly.

He got up, about to leave. I noticed that he was dressed suavely. Truth be told, Godric had looks that could easily make one melt into butter. He had that pretty face and a sort of pristine, royal air around him. Yet, he often carried a stoic expression coupled with narrowed steely eyes that often seemed deep in thoughts, of some sorts. He probably didn't realise that whenever he stood pensive, he often carried a foreboding air around him that was heightened the moment someone were to disturb him from his reverie.

"Remember to try harder the next time, Poppy. Or I just might call off the entire agreement and kill you the next time we meet."

That was a really smooth way to win anyone over, I couldn't help but add that mentally. Smiling slighty admist the gnawing cold that seemed to seep through my entire being, "As you wish, Godric."

I had to resist the urge to struggle away from Godric when he nodded his head lightly, satisfied and leaned in to kiss the top of my hand. Icy, all I felt was that slow, tortuous sense of being thrown under cold, cold water and I was hardly able to breathe.

I didn't realised that I was holding my breath all the way till he had stepped out of my room and out of my sight.

…

The peaceful road to recovery didn't last long. I was soon thrown into the hands of Chanel Everlander. At least that was what she called herself. I was pretty sure that wasn't her real name but it suited her nonetheless. She was mostly always in blazers and heels. Her long light platinum hair was often tied up into a high ponytail and it never once looked out of place. She was tall and lean, and stood with effortless grace. Godric introduced her one fine day, appearing highly pleased with her appearances, and since then, she has been the person in-charged of my etiquettes and general appearance.

Chanel was eyeing the state of my hair with a troubled look as she placed a finger on her lips, "This wouldn't do Poppy, we have less than 24 hours to fix this."

I looked up from my stash of magazines that the hotel staff had generously supplied to ease my boredom, "What do you mean less than 24 hours?"

Chanel's pretty face turned into a look surprise, "Didn't Godric inform you? He's taking you to their Annual General Meeting tomorrow evening. It's a really important meeting where all the district leaders of their kind would meet and discuss the year's agenda. Everyone important will be there tomorrow evening."

I was lost for words, "I see…" was all I could manage and Chanel nodded and continued, "And I heard from Desmond that you're a really good dancer back then? Poppy, it's not easy but we've gotten you a spot with the performers. You'll have to gain their attention and get them to like you, Poppy. Godric likes you already, anyway."

"You're from the Fellowship too?" I uttered after recovering from my initial state of surprise. I wasn't going to explain that Godric and I were simply 'contractual' – that would probably be for another time. The most important thing dwelling in my head is – there are allies around me! I'm not alone! I cheered considerably at that thought.

"And yes, I'm with the Fellowship,"

"How are Desmond and Uncle Jeffery doing."

Chanel paused a little, her expressions were slightly unreadable, but she quickly recovered herself and uttered, "Yea, they're good. Desmond sends you his blessings for the mission."

My heart was warmed by that thought and Chanel continued, "We've never gotten so close to them before. Not at this scale, so we're really excited and careful with this operation of course. We wouldn't let something like what happened back then with Mick happen again."

Chanel's eyes narrowed in anger, but she shook her head clearing the look of anger that had appeared on her face and focused entirely on me instead "I'm here for you, Poppy. We all are," Chanel said and patted my back twice assuringly.

"I'm glad that everyone's doing fine, you have no idea how sorry, how truly sorry I am for Mick's incident, it's honestly not something I could ever…. change. And I'm deeply sorry for that. I…" I wanted to say more but Chanel merely shook her head and patted me, "Hush, it's fine. We know. They're the cause, hons. Not you. We'll get revenge for this, Poppy. I swear on my brother's death."

Chanel recognised the look of surprise on my face, "I'm Mick's younger sister." She clarified and it only elevated my sense of guilt. Perhaps, sensing my chastened look, Chanel changed the topic instead.

"But, now, we'll really need to fix this." She lifted my limp hair and I nodded breaking that moment, simply glad that I wasn't alone in this crazy wild mission.

….

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