Where My Heart Belongs

by MrSova

Amity woke up paralyzed in her sister's Clinic with no memory of what had happened to her. With Odalia gone, she must take upon her the role of the Blight Industries Heiress. But she had to get better before she could do any of that. To achieve that, Emira assigned her sister the best Volunteer in Bonesborough - Luz Clawthorne. Originally posted on AO3

4. Chapter 4 - The Isolation

Luz respected Amityʼs wish to be left alone to the best of her ability. Which was not much, really. She kept returning to the Clinic, asking Emira and Viney about the Heiress's well-being, what she had been up to, or anything that would explain the strange Bond-related sensations.

While Luz tried extremely hard not to be a stalker, she decided to spend time with her friends. Since Willow still avoided Amity for the Blight's safety, they had little time to catch up on everything in their lives.

"Can you try not to think about her for, I don't know, five minutes?!" Willow lost her patience, watching Luz mulling her emotions over and over again.

They sat by the Hexside Grudby field, hiding from the sun under the bleachers. Luz did not notice when Gus joined them with a small cooler and served them small bottles of drinks from the Human Realm.

"I never thought I'd be back here…" Gus whispered solemnly, sitting on the right of Luz. They clinked their bottles.

"I never thought I'd be having a beer here," Luz added, taking a sip and chuckling a little, "Finally, an alcohol that doesn't kill me," She whispered bitterly. Willow smacked her head, "Hey, what's that for?!"

"Hiding behind humor… Again," The witch explained.

"I donʼt blame her," Gus said, taking a sip. Willow looked at him curiously, "Constant feeling of the emotionally unstable fiancée without a chance to block it all without the magic-restricting room sounds like hell to me," He explained. Willow raised her brows in understanding while Luz looked away in shameful confirmation.

"So I take it you still have nightmares?" The Plant witch asked, and Luz chuckled grimly.

"Haven't had a peaceful night since Odalia had her head in one piece," The human replied, taking another sip that turned into downing the bottle dry.

"Someone's on edge," Willow noted.

"Well, Will," Luz said coldly, snarkiness dripping from her lips, "While you had the time of your life, starting new lives with your boyfriend, I was trying to get Amity back…" She opened another beer with an attitude, "Which ended up in being bitten, beaten up, burned, smashed against a tree, buried under snow, and poisoned with Demon Realm alcohol…" She was on the verge of crying. Willow and Gus shared a knowing look, "And on top of that, I keep going through the pain Amity experiences whenever a part of her gets unblocked…"

"Does that happen often?" Gus interrupted worriedly and was surprised by another low chuckle.

"I am happy it happens at least once every two days. That means she's a few memories closer to remembering…" Luz blinked rapidly, trying not to cry, "But that happens at least every two days…" She squeaked, "Sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes in the shower, or sometimes just in the forest when I walk to the town."

"No wonder you're so snarky recently," Willow offered, leaning on her friend supportively, "And I'll let you know I'm not having the time of my life either. Hunter and I have been separated since his mission with Lilith…"

"Awww! Missing your boo?" Luz teased with a smirk.

"Shut up!" The short witch replied, pushing the human jokingly.

"Who's that?" Gus interrupted the bickering, pointing toward the other side of the field. They noticed a couple of young witches, wearing training gear, entering the field.

"Thatʼs Skara and her Team," Willow explained, smiling, waving to her friend. Luz followed her example, "She was in Hexside Elementary with us but then moved to St. Epiderm with Amity," She explained, and Gus nodded in understanding.

"Luz? Is that you?" Skara called out to the trio hiding under the bleachers, "Dang it, I haven't seen you in a while."

" Wow, she looks like shit," The Bard witch thought worriedly when she approached her friends close enough to see Luz in all her glory. The hazel-brown eyes were underlined by dark shadows. Her tan complexion looked sickly pale, and she looked thinner than ever.

"Ditto," Luz mustered a friendly smile, "I take it you like being the Team Captain?" She asked. Skara looked away with a sheepish smile.

"Well, it's not that I'm much of a Captain, but since Bosha's gone, we really became a team!" She exclaimed in excitement.

"Do you mind if we watch?" Gus asked. Despite being out of the loop, everyone was kind to him.

"Not at all," Skara smiled at him, "Hey, maybe you want to play a small friendly match after you're done here? Three on three?" She offered with a soft expression. She looked at Willow, and they made a connection.

" That should work!" The green eyes hidden behind the glasses sparked with enthusiasm.

"Yeah!" Willow agreed excitedly, "That ought to take our minds off things," She added before sending Gus a knowing look, letting him know she wanted Luz to stop thinking about Amity for a while.

"I'd love to!" The young man exclaimed, feeling uncomfortable under the intense green gaze drilling into him from underneath the round glasses.

Luz was wobbling, standing in the middle of the Grudby Field. Lack of sleep, overthinking, and alcohol did not do her any good. She was exhausted. Physically and mentally. She instinctively caught the ball Willow passed to her and ran forward.

Cat drew a spell circle, sending a set of vines at the human. Luz slid underneath the green tentacle-like plants and retrieved an Ice Glyph. She smashed it on the ground and propelled herself toward the hoop. At that moment, despite everything, Luz felt like her old self.

The Boiling Isles' air caressed her body. Her hair flowed to the sides as the human soared toward her goal. She briefly closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. She let the ball in the hoop and hung on the rim of the target before returning to the ground and cheering for herself.

"Yeah!" Luz exclaimed, "Still got it!" She added, shaking her right leg, realizing she may not have been fully her old self.

"Yeah! Go Claw-thorne!" Willow cheered, running to her friend.

Suddenly, Luz's joyful expression faded. She grabbed her chest and fell to her right knee. She heard people calling her, but everything was muffled. She had seen a flash of vision that cut her off from everything.

Whatever that was, it scared her. Luz saw Eda above her, telling her words of comfort before she could feel her bones cracking back to their place. Viney was there too, chatting tauntingly with the Owl Lady before Willow entered the dim room.

"Luz!" A distant voice made it to her consciousness, "LUZ!" Another yell dragged her out, and she felt her body paralyzed with pain.

"Someone, call Eda!" Gus ordered, kneeling beside Luz as well, securing her head.

The human started seizing. Her body was stiff, every nerve torpedoed by the pain as she went through another unblocked memory. She could feel everything Amity went through that day.

"Sheʼs not responding!" Willow noted, trying to bring her friend back.

"Move aside. That's another attack," Gus told everyone and drew a bright blue spell circle, "Sorry, Luz," He added and applied the spell to her temple.

Gus directed himself into Luz's consciousness. He saw precisely everything the human saw. Yet, the way he witnessed it was much different. His friend was strapped to the Operating Table. Eda and Viney worked above her. She was forced to experience the pain while the young man was merely a spectator.

"Luz, focus! It's not your memory," Gus tried to get to Luz's subconsciousness but failed miserably as some unknown force pushed him away and out of her mind.

"Titan, their Bond is too strong!" He exclaimed in shock when Willow sent him a questioning look, still holding Luz's head secure, "She needs to get through it," He added helplessly.

"Eda will be here in a moment," Skara said out of nowhere. Willow nodded at the dark-skinned witch, "What the hell is wrong with her?!" She exclaimed, seeing Luz convulsing violently, foaming saliva that escaped her full lips.

"You know how Amity lost her memory?" Willow asked, holding the brunette's head, never looking away from her friend.

"Uh-huh," Skara confirmed.

"This is what happens when she recalls something… Unblocks a memory of something…"

"W-why?" The Team Captain interrupted dumbfoundedly.

"Odalia placed some strange safeguards in Amity's Mind Scapes to prevent her from remembering…" Gus explained simply, but another voice was heard across the field before Skara could ask a follow-up question.

"Kid!" Eda quickly approached the young adults, "What happened?" She addressed Willow.

"We were playing Grudby when she got the attack out of nowhere," The short witch explained.

"Okay…" Eda whispered in understanding, "I'll take it over from here," She added and took hold of her daughter's head, "I need you to go and find Emira. She needs to know in case Boots's missing again," She explained, and Willow nodded in understanding.

"Will you be fine, Gus?" The short witch asked, summoning her bumblebee-like Palisman. When the young man nodded, she jumped onto the staff and rushed toward Bonesborough's downtown area.

"M-mom…" Luz mumbled, making Eda realize her daughter stopped seizing and was slowly returning to reality.

"Kid?" Eda asked worriedly and eyed her daughter before cleaning her face with a small spell. Luz was shivering, wincing, and whimpering, but she was slowly coming back, "Can you talk?" She whispered, caressing her daughter's cheek.

"H-hurts…" The human mumbled, slurring words, "Am-Amity…" She added with a sense of urgency and tried to turn to her side to stand up.

"Youʼre not going anywhere!" Eda opposed, pushing the human down to the ground, "Not until I make sure you're fine," She added and drew a spell circle.

"Mom…" Luz groaned, opposing the witch.

"Stay down, Luz," The older witch argued.

"Willow went to check in on Amity," Skara added, getting the hang of the situation.

"Let Eda help you. Focus on yourself," Gus said, and the human finally stopped fighting.

" Finally," Eda thought and applied the Healing Spell to her daughterʼs body, ensuring she was unharmed.

Willow flew as fast as she could. Considering her secret Flyer Derby activity, she was the fastest on the Isles. She texted Hunter on her way to inform him about the situation, and before she knew it, she landed in front of the Clinic.

She gulped nervously but decided she could not let her anxiety stop her now. She roamed the halls looking for Emira or Viney, hoping to avoid Amity. It did not take long for one of the Nurses to take interest in her presence, asking her to come over.

"I'm sorry, I'm looking for Emira," Willow explained, stiffening before a stern-looking witch with long, brown hair and a ferocious look in her gray eyes.

"Sheʼs operating," The Nurse explained coldly, returning to her tasks.

"Can anyone take over for her? It's rather important…"

"What seems to be more important than a patient's life?" The older woman snapped, sending the shorter witch a fury-filled glare, but Willow lost her temper.

"Her sister!" She replied with brows tied in determination and fists clenched in anger.

"I'm… I'm sorry," The Nurse's expression faded instantaneously, "She's in the OR three, it's…" She added, but Willow was already gone.

The Plant witch passed room after room until she made her destination. She did not think about pleasantries or regulations, going all Eda on the situation and bursting into the Operating Room.

"What the hell?" Emira asked angrily when Willow interrupted her Healing Spell, cast upon her half-conscious patient.

"It's Amity. We need to find her fast!" Willow explained, and the Healer looked at the newcomer with fear before looking at the Nurses in the room.

"Get Viney or anyone else. This patient is stable now. I have to go," Emira ordered, removing her Healer robes before following the younger witch, "What happened?"

"Luz got another attack. This one seemed more powerful than the previous ones," Willow explained shortly, "Do you know where she is?"

"She should be upstairs…" Emira replied, opening the doors to her living quarters. The Healer froze immediately, noting her sister, "Amity!" She exclaimed and ran forward.

Amity was sprawled across the floor in front of the bookshelf. The attack must have surprised her. Several books were thrown across the floor while the lavender-haired witch was convulsing hard, foaming saliva. Her eyes were overtaken by the purple, magenta glow.

"Holy Titan," Willow gasped, covering her lips in shock. She heard Amity's attacks were intense, but seeing one was completely different.

"Was it that bad with Luz?" Emira asked as she secured her sister's head, ensuring she would not hurt herself, "Shh, shh, I'm here, Sis. You're safe now," She cooed, drawing a small spell circle to check Amity's vitals.

"N-no…" Willow had to clear her throat, "Titan, Luz said it was bad, but I couldnʼt imagine this," She gestured to Amity, who kept struggling against the pain.

"P-p-please…" The hurt woman whispered with a strained voice, "T-too much…"

"Shh, it's okay. It'll pass," Emira tried to calm her sister down.

"L-Luz!" Amity exclaimed, and a powerful surge of her aura left her body before it died down, leaving her unconscious.

"Dang…" Willow whispered, and she shared a worried look with Emira.

"I never heard her call out for Luz before," The Healer noted, drawing another spell circle to clean her sister.

"Do you think she may have remembered her?"

"We'll need to wait for her to wake up and see…" Emira replied and took a deep, calming breath. She was so worried about both of them.

"Isn't there any way for Luz to stop sharing her pain?"

"We haven't found one yet…" Emira admitted, "Placing Amity in the magic-restricting room would require us to tell her that she and Luz are Bonded, and you know how bad that could go…"

"Got it…"

"Luz knows all about it…" Emira added.

"Let me guess," Willow interrupted, "She doesn't want Amity to go through it alone?" She asked, and Emira snorted in confirmation before nodding.

"Yeah, good ol' Luz," The Healer added. Her attention returned to the unconscious witch, who finally calmed down, "Iʼm gonna take her upstairs," She said and sighed heavily, feeling helplessness washing over her, "We need to find a way to help her… She keeps isolating herself, working on Titan-knows-what at the Manor…"

"You know…" Willow interrupted Emira's worry, smirking mischievously, "I might have an idea… But it will take time. For now, we must respect her wishes, leave her alone, and ensure she doesn't get hurt…"

"What do you have in mind?" Emira asked suspiciously.

"Don't worry your green head about that now. We must find a way to make Amity allow Luz back into her life…"

"So she'll break her defenses…" Emira smirked knowingly, "I hope you know what you're doing, Willow…"

"I hope so too…" The younger witch added, looking at her unconscious friend.

She could not even comprehend how she missed Amity. Just when Willow finally got the Heiress back in her life as a friend, and everything was finally coming together, Odalia had to hurt them again. She was not about to stand aside and do nothing. She was going to bring her best friend back.

Amity was restless since she asked the human to stay away from her. She could not focus on anything for a longer time. Her nights were filled with frequent nightmares. The witch tried not to overthink these dreams but could not ignore that she was always haunted by either her mother, Luz, or both.

Unable to get a proper good night's sleep, Amity was more prone to irritation and frustration. She spent more time at the Manor preparing to reopen the Industries. She could not move forward due to the lack of information on her tax status.

She tried not to think too much about how she was escorted out of the Bonesborough Town Hall, unable to believe her mother was sentenced for Tax Evasion. After approaching yet another wall, she took a break, taking it as a sign to think if she really wanted to reopen the company.

It was difficult, but she had to admit she was so obsessed with reopening the Industries that she often forgot what was actually scaring her. Luckily, there was a person to help her figure it out.

"Have you considered spending some quality time with your friends?" The witch-demon asked in a soft voice.

"I have no friends!" Amity interrupted the Mind Healer during their next session. Zariyah smiled warmly.

"How about that Luz character?" She asked and noted how the young Heiress became a flustered, blushing mess. The pointy ears slanted, twitching nervously, "I thought you were fond of her?"

"I wasn't…" Amity squeaked in an unnaturally high-pitched voice. She cleared her throat and recomposed herself, "I was not fond of that human," She added, and the Healer sent her a slight smirk.

"Then how about your family?" The half-demon closed her writing pad and eyed the Heiress before her.

"You mean my dead parents?" Amity asked snarkily.

"I meant your sister and her wife," The Healer pointed out. The young witch could not find the words to reply, "I know you are protecting yourself from being hurt, but maybe losing these defenses would be helpful…"

"I can't…" The young witch choked, closing her eyes briefly.

"Huh?"

"I tried to be less defensive…" Amity tied her hands and looked away, ears slanted in shame, "It ended badly… I hurt… I hurt Luz… I-I mean the human…"

"I heard about the situation at the Knee," Zariyah looked at her notes, opening the pad again, "I also heard that you saved her…"

"I almost killed her!" Amity interrupted with a frustrated yell.

"Miss Blight…" The Healer closed her notes and smiled warmly at the witch, "You must know that you are the toughest case of Mind Gaps I have ever met," Amity clenched her arms while hugging herself, "But the real problem is not what happened to you…" The lavender-haired woman closed her eyes as if afraid to get hurt, "The problem is that you don't let anyone help you."

"If I would let anyone in, they would just get hurt…" Amity whispered with a trembling voice.

"Thatʼs always a risk… For everyone…" The half-demon argued, "No witch is an island…"

"You don't get it!" Amity snapped, facing the Healer with fury in her eyes.

"Then explain it to me. Tell me what really is the problem," Zariyah asked patiently.

"I donʼt know how!" The young witch got to her feet with annoyance, "I can't think straight. Everything seems to be out of order. Like, I feel like I shouldn't feel so alone! Like, I should trust Emira. Like, Luz should…" Amity paused when she realized what she was saying. She shook her head and looked at the Healer with frustration. A slight blush entered the pale face.

"But that's going against everything you know…" Zariyah asked, and Amity nodded, "We've been through that, Miss Blight. Whatever happened to you altered the way you perceive the world…"

"So what should I do? I can't ignore my common knowledge of the world!" Amity threw her hands in irritation before sitting back down with a huff, "Titan, it's ridiculous…" She lowered her head powerlessly.

Zariyah looked at her patient. She was impressed by the Heiress's progress since they first met. It did not matter to the Healer that the witch was still aggressive and defensive. Amity started opening up. She let herself lose her Blight facade more often, frustrated with the conflict of her current state.

"I tell you what," The Healer broke the silence, "I know you like a good challenge," Amity looked at Zariyah, intrigued, her ears perked up, "What do you say that until our next session, you'd allow yourself to follow your feelings rather than what you know and then you'd tell me how that ended up?"

"So where's the challenge?" Amity arched her brow questioningly, suspicious of the Healer's intentions.

"Trust me. You'll get it once you follow your gut," Zariyah answered enigmatically, smiling mischievously.

"Titan, you're no better than Luz…" Amity paused, her eyes widened, and her face was flushed with a deep blush, "I… I mean…" The Healer sent her a knowing look.

"Uh-huh…"

"Shut up," Amity looked aside.

"I didn't say anything…" Zariyah lifted her hands defensively, smirking playfully, "You, on the other hand…"

Amity tied her brows and glared at the Healer. She did not even notice her magic seeping away in delicate waves, pulsating with her heartbeat. The golden eyes suddenly blinked rapidly, and her expression faded into a fear-filled mask of a hurt witchling.

"Titan, I'm so sorry!" Amity got to her feet and took a few steps from the Healer.

"Miss Blight, it's okay," Zariyah smiled, gesturing to the chair, "Are you often afraid of using magic?"

"Huh?" Amity's hands plopped down by her sides.

"I noticed it a few times already," The Healer said, "And I spoke to people in your closest proximity," Amity tied her brows again, "You seem to be scared of your power…"

"I'm not!" Amityʼs voice raised in pitch, and she noticed the look Zariyah sent her, "Ugh!" She groaned, "I'm not that powerful, so it's not like I'm scared…" She looked away, and her right ear twitched slightly, "It's just a strange feeling I have," She pointed at her heart.

" So she really has no idea how powerful she is… But why did Odalia make her think that?" Zariyah wondered.

"A confusing feeling inside you making you scared of yourself?" The Healer asked, and Amity nodded slightly, "It's okay. The fact that you know it's illogical is the first step in working on that," She added. The young witch found the courage to face Zariyah, "But not everything all at once, okay?"

"O-okay…" Amity agreed in defeat.

"Take it easy for now, and I'm looking forward to our next session," The Healer added, closing her notes, "I hope you'll find it in yourself to let others help you," She said, standing up, "Whatʼs wrong, Miss Blight?" She asked, noticing Amityʼs hesitant expression.

"Um…" She bit her lip, "I wanted to thank you for your help… I can only imagine I'm a pain in the ass…" Zariyah chuckled, making Amity regret her openness.

"Trust me that you're not," The Healer assured before leaving, "I'm not going to lie, youʼre the most interesting case," She added, making Amity blush, "But you're not the pain in the ass."

"Anyway… Thank you…" The young witch muttered, unaccustomed to expressing her gratitude.

"Youʼre very welcome, Miss Blight," The Healer said with a smile, "I'll see you in the next session," She added, leaving Amity alone with her thoughts.

" Fucking pathetic…" The Heiress thought with a growl, throwing her head back in frustration.

Even though Amity hated the idea, she gave it a chance. What Zariyah said resonated strongly with the young witch. Despite everything telling her - no, ordering Amity otherwise, she decided to give her gut feeling a chance.

When the young Heiress regained her composure and calm after her session, she decided to relax in the living room of Emira and Viney's living quarters. Her plan was simple. Sit and wait for either of them to return from work and talk. Let them in.

" Should be easy enough…"

But Amity was not good with boredom. It did not even take ten minutes for the witch to start losing her mind. That was when her gaze landed on Emira's bookshelf. The witch got to her feet, tugged the sleeves of her charcoal-black tunic, ensuring her scars were hidden, and approached the small library.

The books varied, from the basics of the Healing Magic to the most complicated tomes on organ replacement. The witch's ears twitched when she noticed a thick book on what seemed like human anatomy. She skipped it, and another tome caught her eye.

Amity opened the book and flipped through the pages. It was a way to kill time until she was so invested in the contents that she lost track of reality. Then, she finally landed on a subchapter about mending broken bones. She still could not get the image of a strange memory of healing some bones from her mind.

She read the instructions with passion and curiosity, not realizing how much the topic interested her until she felt some strange heat in her chest. She kept reading, absentmindedly rubbing her chest unknowingly. Before she could comprehend what was happening, a flash of an unusual vision blinded her.

"Gah!" Amity exclaimed, feeling her airways constrict.

An image of the Owl Lady and Viney flashed before her eyes. She had no idea what she was seeing, but Amity was certain everything had hurt like hell. Knowing the older witch's criminal past, it surely must have been torture or an attempt to kill her.

Whatever that was, it made her fall to her knees. Her left hand tried to get hold of something, only making some of the books fall off the shelf. A sudden jolt of pain erupted from her femur. She screamed in agony, breathing hard, trying to control her body. Then she heard an Owl Lady's amused voice.

" Raising Luz, trust me on this one…" The older witch chuckled, and Amity's breathing increased.

" What the hell? Did she kidnap me? Was it abuse? Did she hurt the human, too?" Her mind raced hundreds of miles an hour.

It was not long before Amity was lying flat on the floor. The book she was reading was long forgotten beside her. She knew what was coming next. Even if she tried, she could not brace herself for it. Suddenly, her body was tied in knots as the pain paralyzed her entire body in overwhelming waves of seizure as she lived through whatever strange scenario her mind presented her.

She could feel her skin split open, draining her blood while her bones cracked back to their rightful place. The pain was excruciating as she relieved the tortuous scenario. She hoped each second for it to leave while the images of Luz's mother flashed before her eyes.

" Luz."

After a while, that was all she could think of. She knew she told the human to leave her alone. While being left with her pain, Amity could not deny how she missed Clawthorne's comforting presence.

The memory of warm hazel-brown eyes soothed her nerves, helping her through the agony. Then, her mind roamed even further. She recalled all the bickering, taunting, and pleasant conversations with the human… With Luz.

"Luz."

That was the last thing that went through Amity's hazy mind before she lost touch with everything. Not that she was very aware of her surroundings by the time everything hit her. Despite feeling like it lasted an eternity, she was out cold pretty quickly.

Luz stirred in her bed. She could feel a pounding headache and a sore, dry throat incapacitating her. She groaned groggily and brought her aching hand to her throbbing temple, wincing in discomfort.

It took her a while, but she finally cracked her eyes open. Luz needed to blink a few times before the blurriness of her sight disappeared, and she realized she was back in her room. She let her hand down and closed her eyes again, trying to remember everything that happened.

It was great to spend more time with Gus and Willow and have a friendly game with Skara and her Team. Then, she remembered the vision she had. She snapped her eyes open and tried to sit up. The headache caught up with her immediately, making her nauseous.

"Ugh… Fuck…" Luz let out a guttural groan and could have sworn her stomach somersaulted.

"Luz?" A whisper to her right scared her, making her jump in her seat.

"Willow?" Luz asked, noticing her friend napping in her chair. The witch rubbed her eyes and put on her glasses, "What are you doing here?"

"Watching over my friend, dumbass," Willow said snarkily, pouring some water into a tall glass before adding a few drops of some potion, "Here, drink this. It'll help with the hangover," She explained, and the human accepted the medicine with gratitude.

"Whereʼs Gus?" Luz asked after downing the drink in a few large gulps.

"Back home, I believe…" Willow said enigmatically, "I left him with Eda and Skara…" She explained, and Luz sent her a questioning look, "I went to find Emira… We found Amity in their living room…"

"How's she?" Luz asked, returning the empty glass.

"You should know best… It was a strong one, wasn't it?" Willow looked away. The image of her friend in horrific pain was still imprinted in her mind, "She was unresponsive when we got there, but Emira said she would be fine…"

"Thank you…" Luz whispered, plopping back on the bed.

"Try to get some more sleep. It's still early," Willow whispered, getting up, "Iʼll let Eda know you woke up," She added and headed out.

"T-Thank you, Will… I know I have been a shitty friend in the past few months…"

"You've been the best one for over half a decade, so don't feel too bad, Luz," Willow sent her a warm smile, "We both want her back. Don't beat yourself up…" She added, and Luz nodded in understanding, "Now rest. You'll need your strength," The witch added before leaving her friend alone to sleep.

Emira sat by her sister's side since she brought her back to her studio. Viney was worried for her wife. She got her food and took over her duties but still felt it was insufficient. The green-haired Healer was relieved to see Amity stir in her sleep. The young witch tied her brows in an expression of discomfort, her ears twitched, and she let out a quiet whimper.

"Amity?" Emira whispered, being mindful of her volume.

Her sister hissed in pain, and the sensitive ears slanted in discomfort. The Healer decided to patiently wait for Amity to wake up. Minutes passed by, and the younger woman finally cracked her eyes open. She blinked rapidly and faced her sister.

"Em?" She asked hoarsely in disbelief.

" Was she… Was she sitting by my side, watching me sleep?" Amity thought with shock.

"Yeah, it's me, Sis," The Healer confirmed, "Are you okay?" She asked, and the younger sister scoffed.

"It's better… Sorry for making a mess…"

"Mittens," Emira smiled and shook her head in disbelief, "Iʼm just glad I got to you in time…" She explained, and Amity felt her face heat up with a blush of shame, "Do you want to tell me what you saw?" She asked, changing the subject for her sister's comfort.

"I donʼt know what I saw…" Amity whispered, looking away, recalling the vision, "I saw Viney and the Owl Lady… I couldnʼt move…" Her eyes watered as she continued, "They were hurting me…" Her voice broke down, and she faced her sister, who, to her displeasure, was smiling warmly.

"I understand your confusion, Amity," Emira said softly, "But Viney and Eda saved your life," She explained. Her sister's lips parted in shock, and her eyes looked at her questioningly, "They worked together just once, so I know exactly what you have remembered."

"I need to know more…" The younger witch sat up in her bed with a grunt.

"You know I can't," Emira whispered softly, "It seems your memories are slowly returning to you, so just be patient…"

"But it hurts…" Amity interrupted with a quivering voice, "Every single time," She added, taking hold of her hair, "And it just confuses me…" She looked back at her concerned sister, "It's like getting another piece of a puzzle that makes no sense without knowing how big it is!" She frustratedly exclaimed, "The Mind Healer told me to spend some time with you, let you in, and see how that ended?!"

"By unlocking another memory?" Emira tied her hands and smirked at her sister.

"Oh… Just… Shut up," Amity murmured in defeat, making her sister giggle.

"I'm glad you decided to take Zariyah's advice anyway," The older witch smiled, "I have a proposition for you…"

"Already regretting…" The golden eyes rolled up in frustration.

"There's an annual Hexside Academy Ball tomorrow…"

"Oh, hell no!" Amity exclaimed, her ears slanted immediately.

"Just hear me out," Emira smiled, lifting her hands defensively, "Zariyah suggested opening up, so just go and have fun. Let your friends…"

"I have no friends…" Amity opposed with a quiet hiss.

"And yet Skara helped you by the Library…" Emira pointed out, and her sister growled in defeat.

"Well, I have nothing to dress for the occasion!" Amity tried to find a way to avoid the commitment, "Especially nothing covering these disgusting things," She pointed to her neck and arms.

"Well, you would never believe that, but I may have bought something with you in mind," Emira drew a spell circle and summoned a long, slim, black dress with a high collar and long sleeves. Amity's jaw fell in shock.

"There's no way out of it, right?" The younger sister understood.

"Nope," Emira chuckled, and Amity plopped back on her bed with a growl.

"Fine!" The two pairs of golden eyes met.

"Remember that it's supposed to be fun," Emira's voice turned serious, "So the moment you feel uncomfortable, you call me, and I'll pick you up, okay?" Amity nodded hesitantly, glad her sister supported her despite her jesting facade.

"Thank you…" The younger woman whispered.

"Anytime, Sis," Emira replied, smiling, "Now, try to get some rest. I'll help you prepare tomorrow," She offered and was relieved to see Amity smile. Even if it was a barely visible twitch of her lips.

Eda entered Luz's room with breakfast on the food tray. The intense smell of griffin eggs filled the small room, making the human stir in her sleep. Her stomach rumbled loudly, making the witch smile as she placed the tray on her daughterʼs nightstand.

"Kid, wake up," Eda whispered, but there was no reaction. The witch sighed and smiled wickedly, "Hooty!" She called for the house demon, who appeared out of nowhere. He hovered above Luz before leaving a long, scratchy lick across her face.

"Yack! Gah!" Luz sat up in an instant, "Hooty!" She roared at the demon, who snickered at her.

"Finally," Eda whispered, making Luz face her.

"Mom! We talked about this!" The human tried to clean her face from Hooty's fluids, "Disgusting…"

"Well, you're gonna like what I have to tell you," Eda said, changing the subject and offering Luz her food. The human munched down her eggs, offering some to Hooty in forgiveness, "Emira called," The human choked on her food.

"How's she?" Luz asked with her mouth full of food.

"From what I've heard, she misses you," Eda said with a small teasing smile, "And she agreed to go to the Ball," She added with a more serious voice.

"No way…" Luz swallowed hard, not believing her ears.

"Yeah, shocked us too," The witch confirmed.

"So I might have a chance to talk to her?" Luz asked and was slightly taken aback by her mother's wholehearted laughter.

"I'm sorry, but you'll have a chance to do much more than that," Eda finally said, wiping away a tear of laughter, "Willow made a plan so chaotic and so detailed I might have to adopt her, too," That made Luz snort with amusement. Still, she did not dare to interrupt, "She promised details later, but from what I know so far, she has almost everyone on the plan. Even Bumpykins agreed to help!" She exclaimed with excitement.

"What could possibly go wrong?" Luz chuckled.

"Either nothing or everything," They shared a laugh, "But for now, we need to make you look more presentable," Luz looked down at herself, "More Blight irresistible…"

"Mom!" The human blushed fervently.

"Hey! We know she has the hots for you, memory or no memory. But this requires precision!" Luz rolled her eyes but enjoyed Eda's willingness to help.

"What do you have in mind?" She asked, but her mother did not say a word. The witch drew a spell circle and summoned a black tuxedo with a burgundy belt and ascot. Luz's jaw dropped when she noticed breeches and tall, leather boots to match, "Holy Titan…" She gasped when she realized how much it must have cost.

"I'm glad you like it," Eda said with a smile, "Danielle picked it up in the Human Realm," She added, and Luz had no idea how to reply. She looked at the garments with awe and appreciation, "I see you need a moment," The witch chuckled, "Let me know once you would like my help getting ready for tonight," She added, standing up.

"Um…" Luz murmured hesitantly, getting her mother's attention, "Thank you, Mom… For helping me through that and not telling me to give up on her…" She added, and Eda scoffed. She leaned over the human and squinted her eyes.

"You have nothing to thank me for. I had my objections because of Odalia, not Amity," Eda said seriously, "And don't you dare give up on her. I raised you better than that," She added and winked before pecking Luz's crown, making the human chuckle nervously.

Amity stood in her bathroom. She looked at her reflection in the tall mirror and winced in disgust. She eyed her scars for a millionth time since she woke up in the Clinic with no recollection of her life.

The witch wondered if these were the souvenirs of the day Viney and the Owl Lady saved her. She also considered a Concealment Stone but knew she had to deal with her self-image the hard way.

"Hey," Emira popped into the bathroom. She noticed Amity checking her undercut and long hair, "Do you want to re-dye your hair?" The older sister asked, and their eyes met.

"I'm considering it. I can't show myself in public with roots showing like this…" Amity said quietly, eyeing herself, "I guess I can't ask why I stopped dyeing it green?"

"You can ask," Emira said with a smile, "But I'm not allowed to answer," She added, giggling at her sister's irritated reaction before turning serious again, "Do you want to dye it green?" She asked, and she noticed how Amity stiffened at the question.

"I…" The younger witch stuttered, "I donʼt… I know I should…" Emira arched her eyebrow in question, "I…" She shook her head suddenly, "I…" She straightened herself and stepped back.

"Amity?" Emira stepped closer.

"I donʼt want to…" The lavender head shook more frantically, and the golden eyes roamed the room, "N-no…" Amity's breathing quickened.

"Amity, take it easy," Emira embraced her sister, guiding her to sit on the small stool, "Breathe…" She whispered, but Amity's head shot up, and her eyes filled with a purple glow, "Viney!" Emira called out when she realized what was happening.

The two Healers placed Amity flat on the towel on the bathroom floor as the hurt woman could not calm her breathing. A strange vision flashed before the Heiress's eyes. She saw herself following Emira into her and Viney's bedroom when suddenly she was paralyzed with fear, throwing a fireball at the mirror, scared of the green-haired reflection for her life.

Amity did not understand why. In her vision, she was so frightened of seeing herself with the same hair color as her mother. It did not matter. She realized that in that vision, her sister was there for her, helping and supporting her. Just like she was doing since Amity woke up after the accident.

"Breathe, Mittens. You're safe," Emira tried to sound reassuringly, but her quivering voice did not help.

"It's okay, Em. She's strong," Viney hoped to support her wife. Seeing Emira so worried was genuinely heartbreaking.

The young witch clenched her eyes, knowing what was coming next. She braced herself, but the seizures never came. She just felt an overwhelming pain in her chest. Amity snapped her eyes open confusedly and stared deeply into her sister's eyes, searching for comfort, waiting for the pain to pass, grabbing the Healer's forearm, afraid to be left alone.

"It's okay. You've got it," Emira cooed, caressing the lavender hair and supporting her sister, returning the hold.

She exchanged a quick look with Viney when they realized this was different than the previous times when Amity unblocked a memory. The younger witch trembled but was not seizing. She was responsive but not aggressive. The Heiress searched for support, and she received it.

"I'm gonna leave you two alone," Viney whispered when she noticed Amity calming down, looking at Emira knowingly.

"Thank you," Her wife whispered, and the brunette hurried toward a Crow Phone to quickly check in at the Owl House.

"Amity?" Emira tried to reach her sister, "Can you hear me?" She asked, watching Amity's eyes roam the room.

"P-p-purple…"

"Huh?" The Healer was confused out of her mind.

"I'm gonna dye… My hair… Purple…" Amity explained between heavy gasps.

"Oh…" Emira understood that their conversation must have triggered something, "Do you want to tell me what you remembered?" She asked, slowly and carefully helping her sister sit on the floor.

"Mmm…" Amity nodded, still too shaken up to speak.

"Take it easy. We have all the time in the world," Emira whispered, pulling her sister into a comforting embrace and helping the younger woman calm down.

They sat on the bathroom floor until Amity regained her composure. Then, the young witch started to talk. She told her sister everything she saw. Emira did not tell her what she recalled from that day, noting this memory was not about Odalia. She just listened carefully and offered all the support she could give.

Viney nervously pushed in the number and waited for the Crow Phone to connect. After what seemed like an eternity, she heard the sound of a connection being received.

"Hello, this is the Owl House. Hooty's hooting!" Viney rolled her eyes before regaining her ability to talk.

"Hooty, it's Viney!" She tried not to yell at the house demon.

"Oh, hi, Viney! I've been waiting to talk to someone for hours and hours…"

"No time, Hooty!" Viney interrupted, "Amity had another attack. Go check in on Luz! Now!" She ordered.

"Ma'am!" The demon replied in understanding and disconnected the call immediately.

When Hooty got to Luz's room, the human was already on the floor on all fours, breathing heavily and feeling discomfort. King was standing beside her, caressing her back soothingly. Unable to find Eda, the house demon alerted Danielle, guiding the older human to the room on the first floor.

"Luz!" The doctor exclaimed when she noticed her ward kneeling in pain, gasping hard, "Can you talk to me?"

"Uh-huh…" Luz murmured, nodding fervently. A little saliva dropped from her lips to the floor in the process.

"Is it bad?" The older woman asked, worried about the younger one.

"N-no…" Luz gasped, swallowing hard, "It's… Okay…" She rolled to her back and started breathing heavily, forcing herself to calm down. King stood beside Danielle, and they shared a worried look, "It was a small one," She added, slowly mollifying.

"Luz…" Danielle tried to argue.

"Don't look so morbid," Luz cleared her throat and sighed in contentment, "She remembered why she stopped dyeing her hair green," She explained, sending Danielle and King a fanged smile.

"Luz!" King suddenly exclaimed, shocking his sister, "Listen, it was one thing taking a beating for her, another to share her curse…"

"King… I won't abandon her, so don't even start," Luz said, and King frowned at her angrily.

"Youʼre unbearable!" He exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.

"I know I am," Luz chuckled, rubbing her chest, "I just can't help it," She added with a smile.

"Well, I'm not helping you if you're about to get hurt," He said furiously.

"But Kiiiiing! You're the style genius!" Luz tried to get on King's good side.

"Fiiiiine!" He growled, "But you better bring me some scones from that fancy Ball!"

"Deal!" Luz agreed with a smile, and Danielle helped her ward up.

"Do you need some help with that mess?" The older woman asked, looking at the unruly, curly hair.

"Do your worst, Dani," Luz said confidently, looking at her with a smile, "We have time," She added.

They did not know that Eda and Hooty observed the scene from the safety of the dark corridor. They smiled affectionately, watching their favorite young human surrounded by people important to her, bickering, laughing, and supporting her. It was a domestic and heartwarming sight the older Clawthorne was determined to keep.

The Annual Hexside Academy Ball took place in the Bonesborough Library. It was refurbished specially for the occasion. The tall bookshelves were moved to the side, making the main hall a spacious dance floor. The buffet was on the side, along the wall, driving Gary, the Librarian, crazy at the view of so many people breaking the no-eating rule.

While the Ball was dedicated to all students of the Hexside Academy, giving them a chance to enjoy themselves before the beginning of the Academic Year, many Coven Witches, Scouts, and journalists were also invited. The former hoped to find young talent, while the latter always searched for a dramatic story or an interview.

Luz worried when she noticed the journalists, knowing Amity must have been the talk of the town since Odalia's death was officially announced to the media. Willow and Skara tried to calm the human down, reminding her that the Blight Heiress would be kept safe.

"Hey," Willow called her best friend, and Luz faced her. The short witch wore a mustard-colored long dress that smoothed her shapes, highlighting her bosom. The green eyes were brought out by delicate makeup, and her short, spiky, usually messy hair was combed to the side.

"Sheʼs here," Hunter, dressed in a gold-like suit with brownish accents and a white dress shirt, came to stand beside his girlfriend and tilted his head, pointing to the other side of the hall.

Luz followed his guidance, and she felt her face heat up. Amity stood by a tall support pillar. She conversed with an Abomination Track professor. The Heiress wore a long, black dress. Its long sleeves and high collar obscured her scars, elongating her body and giving her almost a divine, eerie look. The enchanting paleness of her complexion was complimented by freshly dyed lavender hair and a neatly trimmed auburn-colored undercut.

"Thank you, Professor. I'm looking forward to that…" Amity replied politely, ending the small pleasantries with a well-trained smile.

Suddenly, she felt uncomfortable under an intense gaze. The witch looked around and noticed a slim figure on the other side of the hall. The tan skin contrasted the snow-white dress shirt, tied by a burgundy belt, matching the ascot and a shining Concealment Stone attached to it.

The polished, high boots made the already long legs look even longer. Amity gulped when her eyes traveled up to the hair combed back elegantly and then down to the eyes where her golden gaze met the hazel-brown orbs.

When their eyes met, Luz noticed Amity's face lit up, and her ears slanted in embarrassment, twitching nervously. Neither blinked nor breathed, eyeing each other in awe and longing. Both were clearly nervous and, at the same time, excited to see each other after days spent apart.

Luz felt a push on her back, and she was encouraged to take a step forward. Amity unnoted Skara, who bumped into her, triggering her to move, too, meeting the human halfway across the main hall.

They stopped a few feet away from each other. Thanks to the delicate heels Amity wore, Luz was not towering over the witch whose shining, golden eyes roamed the tan face. The tension was palpable.

" Let's get this show started…" Luz thought, smiling mischievously, putting on a mask of overconfidence.

She bowed elegantly and took Amity's delicate, pale hand. The witch's black nail polish contrasted her complexion. Luz raised the smaller hand, and while her eyes never left the enchanting golden orbs, she let her full, warm lips touch the knuckles affectionately.

"Good evening, Miss Blight," Luz said in the softest, warmest, and most sensual voice she could muster, glad the witch did not pull away.

She smirked when she noticed Amity's blush deepen, and her ears again twitched nervously. Luz sent the witch a fanged, cocky smirk when she realized the heat of arousal rushed through the pale body. The witch cleared her throat, instantly recomposing herself before she curtseyed the human.

"Miss Clawthorne," Amity greeted her in an official tone, "What are you doing here?" Her tone was laced with superiority despite honest curiosity.

"What do you mean?" Luz asked innocently, straightening herself up, "It's the Annual Hexside Academy Ball," She pointed out the obvious.

"Exactly…" The witch tied her brows, and Luz began suspecting what this was about.

"You do know that I'm an Academy student, right?" Luz asked and smiled, noticing Amity's confusion, "I told you about that…"

"You said you attended Hexside…" The witch realized her error.

"Oh…" Luz chuckled, "You thought about High School…" Amity nodded in confirmation, "Sorry for the confusion. But I'm not trespassing if that's what you're worried about," She said, smirking, lifting her hands defensively in a joking gesture, "You might get a chance to steal a dance later," She added teasing, dropping her hands and wiggling her scarred brow, flustering Amity again.

"I would never…" The witch started, but Luz's expression made her realize the human was merely teasing, "Titan, I already forgot how exasperating you can be," She added, her expression softening.

"Oh? Do I hear that right?" Luz leaned closer, "You missed me, Miss Blight?" She asked, and Amity's blush returned with full force.

"I did not!" She exclaimed a little too loud. Her right ear twitched slightly, making Luz chuckle victoriously.

"Very well then. Don't make me spoil your fun," The human said, slightly moving away.

"Enjoy your evening, Miss Clawthorne," Amity replied in courtesy.

"Oh, one last thing," Luz said, partially facing away. The witch looked into her eyes with curiosity, "In case no one dares to tell you this to your face tonight," Amity paled down, afraid of what she might hear, confused by the smile that returned to the full lips, "You look magnificent, Miss Blight," She said sultrily, making the witch blush again.

"Um…" Amity tucked her hair behind her right ear shyly, still flustered, looking away, "T-thank you…" She cleared her throat and looked back at the human, "You don't look half bad yourself… Human," She added. The witch quickly turned to walk away, unable to look Luz in the eye.

Clawthorne watched the lavender hair bounce as the Heiress walked away. Her entire body was still stiff from nerves. The human kept smirking, reveling in the feelings shared with the Heiress. The embarrassment, confusion, and most importantly, the longing and not understood lust.

"So, how did it go?" Willow approached immobile Luz, handing her a soft drink.

"Eda was right…" Luz smirked, looking down at her friend, "She still has the hots for me…"

"Good," Willow chuckled before she craned her neck to face another person, "Skara, you're on," She said, and the Bard witch nodded in understanding.

"So far, so good…" Luz murmured, taking a sip of her Ghoul Aid.

The Library was slowly filling up, and the official part was soon to begin. Amity knew what that meant. She could feel her nerves getting the better of her. She hated these events. Now more than ever. Since she became the official Heiress of her parents' fortune, she could feel the journalists eyeing her like their prey.

"Hey, Amity," The witch stiffened, hearing her name. She turned around and noticed Skara smiling supportively at her. The witch wore a black suit with gray accents, matching her hair perfectly, "I remember you hated those events back in high school, so I brought you something to ease your nerves," The dark-skinned witch offered a glass filled with a crimson liquid.

"Apple Blood?" Amity asked confusedly.

"Yes," Skara confirmed with a smile.

"Hard?"

"Yes."

"Long maturing?" Skara nodded with a hum of confirmation, "From the Shin?"

"Yes, Amity," Skara chuckled warmly, still holding the glass.

"Oh…" The Heiress accepted the drink, confused about the situation, "Thank you…" She took a sip and closed her eyes. Her ears fluttered, and she barely contained a small moan of satisfaction, "How did you know?" She asked after taking another gulp, the warmth spreading through her body, alcohol calming her nerves.

"You may not remember this, but we spent some time together at St. Epiderm…" Skara said with a warm smile.

" You learned to Heal after beating the shit out of me…" The Bard thought bitterly, but she knew Amity was not entirely responsible for her outbursts.

"I know what you like and how much you hate public functions," Skara added and was relieved to finally see Amity smile. Even if it was a mere twitch of the pink lips.

"Thank you… You're a lifesaver," The lavender-haired woman said, taking another sip. Skara smiled, watching the other witch relax.

"If you need more, it's right there," She pointed toward one of the bars and noticed how Amity's ears slanted when she noticed Luz talking to Willow and a blonde witch she did not recognize, "I heard you've met Luz…"

"I wasn't staring!" Amity blubbered nervously when she realized how she acted, "I-I mean…" She cleared her throat, and Skara snorted at the woman's flustered expression, "She… I mean…"

"Yeah, Luz has this strange energy. You either love or hate her… Nothing in between," Skara giggled when Amity sent her a furious gaze.

"Thatʼs definitely hate," The Heiress murmured, taking another sip. She bit her lip, looking down into her glass, watching the thick, red liquid.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah…" Amity whispered, "I just remembered that humans can't drink Apple Blood…" She looked back up at Luz and her cheerful expression, how her whole face shone with everlasting optimism, making the witch's expression soften.

"I heard about that…" Skara said with a saddened tone.

"Before that…" Amity faced the other witch, gathering courage to show vulnerability, "Thank you, Skara… For trying to help me…" She bit her lip hesitantly, "I donʼt know who I was before, but I guess I must have done something right to deserve your support," She added, making the Bard witch smile widely.

"Don't mention it," Skara leaned delicately on the pale woman, testing waters. She was glad that Amity did not push her away, "Now come on. The official part is about to begin," She added, and Blight emptied her glass with a swift swig.

When Willow told Luz she even got Bump into her plan, she did not expect the Dean to get the Coven Head Clawthorne to cooperate. The human almost choked when she noticed her aunt appear on the provisional stage set up in the deepest part of the hall. The white robes fluttered when the bright, blue flash got everyone's attention.

"Beloved citizens! Students, teachers, and guests!" Lilith welcomed everybody solemnly, her green eyes roaming the hall until they landed on Amity.

"Oh, boy," Luz followed her aunt's gaze and gulped nervously when she noticed Amity's glare. While the lavender-haired witch tried to remain calm, the human saw the Heiress's increased breathing.

" I wonder why she despises Lilith…" Luz wondered before refocusing on her aunt.

"As many of you know, a lot has changed in the past year," The Coven Head continued, looking away from Amity, "That is why this year we proudly celebrate the best and the brightest of the Hexside Academy, looking into the future with hope," She added with a proud, fanged smile.

"Willow," Luz whispered, getting her friend's attention, "What did you do?" She asked, and the said witch shook her head.

"I have no idea, Luz. That's off the script," She explained. Luz felt anxious under her aunt's mischievous gaze.

"With that, this year's opening dance will be performed by the best students of the Academy," Bump explained, taking a step forward, "Based on the final exam results, I will list the best students of each Track," He explained, and a slight murmur filled the Library.

"You may pick your partners as you please, except for the Valedictorian and the Salutatorian," Lilith explained, "These two deserve the highest praise, and, as an Empire Coven Head, I am looking forward to seeing where their future would take them," She added with a smile.

"Let's get started then," Bump said with a smile, "Please clear the center of the hall while I list the names of our eight best students," He informed, and whispers arose again.

"Did he say eight?" Hunter echoed, raising his brow in question.

"Oh, no…" Luz gulped and faced her friends, "I know what Lilith has planned," She added, paling down, wracked with nerves.

Willow had no time to ask what her friend had in mind when she heard her name being called out as the best student of the Plant Track. A round of applause celebrated her as she walked closer to the center of the hall. Celine represented the Oracle Track and her boyfriend, the Construction.

Other names were called out. Skara was shocked to learn she had the honor to represent the Bard Track and nodded at Willow to ask her for this dance. Finally, only the three Tracks remained.

"Now, give a round of applause for our Valedictorian, Abomination Track prodigy, the best of the best, Miss Amity Blight," Bump said with a smile, and sincere pride dripped from his voice.

Amity stepped forward. She hesitated momentarily, but when she felt multiple gazes on her back, realizing Coven Heads and journalists were judging her, she found the strength to follow through.

She stopped by Skara's side and anxiously watched the empty spot before her. The Heiress was confused. She knew there were nine tracks, so how did they divide them into four dancing pairs?

"Now give a warm welcome to Hexside Academy's Salutatorian, the best student of the Beast Keeping and Potion Tracks," Bump cheered.

Amity could hear people cheering loudly. She thought she would be forced to touch some popular nitwit. However, she realized there were also some noises of disapproval. Was it because someone studied multiple tracks? She heard it was a thing now, so she would be interested in talking to this person about their experiences.

"Oh, no…" Amity whispered. Her expression faded when she noticed who took the spot before her. The smug smile warmed her body up in a very unpredictable way.

"So I guess you can have this dance after all, Miss Blight," Luz said in a low voice, noting how she affected the witch who did her best to keep up the Blight facade in front of the other students and journalists.

"Let the Ball begin!" Lilith exclaimed and hit the scene with her staff, making herself and Bump disappear. The Band reappeared, and the lights dimmed everywhere, focusing on the main dance floor.

Luz stepped forward, extending her hand. She patiently waited for Amity to reciprocate, not forcing her into anything. When she felt the witch's cool hand on her own, she took another step and pulled the witch closer, placing her other hand on the slim waist.

Amityʼs ears twitched, and she needed to take a deep, calming breath to control her blush before placing her free hand on Luz's shoulder. Thanks to her heels, they were the same height, allowing their eyes to remain locked, trying to read each other. The band started to play a song, and to the Heiress's surprise, the human smiled warmly.

" Very clever, Willow," Luz thought when she heard the familiar, tango-like melody that she and Amity used to dance to in the Human Realm.

"May I have this dance, Miss Blight?" Luz asked huskily, smiling at the nervous witch.

"Not that I have a choice…" Amity tried to sound harsh, but the human recognized fear.

"Are you nervous?" Luz's expression faded a little.

"I donʼt know this dance," Amity explained, diverting the human's gaze.

"It's okay," Luz cooed softly, "Let me guide you," She added and sent another smile at the witch.

Amity could not understand how or why, but she immediately calmed down, trusting the human holding her close. She did not even realize it when Luz stepped backward, pulling her in and helping her follow each movement. What shocked the witch further was that it was not long before she instinctively knew how to perform this strange dance.

Other couples followed the steps they knew from the Boiling Isles style of one-step dance, creating an exciting contrast between the three couples and Luz with Amity. Everyone noticed that, and it was not long before the Library was filled with bright flashing lights as the journalists began their photoshoots.

" Oh, no…" Luz thought when she noticed Amity's nervous expression returning to her face.

She immediately grabbed the witch's hand and turned to lead her away in the promenade before turning her in place, shocked that Amity unknowingly mirrored the human's pasada, facing her partner.

They connected in a delicate leg wrap, leaning away briefly before connecting again in a graceful embrace. Amity left a sensual touch on the tan face before Luz lifted the witch in a semi-pirouette, letting her down delicately.

They stood beside each other as if they were connected by the right hip. Amity stepped forward as if she was pushing Luz away. Their eyes were connected, filled with so many extreme emotions.

Anxiety, confusion, longing, desire, and lust created the most magical elixir. This was the happiest they were in a long time, embracing each other as if the world outside their hold did not exist.

Flash!

A rogue journalist sneaked behind the couple to get the best photo, blinding and startling the Heiress, making her realize they were not alone. Far from that, actually. Luz noticed how the witch's confident dance moves faltered. The golden eyes started roaming the people surrounding them as the panic emerged.

"Amity," Luz pulled the witch in, locking them in a tight embrace, allowing the human to whisper into the pointy ear, making it twitch, "It's okay. You're safe," She added soothingly, making the witch pull away, looking at the human questioningly, "Remember, I know the bright light can hurt you…" She explained, and Amity's ears slanted in embarrassment.

"S-sorry…" The witch said sheepishly.

Luz smiled warmly, turning them around and guiding her partner away from the photographer before lowering the witch's upper body almost all the way toward the floor, only to pull her up in a loving embrace.

"Don't apologize," Luz whispered, letting her warm breath linger on Amity's ear again, realizing how that affected the slender woman in her hold, "Miss Blight…" She added, letting the witch know she still respected her decision about the isolation, "Once the dance is over, I promise to keep my distance…" She added and watched emotions rush through the woman's face.

"Is that what you want?" Amity asked, and Luz could have sworn she had heard disappointment.

"I donʼt…" The human immediately responded, "But I respect your decision. I understand you don't want to be associated with a human…" She added. She was shocked to see Amity smirk.

"How about associating with a Salutatorian?" The witch sent her a mischievous smile, the widest since she left the Clinic.

"Oh?" Luz returned the expression, and their dance progressed. Their poses became more comfortable, and their caresses became more sensual, "Did I impress you, Miss Blight?" She asked teasingly and turned the witch around, letting her hands slide down to the curve of the waist, sending sparks of heat everywhere she touched the pale body.

"Let's just say," Amity craned her neck, and their eyes met, lips barely inches away, "You proved me wrong," She said with a smirk before Luz turned the woman around. They did not notice how no one else danced anymore, watching their passion with awe.

"Then what do you want… Amity?" The human asked, pulling the witch in, the long, pale leg resting on Luz's hip through the hidden side cut in the dress, their bodies flushed together, eyes boring into one another, pointy ears slanted in submission, and safety of the warm embrace.

" No, no, no… What the hell is wrong with me!?" Amity panicked when she realized their compromising state. Luz immediately noticed the change in her behavior as the Bond helped her feel those emotions, " Youʼre a Blight for Titan's sake!" She pulled away. Her mischievous, longing expression faded, " It doesn't matter what I want…" Her face hardened again, and she looked at Luz with cold superiority.

"Stay away from me, human," She said the moment the music stopped playing, letting everyone hear her words, confusing them, and breaking Clawthorne's heart.

"Thank you for the dance…" Luz replied with a slight bow, "Miss Blight," She added, and Amity left the dance floor, disappearing in the crowd.

Luz watched her fiancée leave, and she felt the pit of sadness as if a giant hole appeared in her chest. She did not know if those were her emotions or Amity's and did not care. She was devastated.

The Band started playing cheerful disco music, and everybody joined the dance floor. The human did not notice someone pulling her arm, guiding her to the side of the hall, and helping her find a place to calm down.

"Luz? Can you hear me?"

"Huh?" Luz blinked rapidly and looked up, "Lilith?" She looked around and realized she was away from the main crowd.

"Yeah, you zoned out for a bit. What happened?" The older Clawthorne asked worriedly, "The plan seemed to work…"

"It did…" Luz interrupted and looked away, "Until she panicked…"

"Did you say something to her?"

"I…" Luz looked back at her aunt with sad eyes, "I asked her what she wanted?" Her breathing hitched, "And then everything went to hell…"

"Oh…" Lilith's expression faded, and she looked to the side, "The pressure must have gotten the better of her…" She added in understanding.

"Yeah, why are there so many journalists here?" The human felt anger rising in her body.

"They have been stalking Amity for a while," A sudden voice startled Luz, "I noticed that a while ago… When I was stalking her," Hunter approached the two women.

"You stalked my fiancée?!" Luz hissed with irritation.

"I ordered him to keep her safe, Luz," Lilith explained, "There are too many people who would like to hurt her, blaming her for closing the Industries…"

"Leaving them jobless and frustrated," Hunter added, and Luz could not argue.

"She understands that, doesn't she?" The human asked, "That's why she's letting this Heiress bullshit go into her head like this?" The witches nodded, sadness filling their faces, "Well then, there's just one thing to do," Luz's expression suddenly lightened.

"What are you planning?" Hunter asked with hesitation.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Lilith accompanied.

"I will just be there for her… That's all, geez!" Luz said teasingly.

The witches shared a look, knowing all too well that the human would be in trouble before the night would end. She always did mean well but ended up in a mess when trying to help the young Blight.

Amity stormed off the dance floor and hurried toward the darkened part of the Library. The comforting smell of books brought her a sense of calm and balance. She closed her eyes, and the dance with Luz flashed before her eyes.

In the safety of the darkness, she could not deny how much she enjoyed that dance. She felt safe and warm around the human. Her sparkling eyes, full lips, warm hands. Amity's eyes snapped open when she realized what she was thinking. She looked down and noticed her hands on her abdomen.

" Titan, this is preposterous!" She thought, angry with herself for feeling arousal at the thought of the way Luz touched her.

She could not recall if she ever had such thoughts toward anyone. She searched her memories, and there was nothing. Amity tied her brows in confusion. She could not understand why dancing with the human seemed so easy and natural.

" Have my intimate moments been taken away from me, too?" She wondered and realized that her theorizing helped her recompose herself, " Or am I that repulsive that in over twenty years of my life, there was no one who would want me?" Amity wondered, not realizing she walked toward the Healing Track section of the Library and started browsing the tomes, looking for information about the Mind Gaps.

"Amity?" A sudden voice startled the witch. She looked up and noticed a short witch in a mustard-yellow dress.

"What are you doing here? Willow?" The Heiress asked venomously, frown overtaking her features.

"I was just looking for my boyfriend when I noticed you. I got worried…"

"That's rich coming from you!" Amity scoffed angrily, "Since when are you worried about me? Huh, Park?" She asked, returning the book to the shelf with a thud.

"What do you mean?" Willow's voice trembled in fear. Amity chuckled grimly in disbelief.

"Seriously?!" Blight asked, raising her voice in anger, "You want to do that now?"

"Amity…" Willow said softly, taking a hesitant step forward, "What do you remember about me?" She asked, and the way she spoke made Amity reconsider her behavior.

" What do I remember?"

"I…" The Heiress hesitated, "I remember you breaking up our friendship. I asked my mother to enroll me in St. Epiderm because I didn't want to study with you at Hexside…" She said, feeling her confidence slipping away when she noticed Willow's heartbroken gaze.

"Oh…" The short witch looked away.

"You called me half-a-witch, and now I'm a Valedictorian," Amity hissed, towering over the other witch with superiority, "How does that feel?" She asked venomously and noticed Willow's grief-stricken gaze looking back at her.

"It feels terrible to see how your memories were twisted," The shorter witch whispered, trying to control her tone, "Iʼm sorry, Amity… I'm sorry that whatever happened to you made you feel so alone and abandoned," She added, turning around to leave.

"What do you mean?" Amity asked, feeling the other witch was being truthful.

"I cannot tell you anything, and you know that," Willow whispered, trying to control her quivering voice. She turned toward Amity and looked at her with tear-filled eyes, "But if that's what you remember, I apologize for the Willow from your memories. Such a bitch…" She added and left Amity in the dark.

"Oy, watch where you're going!" A familiar voice made it to Blight's ears.

"Oh, fuck off, Boscha!" Willow hissed and disappeared.

Amity watched the pink-haired triclops enter the semi-dark Library corridor. She looked at the Heiress with a strange glint in her eyes and a smirk on her thin lips. It took the lavender-haired woman a moment to notice she was dressed in a dark pink suit with a black bowtie.

"Why so aggressive? I'm here to help," The triclops said with a taunting undertone, "You got rid of that human nicely," She took another step closer and reveled in the way Amity's ears twitched nervously, "So humiliating. Everyone heard you…"

"Why are you here?" The Heiress witch whispered through clenched teeth.

"As I said, I'm here to help…" Boscha smiled widely. Amity did not like the energy around her, "Come on, we've been friends for years…" The other woman scoffed at her.

"Friends? You didn't even visit me at the Clinic. I was left alone…" Amity growled, feeling the frustration rising in her system.

"I'm sure you weren't alone…" Boscha tried to oppose, but the other witch lost her patience.

She left the triclops alone in the dark, returning to the main event. She did not want the pink-haired woman to confuse her even more. The way Boscha spoke about Luz woke up some unfamiliar protective instincts in her. Amity shook her head, clearing her mind of the human, recomposing herself before returning to the main hall.

Luz tried to enjoy the Ball, but it seemed impossible. She waited for it, hoping to have the time of her life with Amity by her side. They often joked they would be the power couple of Hexside. Yet, there she was, drinking Ghoul Aid, watching others dance, eat, and drink while her fiancee told her off in front of the entire Academy.

"Come on, Luz. The night's still young!" Willow tried to cheer her best friend up, but it seemed useless.

"Listen, I can't imagine how devastating your situation is, but you'll get her back," Hunter tried to talk some sense into her.

"Dude, she basically told me to fuck off…" Luz growled and noticed how the couple shared a look.

"Firstly, Skara is working on softening her defenses," Willow stated, pointing to the bar where Amity seemed more comfortable, talking to the Bard witch. A small ping was heard, and Willow summoned her Scroll, "It seems you are the main concern of THE Heiress," She smirked, showing the human the message she had just received.

"And don't forget about this," Hunted showed his Penstagram account. Luz noticed a picture of herself, and Amity embraced in the passionate dance, "Boiling News got some nice pictures," He added and let Luz scroll down.

"Thank Titan that Emira thought about confiscating Amity's Scroll…" Willow added, hovering over her friend, watching the screen above her arm.

Clawthorne browsed the pictures until her eyes landed on the last pose. Amity's long leg was hooked around the human's hip, who held the pale thigh in a passionate embrace. How they looked at each other was almost inappropriate in a public event.

"So you see," Hunter smirked teasingly, "She told you to fuck off because she wanted to…"

"Hunter!" Luz squeaked, and Willow laughed at her flustered expression.

"Oh, I'm sorry," The short witch chuckled, and her best friend sent her an outraged look, "But he is right, and you know it…" She added, and Luz could not deny that their logic was strong. The human decided against telling her friends what Amity felt during their dance.

"Fine…" Clawthorne agreed, "Let's grab something to eat," She added, and the couple smiled warmly at her.

"Finally, I'm starving!" Hunter exclaimed, and Willow chuckled.

They approached one of the buffets and picked up some of their favorites. Luz was surprised to find some delicate dishes appropriate for her stomach. She stuffed her face with mini not-dogs and washed it with another glass of Ghoul Aid. Her friends laughed at her antics when she suddenly paled down, and her expression faded.

"Luz?" Willow asked, but Clawthorne moved away from the buffet, closer to the wall, trying to hold onto something.

"Something's wrong with her," She heard Hunter, but she could not reply, "Was it something in the food?" He asked his girlfriend, who seemed just as panicked at the sudden change in Clawthorne's behavior.

"Am-..." Luz tried to speak up. Her hands started to shake, and the blonde man retrieved her drink, "Amity…" She gasped, grabbing her chest.

"What is it? Is it another memory?" Willow asked, but her friend managed to shake her head in negation.

"She's panicking… Something's wrong…" Luz managed to speak, taking a deep breath and regaining control over her body before clearing her throat, "Titan, that's uncomfortable," She added, massaging her chest.

Willow caressed Luz's back, helping her calm down and push the discomfort to the back of her head when another person approached them. The human looked up, and blood left her face when she noticed Skara's worried expression.

"Don't even tell me…" Luz whispered in fear.

"I'm sorry, Luz," Skara whispered, "I lost her…"

The human straightened her posture and looked at the Bard witch, who gulped nervously. Luz cleared her throat and took another deep, calming breath. Skara's ears drooped in fear, ashamed that she had failed.

"Tell me what happened, Skara," Clawthorne spoke softly, helping the witch relax, "I know Amity is not easy to handle right now, so don't be too hard on yourself," She offered a smile, "But we need to hurry because whatever is happening to her, she panicking and we all know that it's unsafe for everyone around," She added, and they all nodded in agreement.

So Skara told her everything.

The dark-skinned, cheerful Bard witch noticed Amity returning to the party. She waved at the Heiress and realized she looked around before coming over. It looked like she was ensuring it was safe.

"Hey, Amity!" Skara greeted the other witch, who offered her her favorite drink, "Is everything okay? You seem a little out of place," She asked worriedly, watching Blight down the Apple Blood.

"Yes…" Amity replied too quickly. She bit her lower lip and then looked at the other witch, "No…" She admitted.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" She asked, offering a refill, which Amity accepted gratefully.

The pale witch told her about her confusion. She knew she could not ask for details of her past, but she knew something was wrong. Amity shared how she felt when Willow looked at her, making her consider that her memories may be blocked and additionally altered in some strange way.

Skara listened patiently, offering another drink, nodding, and not interrupting. She was glad that Amity seemed to strangely trust her. Whatever happened to the Heiress, she appeared to take a leap of faith and open up to people.

"I'm sorry. I'm bothering you with my problems…" The lavender-haired witch groaned after a while.

"No, you don't, Amity," Skara replied with a smile, "I'm glad we can talk like this again," She added warmly.

"Again?" Blight echoed dumbfoundedly.

"Well, yeah…"

"We were friends?" Amity could not believe what she heard, "I had friends?" She choked.

"Why, of course, you had friends, Amity," Skara smiled at the pale witch, "We weren't supposed to come near you to not overwhelm you…" Her expression faded, "Then we were told you didn't remember any of us…"

"I'm so sorry!" Amity exclaimed in a whisper, "I would like to remember… I seemed like a nice person…" She added, making Skara giggle at her antics, "Wow, how many of those did I have?" She wobbled a little and shook her head.

"Um, not many if you have eaten something today…" Skara helped Amity regain her posture.

" Titan, that's bad… She can't get drunk during the public event…" The Bard witch started to panic. She watched Amity carefully, taking away her glass. She hoped this was but a momentary weakness, " Luz is going to kill me if anything happens to her!" She thought, focused on the drunk witch so much she did not notice someone approaching them.

"Trouble in paradise?" A taunting voice dragged Skara from her thoughts of her upcoming demise.

"What do you want, Boscha?" She growled, too focused on Amity to even look at the triclops.

"I'm here to merely help," The pink-haired witch said with a smile. She took another step closer, "Come on, Amity. I'll help you," She addressed the confused witch who unknowingly grabbed the triclops as if her life depended on it.

"No, don't!" Skara tried to oppose, but Boscha was already guiding Amity away, deeper into the Library, "Stop!" She tried again, but before she knew it, they were gone.

" At least they are away from the journalists…" Skara thought before she realized that Amity was taken away by the woman who kidnapped her fiancée, " Shit! Luz is going to kill me!" She realized her mistake, turned around, and her eyes roamed the Library Hall with panic.

She spotted Luz not too far from the main buffet. She seemed to be cowering in pain. That let Skara know that something was indeed wrong. The witch started considering it may not have been the Apple Blood alone responsible for the Heiress's current predicament. Nonetheless, she needed to act. Now!

Amityʼs head was spinning. Suddenly, she felt sick in her stomach, and her entire body was weak. She knew it was not alcohol. It could not be. She did not eat much that day but was not on an empty stomach. She felt a tight embrace, holding her tightly, securing her posture.

"L-L-Luz?" The Heiress mumbled, trying to focus her gaze.

" Titan, what's wrong with me!?" Amity shook her head.

"L-Luz?" She whispered again, trying to regain control over her body, "Luz, s-stop…" She pleaded, and suddenly, she was forcefully pushed against the wall, making her cough at the impact.

"Shut up about that pathetic human!" She heard the angry yell inches from her face, smelling sour breath.

Amity blinked and recognized the pink hair and three blue eyes. Her golden eyes rolled up before forcing herself to focus again. She could not comprehend what was happening. What did the triclops have in mind?

"You were supposed to forget about her!" Boscha roared, snarling, showing off her fangs, "She promised…"

"Get off!" Amity hissed, trying to push the triclops away, but her hands seemed limp. She tried to ignite her hands to fight back, but a painful hold on her face distracted her.

"Why? Because I'm not that disgusting animal?" Boscha growled, squeezing the pale chin, "Don't worry, Blight…" Her tone suddenly changed. She leaned closer to the Heiress's face, hovering close to her ear, "In a few more minutes, you'll be throwing yourself at me, begging me to take you…"

"HEY!" A sudden yell echoed through the darkened corridor. A few more sets of footsteps were heard, and Boscha let go of Amity's chin, and they both faced the newcomers, "Get away from her, you bitch!" Luz roared, barely holding on to the remains of her self-control.

"L-Luz…" Amity gasped. Her lips cracked with a small smile. It faded when her eyes rolled up again.

"Ugh… You…" Boscha let go of the pale witch, letting her slide to the floor like a lifeless puppet who heaved heavily, "Didn't she tell you to get away from her?" She hissed, taking an offensive pose.

"You slipped something into her drink!" Skara pointed an accusatory finger at her former friend.

"Well, you made it too easy," Boscha admitted.

"You did what?!" Luz roared, and her eyes traveled to Amity's figure slumped on the floor. The witch's breathing was raspy, and her eyes kept rolling up in a futile attempt to refocus, "You poisoned…" Luz could not control her anger. The gold energy filled the corridor, blinding everyone.

"Luz!" Willow placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, grounding her, "Calm down…" She growled, glaring at Boscha, "That bitch is going down!" She added, and multiple vines appeared in the corridor, flying toward the triclops and pinning her down.

Skara followed Park's example and helped contain the pink-haired woman. Hunter followed Luz, who immediately ran toward the poisoned witch. The human looked at Amity with worry. The witch was too weak to move. Her breathing was strained, and her forehead was sweating bullets.

"Shit, she seems to be running a fever," Luz whispered, analyzing her fiancée's behavior.

"L-Luz?" The pale witch slurred, her speech was impaired, "L-Luz? Is that y-y-you?" Her head lolled to the side, and the human immediately jumped toward her, holding her head securely.

"Yeah, Amity. I'm here," Luz assured the witch soothingly.

"Let me go!" They ignored Bosha's scream.

"Try to look at me," Luz asked the witch, whose eyes were rolling all over the place.

"I… F-f-feel weird…" Amity slurred and closed her eyes while her lips parted in heavy gasps.

"No, no, Amity! Stay awake," Luz pleaded, scared for the witch.

"We need to take her to the Clinic," Hunter suggested, and Luz nodded frantically in agreement.

"Youʼre not taking her anywhere!" Boscha opposed, fighting against the restraints, "She promised she'll be mine now!" A sudden punch interrupted the triclops's rant.

"She was never yours!" Willow hissed, rubbing her knuckles, "You bullied her for years, and now you slip something into her drink to take advantage of her Mind Gaps?!" She punched Boscha again.

"You really are worth your mentor," Skara hissed and kicked her former friend's stomach, "Your Parole Scout will be coming shortly," She added and knelt beside Boscha, rummaging through her pockets.

"What are you doing?" Willow asked, but her question was answered when the Bard witch retrieved a small vial.

"I think that's what she slipped into Amityʼs drink," She addressed Luz. Passing her the potion, "Take her to the Clinic and take the back door. No one can see her like this," She added, and Luz nodded in understanding.

"Don't worry…" The human whispered, bringing Amity up in a bride-like embrace and looking down to her right shoulder where the witch was still breathing heavily and sweating bullets, "Call Emira, tell her to meet me in Amity's studio," She addressed Willow before facing Hunter again, "Open the window…"

"Are you sure?" He worried, understanding what she had in mind.

"Amityʼs running a fever, and she's barely conscious…" Luz pointed out, and everyone looked at the Heiress, "Open the window before someone finds us," She repeated more forcefully. This time, Hunter followed her command without hesitation.

Amityʼs blurry sight could not focus on anything. She only felt the safety of a warm embrace. Suddenly, she noticed a bright gold light surrounding her, and she did not understand why she felt so safe with it.

Luz transformed into a harpy in seconds, ignoring the short-lived, intense pain of transforming into a human-demon hybrid. She stepped over the windowsill, and with a swift pounce, she was out, flying toward the Blight's Clinic, holding the witch close to her heart, watching how Amity snuggled closer, entangling her fingers between the brown feathers.

Luz watched the Bonesborough from the height of her flight. Her strong wings beat the air as she soared the skies toward the Clinic. She felt Amity's trembling body in her arms, her sweaty face snuggled closer into the feathery body, looking for warmth and safety.

The witch could not comprehend her surroundings. She felt warm, sweaty, and anxious. Her heartbeat was rushing, deafening her in the process. She could have sworn she tried to speak but could not form a single word. A bright gold light surrounded her, and a moment later, her entire body was cooled down with a burst of wind.

Amity opened her eyes momentarily, but she was unsure what she saw was real. A demon-like being looked at her with black-gold eyes with care. Their pointy and feathery ears slanted in worry. Yet, there was something familiar and calming about the warm presence, making the witch snuggle closer and hold the brown feathers for her dear life.

Luz looked down and noticed the witch mumble and sweat in her hold. She was relieved to see Emira open the balcony door to Amityʼs studio, where she waited for them. The human slowed down and stopped mid-flight, perching on the balcony. She folded her wings and stepped down and inside the apartment.

"Holy Mother of Titans…" Emira whispered in awe when she saw Luz entering the dim-lit room, "I haven't seen you like that in a while," She added.

The tall Harpy with folded wings looked down at the barely conscious figure in her claws. Amity turned limp the moment she felt the warmth of her home. Her pale body twitched occasionally, and her parted lips released small whimpers. Her eyes fluttered, trying to open, rolling around the room. Her lavender hair flowed like an eerie cape.

"Tell me what happened," Emira asked, dragging Luz from her stupor.

"Boscha…" Clawthorne said in a distorted voice. A gold light surrounded her form, and with a few small bone cracks, she regained her human form, "Shit…" She hissed quietly, shaking her right leg in discomfort.

Amity let out a small whimper, and Emira guided Luz to lay her sister on her bed. The human placed her fiancée delicately, ensuring the lavender head rested comfortably on the pillow. The Healer touched her sister's heated face and drew a bright blue spell circle.

"Sheʼs running a high fever, Luz," Emira informed before moving the spell to her chest, "Her heart is racing like crazy…" She tied her brows in concentration, "Shit…"

"Whatʼs wrong, Em?" Luz did not like the change in Emira's tone.

"Something's blocking her bile sac…" The Healer added and dropped her spell, "Viney!" She called out for her wife.

"Here," Luz went through her pockets frantically before fishing out a small vial, "Boscha slipped that into her drink," She said in time with Viney's appearance, "I donʼt know how much. I was nowhere near her…"

"I'll take that," The brunette Healer said and summoned a strange set of vials that she spread on her sister-in-law's desk.

"D-d-don't…" Amity suddenly whimpered, letting out erratic breaths, "Don't touch…" Her head shook to the side, and she felt a calming touch on her cheek.

"Shh, shh, you're safe," Luz cooed, kneeling by the bed, watching the witch's reactions.

Amityʼs face was drenched in sweat by that point. Her ears twitched occasionally, lying limply most of the time, unresponsive to her surroundings. Her lips quivered as if she were freezing, and her eyelids fluttered weakly while the golden eyes rolled up repeatedly.

"We need to hurry," Emira said, controlling her sister's vitals again, "Her bile sac is strained, unable to release the excess of her magic…"

"L-L-Luz…" Amity slurred, her hands trying to grab the person she felt safe around.

"I'm here, Amity," Luz recognized the need and took hold of the pale hand, "Emira and Viney will help you in a moment. Can you tell me how you feel?"

"H-hot…" The witch slurred, "Ch-chest h-hurts…" Amity continued before her eyes rolled up again.

"Almost done," Viney informed from her workstation.

"M-make it… Stop!" Amity mumbled, her left hand shot to her collar, and she started tugging at it. Her breathing hitched before increasing further.

The witch retrieved her right hand from Luz's hold, and she tried to tug on the dress, hugging her abdomen. Her breathing quickened again. Her back arched slightly while her lips let out breathy whimpers. Her nails lengthened, and she tried to look around and understand her surroundings. A surge of heat traveled through her body, confusing her even more.

"Oh, shit…" Luz whispered breathily, taking hold of her abdomen as well. She shot her head up and looked at Emira with panic, "That was a rape drug, wasn't it?" She whispered in panic.

"We don't know what that was, but Willow texted me that was what Boscha was trying to use it for," The Healer replied, "Why, Luz? What do you feel?" Emira eyed Luz's sudden change in behavior.

"Hot and bothered…" Clawthorne whispered, taking a calming exhale, feeling her face blush, "Titan, that's embarrassing," She added, taking off her suit jacket, trying to recompose herself, before kneeling by Amity's bed again.

"P-please… He-Help…" The feverish witch pleaded, and now everyone understood her behavior.

Amity rubbed her knees, arched her chest, her head lolled from side to, and she let out breathy pants and whimpers. She bucked her hips and tugged on her dress, which seemed too tight around her sensitive parts. She did not notice another bright blue spell circle above her.

"We need to cool her down," Emira decided, dropping her spell and looking up at Luz, who was clearly affected by Amity's predicament, "Grab me some light pajamas," She asked the human, knowing it would be best to distract her a little.

"S-sure…" Luz mumbled and got back to her feet.

She tugged her collar and removed the ascot, feeling suffocated. She then opened her dress shirt and tried to control her thoughts. She got Amity's summer pajamas, hoping the witch would feel better soon. When Luz returned to Emira, handing her the fresh garments, she was greeted with the sight she was not ready for.

Amity was lying on the bed, wearing only her underwear, which did not leave much to the imagination. The witch was heaving. Her body was flustered, heated, and clearly uncomfortable with heat between her legs.

"Titan…" Luz whispered, taking in the sight. Her face lit up immediately.

"Luz, are you okay?" Emira asked, taking the clothes from the human's hands.

"Y-yeah…" Luz shook her head, "Iʼm fine, sorry," She added and returned to her place beside Amity.

They dressed the feverish witch in the pajamas, and Emira removed her sister's underwear, increasing her sister's comfort. Luz cupped Amity's heated face, hoping to help her focus. The gold eyes were still rolling around, unable to fixate on anything.

"Amity, try to focus. Look at me," The human pleaded while Emira drew another spell circle, sending chilly sensations toward the heated body.

"W-what? W-where?" Amity mumbled, fluttering her eyes open, and a little drool slipped past her lips, "W-who…" She tried to ask when her eyes finally focused on the face above her.

Amityʼs brows frowned in concentration, trying to distinguish the shapes of people surrounding her. She moved away slightly and felt an overwhelming fear. Whatever was holding her, it was not natural. She looked at the face with dark hollows in place of eyes, tar-like liquid escaping the sockets. Their lips opened, and they let out a painful shriek.

"Amity?" Emira asked worriedly, dropping her spell when she noticed a change in her sister's behavior.

The hurt woman faced the Healer, and she noticed a face twisted in a malicious smile. The golden eyes burned with bright light before turning into black holes. Amity looked back to her right. She felt threatened, surrounded by some hellish creatures. Whatever heat and arousal she felt moments ago was gone, and panic took its place.

"Amity?" Luz asked, trying to help calm the witch down, "Em, something's extremely wrong," She addressed the Healer when she felt a strange pressure in her chest.

"Viney, we need that antidote, now!" Emira urged her wife.

"Working as fast as I can!"

"Noooo!" Amity roared, and she tried to move away from the surrounding creatures.

"Amity, it's okay. You're safe," Luz tried to sound reassuringly, but she panicked, too, feeling useless.

"No!" Amity yelled again, fighting against the human touch.

The poisoned witch let out a distressed hiss, snarling ferally, and she scratched blindly, trying to save herself. Luz tried to grab her hands, but she was not fast enough. Amity scratched the tan shoulder and chest, accidentally ripping off the Concealment Stone.

A slight poof was heard, and Luz's features were revealed. The human did not think about covering herself while Amity was panicking. A flash of a strange vision came to Clawthorne's mind, and she understood that her natural appearance was safe.

"Shit!" Luz hissed, shaking her head to free herself of the vision, "She's hallucinating, Em!" She added, shaking her head, getting rid of the vision.

"D-don't!" Amity roared again, and suddenly, her eyes shone with a bright, fuchsia glow. Her scars did so, too, and the same light traveled toward the witch's hands.

"Oh, no, no, no…" Luz managed to gasp, but no one was fast enough.

Amityʼs hands ignited, and the powerful surge of raw magical energy hit the human in the chest, sending Luz flying across the studio. She went through one of the support pillars and stopped at the wall before sliding to the floor.

"Luz!" Emira called for the human, worried about her.

"Got it!" Viney finally called with pride. She poured the antidote into a small syringe and faced the rest of the room, "Hold her tight!" She ordered when she noticed how her sister-in-law lost control over her body and magic.

"Am..." Luz murmured, stirring on the floor.

She slightly tilted her head and watched Amity, surrounded by wild, unpredictable surges of magic that were leaving her body. Emira cast a spell to hold her in place when Viney forced the antidote into her throat. The human tried to sit up, but everything hurt her.

Luz allowed herself to close her eyes momentarily and smiled softly, hearing and feeling how Amity calmed down. A pair of steps approached her, and she could feel the heat of a Healing Spell over her body.

"I'm going to turn you now, Luz," Emira whispered soothingly.

"Am..." The human murmured, feeling a delicate hold on her.

"Sheʼs okay. The antidote is working," The Healer replied, drawing another spell circle, "Viney's with her, so let me fix you now, okay?" She asked, and Luz nodded, "It's nothing too bad, just some minor cuts, but I need to ensure that flight through the pillar didn't hurt you too much," She explained. Luz nodded in agreement, letting herself relax a little.

"Thank you…" The human whispered when she felt her body becoming less sore.

She did not know how much time had passed. Everything happened so fast that it simultaneously confused and freaked Luz out. The whole evening was an emotional Roller-Ghoaster.

Luz was sick of it. She released a small tear, feeling so helpless and weak. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the blue light of the Healing Spell disappeared, and she opened her eyes.

"Youʼre going to be alright, Luz. With some Healing Ointments and Glyphs, there won't be any scarring," Emira welcomed her back with a smile, "Here, you might want this back," She offered Luz her Concealment Stone, which the human accepted with a heavy sigh.

"Thanks, Em," She replied, putting the necklace over her head, "Can I see her?" Luz asked, facing the bed.

"Sure, come on," The Healer helped the human up and guided her toward Amityʼs side.

Viney cleaned the younger witch from sweat and drool. The lavender hair surrounded the pale face and fanned over the pillow. Her breathing was steady and much calmer than a few moments ago.

Luz knelt by the right side of the bed and looked at the witch with worry. Amity turned her head, facing the new presence, and her eyes fluttered. Her ears twitched, and she managed to crack her golden eyes open.

"L-Luz…" Amity whispered, shocking everyone with a small smile.

"Me," Luz chuckled, relief washing all over her. Emira shared a look with Viney, and they sat on the other side of the bed.

"T-thanks…" Amity tried to speak, but her eyes rolled up for the millionth time that night.

"Shh, keep your strength," Luz cooed before she looked at Viney, "What the hell was she poisoned with?" She addressed the Healer.

"A homemade love potion… Just that it wasn't supposed to be a love potion…" The woman explained.

"She just wanted to take advantage of Amity…" Luz groaned, hiding her face in her hands, "Thatʼs so low…" She slid her hands down on the bed and looked at the witch worriedly. A small smile entered the tan face, seeing Amity's relaxed expression.

"Don't worry, that's the last that we'll be hearing about her for a very long time," Emira said with a soft gaze, making Luz face her with a questioning look, "Willow texted me that Boscha was already arrested. Lilith did not take poisoning her old apprentice kindly," She added, helping Luz relax.

"Thatʼs good…" The human whispered, "That means I can sleep calmly, knowing she's safe," She added, and just as she was about to stand up, she felt a delicate touch on her arm, "Amity?" She asked in surprise.

"S-stay…" The witch gasped, shocking everybody, making Luz share a hesitant look with the other witches before looking back at Amity, "P-please… D-don't go…" She added, and her hand slipped away.

"Um, sure…" Luz replied hesitantly, "I'll take the couch…"

"N-no…" Amity interrupted, trying to speak her mind, but her body was not cooperative, "Don't go…" She gasped again, and with the remainder of her strength, she forced herself to scootch aside, making a little room beside her.

"Um… Um... Um…" Luz could not form a coherent sentence.

"She broke Luz," Viney whispered to her wife, and the witches giggled at them.

"Are you sure?" The human asked hesitantly, afraid if Amity knew what she was asking for. The witch could only nod in reply, "Um… Okay," She agreed and looked up at the Healers.

"Let me get you something to wear and Healing Glyphs for the night," Viney offered help with a smile.

"M'kay…" Luz squeaked nervously, earning a giggle from Emira.

"Don't worry, that's a good sign," The Healer said, "I'll check in on you in a couple of hours to change your Healing Glyphs," She added with a smile, glancing at where Amity scratched the human.

"T-thanks," Luz stuttered, accepting the pajamas that Viney brought.

The human got up and limped toward the bathroom. She could not comprehend what happened. The only thing that mattered to her at that moment was that, despite ordering her to leave just a few hours ago, Amity asked her to stay.

Once Luz was ready, dressed in fresh long-sleeved pajamas, she ensured her Concealment Stone was secure on her neck as she approached the bed, turning off the lights. She looked at Amity and felt all the stress leave her tense body.

The witch was curled up on her side, sleeping soundly. Luz opened the quilt and slipped under the covers, hoping the witch would be mindful of her plea come morning. She would not want to abuse Amity's trust.

The moment Luz's head touched the pillow, she could feel the familiar flowery scent surrounding her. Her tense muscles relaxed, and she smiled, cherishing this moment. Suddenly, the pale body stirred, the tiny nose sniffed, and Amity inched closer. The human lifted her left hand, and the witch hugged her, clenching her tiny fists on the borrowed pajamas.

" Oh, how I've missed you…" Luz thought with a small smile, and she found the courage to pull Amity into a delicate embrace.

The witch snuggled even closer, and she relaxed in the hold. Her ears twitched slightly, but she was still sleeping soundly. Luz tried to control her racing heart, and she tried not to look too much into it. Amity was just scared, and she needed support. That was all there was to it.

Luz stirred in her sleep. She had no idea how much time had passed, but she sensed someone staring intensely at her. She cracked her eyes and noticed a golden gaze and the delicate glow of the dawn.

"Em?" Luz whispered in surprise.

"I'm here to change your Healing Glyphs, and I brought some stronger ointments," The Healer explained.

"Why? So early…" The human murmured groggily.

"I donʼt want you to have new scars, Luz," Emira explained, losing her joking mannerism, "My family scarred you enough," She added. Luz understood where she was coming from.

"Fine. Help me up, please," The human asked, looking down to her chest where Amity was still curled up, sleeping soundly.

Emira delicately removed her sister's hands, helping Luz sneak from underneath the covers. The human sat on the edge of the bed and took off the shirt, covering her chest with her hands. She then took the shirt and placed it on her back, letting the sleeves cover her breasts. She looked back at Amity hesitantly and sighed.

"It's okay. She's still sleeping," Emira whispered, and Luz nodded.

"I just don't want to scare her…" The human explained before facing the Healer and taking off her Concealment Stone.

A delicate poof echoed through the loft, and Emira inspected Luz's fresh cuts. The new set of reminders was in the making. She drew a spell circle and smiled slightly. She then applied the ointments and looked at her patient.

"Youʼre healing marvelously. I don't know what Eda's feeding you, but there won't be a mark to remember it by… In a few weeks of treatment, of course," Emira said, and Luz hummed in understanding.

"As long as Amity is safe, I don't care…" The human replied bitterly.

Neither Emira nor Luz realized that the sleeping witch was not asleep anymore. Not since she was separated from the human. She listened to every word they said, and despite respecting Luz's privacy, she could not control a small peek she sent when she realized the human had taken off her Concealment Stone.

Amityʼs breathing hitched when she noticed two deep scars peeking from underneath the pajama shirt. She immediately closed her eyes and reminded herself that Luz hid from her for a reason. She was many things but was not about to violate her privacy like that.

"Thanks, Em," Luz whispered, and she dressed again, "Do you think I should go? I don't want Amity to freak out, waking up next to a hu..."

"A woman who saved her life?" Emira interrupted, "She's defensive, I get that…"

"No, Em," Luz cut in the Healer's sentence, "She specifically told me to leave her alone, to stay away…" She explained, thinking about their dance.

"If you want to leave, then leave," Emira said softly, "But if you want to stay, support her, and talk it through like the Luz I know would want to, then you're welcome to stay, Luz," She added, and the human nodded.

"Thanks, Em…" Luz smiled slightly, "Youʼre a good sister," She added, and the witch snorted, shaking her head.

"Just sleep, Luz," The Healer said softly, pushing the human back to bed, "I'll bring you breakfast in a few hours," She added and stood up to take her leave.

Luz slipped under the covers again and took a deep, calming breath. She did not know that Amity faked being asleep to let herself slip into the safety of a warm embrace. Luz noticed a delicate twitch of the witchʼs ear and smiled knowingly. She decided to ignore it… For now. They locked their arms in a caring hug and fell asleep immediately.