The Last Deal

by MrSova

The final part of The Entanglement Saga. Luz and Amity need to heal after all they have been through. They thought they were safe. However, they learn they need to pay for Odalia's last deal before they can have their happily ever after.

1. Chapter 1 - The Ressurection

AN:

Some important information about the story:

My Beta had to ditch me due to burnout, so I decided to post earlier than planned.

Seeing how many comments you left asking for prompt continuation, I decided to take a leap and publish the not-beta-read story.

Despite having already written 14 chapters, many are still in progress, so unfortunately, the updates will be irregular.

No more Sunday publications. Although, I'm so deep into the new book that I want to publish this one ASAP :)

The pain that Amity felt when the emerald glowing ball of light entered her chest was the last thing she recalled. She finally understood. She accepted what happened to her, how Odalia abused her and killed her Inner Child.

The witch thought she needed to follow the people who gave her love, but she was wrong. She needed to find the person who deserved the love. She would never expect she needed to find herself.

Amity looked into the space before her, and a small, crooked smile decorated her face. After over twenty years of life, the witch finally accepted that she was deprived of love every mother should offer their child. It did not matter to her anymore. She found her real mother.

"Thank you for being in my life, Danielle," Amity thought as everything slowly disappeared, "Iʼm sorry, Luz… It looks like I'm gonna miss our wedding…" She thought bitterly, and everything was consumed by darkness.

Amity had no idea how long she was out. She did not really care. Suddenly, she realized that she started feeling again. It was a dull pounding in her chest at first. The witch could have sworn a warm gold glow in her heart brought her back.

The next thing that flooded her mind was a paralyzing pain in her limbs. She tried to scream, but she could not move her diaphragm. It reminded her of the day she drowned in the Human Realm. It reminded her of Luz and other people she had to fight for.

"This one time…!" Someone called, but the voice was so far away.

The Heiress could have sworn that someone was pulling her back from the vast darkness of the abyss. Amity had no idea if she was in her Mind Scapes, her fake life, or her real one. Suddenly, more light reached her senses. Her diaphragm spasmed, and finally, she managed to take a desperate inhale, wheezing hard and coughing in the process.

Amity had no idea what was happening, but she somehow managed to snap her eyes open. It did not do her much good. She could not recognize shapes or sounds, which scared her even more. It reminded her of the days her mother prodded her mind. But the pain in her chest, interrupted by delicate, warm caresses on her cheeks, helped her remain calm.

"W-where…?" Amity tried to ask, but she was sure she only thought that

"Youʼre safe…" She heard, and despite the overwhelming pain, she tried to remain calm.

"I know that voice…" Amity thought and did not even realize that her senses shut down again.

The darkness returned.

Eda wiped her tears and knelt before Danielle. She watched with a heavy heart how her girlfriend cried her eyes out, wailing, hugging the limp witch. Emira panicked, not too far away, while Zariyah tried to calm the Healer down.

"Dani," Eda addressed her girlfriend, touching her shoulder, "You need to let her down," She said, but the human shook her head, rocking in distress, "Please, let me try helping her," She added, and the reddened green eyes looked up in disbelief.

"H-help?" The human sniffled, and the full lips trembled.

"Yeah, Dani," Eda confirmed, and she took hold of the Heiress in her girlfriend's arms, "Let's put her down," She added, and Danielle hesitantly let go of the dead woman.

Amity's limp body was laid flat on the floor. Danielle secured the lavender head, trying to ignore the expressionless, motionless face, unbandaged dry eye staring into the void. Eda hovered above the dead body, and she took a deep, calming breath.

"Here goes nothing," The Owl Lady encouraged herself, unsure of her decision, as she closed the Heiress's eye.

"Hold her head in case this works," Eda warned, and Danielle nodded in understanding. Her hands shook deliriously, but she listened to the witchʼs every command, "Good, let's start," She concluded and drew a large bright blue spell circle, shocking the Healers.

Eda applied the spell to the immobile body. She tried not to think about failing. She was not about to tell Luz she could not save her fiancée. The witch focused. The bright blue light entered her eyes, and the golden glow surrounded her body as she hovered her hands above the unmoving chest. Danielle had trouble breathing so close to the spell, but she was not about to leave.

Emira's ears slanted worriedly. She knew the Owl Lady was familiar with spells she never heard about, but she doubted anyone could save her sister now. She looked at Zariyah, who embraced her supportively. The Mind Healer looked at the oldest witch with lips parted in awe.

"Come on, Boots," Eda whispered more to herself than to anyone else, "This one time, don't be stubborn," She added in a low growl and increased the power she put into the spell.

Danielle calmed her breathing, conceiving the air. She watched her girlfriend in awe before looking down at Amity. The young witch was still immobile on the floor, but the human could have sworn her complexion seemed less… Dead.

"What is she doing?" Danielle wondered, having the strangest feeling that whatever the witch was doing seemed to work.

"Come on…" Eda whispered in a low voice.

Everyone could have noticed how the Owl Lady was getting tired. Her slanted-in-concentration ears started twitching in exhaustion. The pale forehead beaded with cold sweat, and the witch began to pant in the exercise.

Danielle looked back at Amity, and she could have sworn something was changing. Eda shook her head in exhaustion but did not stop the spell. Suddenly, the human noticed a tiny twitch in Amity's right ear. It was so minuscule that the human was sure she imagined it.

"¿M-Mija?" Danielle whispered when she noticed another twitch. This one seemed more pronounced.

Eda shook her head again, and her ears fluttered unevenly. Emira wiped her tears and removed herself from Zariyah's embrace, approaching the older witch. She stood behind the Owl Lady and noticed a slight flinch of her sister's finger.

"Holy Titan, it's working…" Emira thought and looked at Zariyah, who looked just as shocked.

"H-help…" Eda whimpered, and her magic suddenly disappeared.

The golden eyes rolled up, and she fell to the side. Emira was prepared for that and immediately caught the witch, securing her head before analyzing her state. She was so focused on providing help that she did not notice her sister's slight movements.

"Amity?" Danielle called out, finally able to breathe freely, taking a firmer hold of the lavender head.

Another twitch ran through the pointy ears and slender fingers. Danielle caressed the pale cheeks and was shocked to see the dark brows tie in discomfort. It took another moment and another twitch of the scarred forearms when a weak cough exited Amityʼs body.

"Amity!" Danielle exclaimed, and despite the urge to hug the young woman, she kept holding the lavender head.

Suddenly, Amity wheezed in agony, inhaling a deep, painful gasp for air. The golden eye shot wide open, roaming frantically her surroundings. Her hands twitched as if she was trying to free herself while her legs wanted to push her away.

"Sheʼs scared," Danielle realized, understanding how confusing it must have been for the young woman.

"Shh, shh, Mija, you're safe," The human said in the calmest and softest voice she could have mustered. Amity arched her back, and her face contorted in discomfort. Her hand flew up to her chest, creasing her shirt, "How's she?" Danielle addressed Emira when she noticed the Healer had dropped the spell.

"Sheʼll be fine. She just used a lot of magic…" Emira said, and Danielle knew that was not good.

"I'm the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles…" Eda's words echoed in the human's memory.

"What did she do that drained her so much?" Danielle asked with a shaking voice while holding Amity's head secure. Emira's expression faded.

"I have no idea," The Healer admitted to a defeat.

"W-where…?" Amityʼs distress dragged Danielle's attention back to her daughter.

"Shh, Amity," The human cooed, "Youʼre safe. Try to conceive your strength," She added, glancing at Emira.

"I'll take Eda to another room," The Healer informed, trying to stay calm, "Stay exactly where you are. I'll ask Viney to help you with Amity," She added.

"I'll wait with you, Dani," Zariyah offered, "I, too, want to ensure Amity's safety," She explained, offering a small smile.

"Thank you," Danielle whispered, looking back at the young witch who was still in distress but too hurt to fight, "Please, take care of her for me," She added, quickly glancing at the Healer, who moved her partner to another room.

"Ditto," Emira replied, disappearing in the Clinic corridor.

Amity kept struggling against the hold. Her weak hands were grabbing her shirt as if she was trying to dig into whatever caused her chest to ache. Her ears kept twitching while her legs bent in her knees and relaxed as if she were trying to push away.

Whatever Eda did to bring her back left the Heiress hurt and confused. Soon, her strength left her, and she fell into a restless slumber. Danielle calmed, seeing her daughter breathe while her bandage-covered face relaxed.

Amity considered it weird that the darkness seemed to cover all of her senses, including touch. She fought hard against it. Suddenly, the rugged facture of the Clinic bed sheets made it to her twitching fingertips.

Amity realized she was breathing. Something she had not felt for a while. Inhale. Her chest expanded painfully. Exhale. The ribs returned to their original shape. The cycle repeated several times, and the witch noticed more stimuli.

The dim light made it to her eyes, hidden behind the closed eyelids. It worried her that more light entered her left one, but she ignored it for now as the sound of delicate breathing filled her ears. It irritated her at first. She hated these sounds. Until she recognized the breathing pattern. Amity tried to speak, but her body did not cooperate.

"Come on, move!" She urged herself.

The sound of the turning page reached her ears, making them twitch. Amity frowned uncontrollably, and she tried to speak. Her breathing hitched when she felt the pain in her chest return with a vengeance.

"Amity?" The familiar voice called her, "¿Cariño?" The witch recognized that pet name.

Amity's fingers twitched again, her ears slanted in concentration, her brows tied in discomfort, and she could not believe how difficult it was to crack her eyes open. Her lips parted, showing off her fangs, taking in a sharp inhale that sent a paralyzing jolt of pain down her chest.

"¿Mija?" The warm voice asked, and the witch was certain the person scooted a little closer.

"Come on, speak up, Blight!" Amity took another deep, wheezing breath, and tears rolled down her cheeks. She parted her lips again but was not strong enough to act, "Come on!"

"Amity, take it easy," The same voice whispered softly, "Youʼre safe. Try to rest…"

"I know what voice," Amity thought, trying hard to think, fighting to recognize the sounds around her.

Drip.

Drip.

Drip.

"The IV…" Amity thought.

Screech.

"The chairs in the Nurses' Station…"

Clack, clack, clack.

"The food trolley…" The pointy ears twitched widely.

Click-clack.

Click-clack.

"Viney always fidgets with the pen…" Amity thought as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

Her breathing hitched again when all the sounds attacked her. She tried to lift her hands and cover her ears but could not. The more she tried to move her limbs, the more she was paralyzed with pain. Amity did not even realize her head thrashed to the sides as her ears fluttered unevenly, overwhelmed by the sounds.

"Oh, okay, Amity, stay calm," The same voice reassured, and the witch heard someone leave their chair.

Thud.

The doors were closed, and Amity's breathing evened out. She soon calmed down and felt relief when the painful sounds were muted. The witch released a sigh of contentment, borderline pained exhaustion.

"It's alright, Cariño, take it easy," The voice continued, and Amity felt a touch on her hair.

"Mmmnghh!," The witch whimpered in agony.

Danielle noticed the tears rolling down the pale face, the pointy ears twitching, lips quivering, trying to snarl, the lengthened nails dug into the mattress, and the back arched in discomfort.

"Everything must hurt her," Danielle realized. She quickly removed her hand from the lavender hair, and Amity almost immediately relaxed again, "She must be overstimulated by literally everything now…" The human thought, worried about her daughter.

"Take it easy, try not to speak," Amity heard, and she stopped fighting, "Youʼre safe. Just try to rest," The voice added, and the witch listened to the person who seemed so caring toward her.

"Who are you?" Amity thought, but she could not stay awake anymore. She was too exhausted.

The darkness returned.

Willow and Hunter helped Luz to return home. The human still needed Physical Therapy, but she could no longer be held at the Clinic. After Emira explained everything to the best of her ability, the young human did her best to cooperate. Yet, the Healer did not tell her everything.

Luz did not understand why Eda was now a patient at the Clinic. She had no idea why Amity was kept away from her. Still, she respected the Healer's instructions. Gus and Albert were there to help, too.

"You must understand that what happened to you was none of your doing," Jane Parker spoke softly.

Luz and Gus's mother were sitting in the living room of the Owl House. The young brunette was breathing heavily, sitting in a wheelchair, staring blankly at the floor. She was exhausted and furious.

"Jane, for fucks sake, I was kidnapped for the third time this year," Luz said venomously, "I was tortured for the second time this year," She paused to control the pain in her chest, "My fiancée was controlled, she almost died, and now she and my mother are kept away from me…" She took a deep breath, lifting her head and glaring at the other woman.

"Luz, do you need some pain medication?" Jane asked with worry.

"No!" The hurt woman snapped, and the golden energy suddenly surrounded the wheelchair.

"Luz," Jane leaned forward, grabbing the tan hand, "You've been through a lot," Luz looked away, trying to blink her tears away, "You lost your parents only to be abused in the foster home," Luz's breathing hitched. She did not need a reminder, "You found your way to a strange world where you were one of a kind, trying to survive. You took your mother's curse, afraid you'd lose her too…"

"Shut up…" Luz whispered, but Jane did not listen.

"It changed you forever. It hurt you and saved you at the same time. And that was before you met Amity…"

"Shut up!" Luz snapped forcefully. The golden energy roamed her body as she looked at Jane with a fury-filled glare, "You have no idea what you're talking about!" She yelled as tears uncontrollably watered her cheeks, and her bones snapped slightly.

Jane watched the young woman cry harder. Luz clenched her eyes shut and snarled, trying to control her emotions. Her harpy-like claws grabbed the chair before covering her face. The young brunette was unable to control herself anymore. She wailed like a child, and it did something to Gus's mother.

"Come here," Jane whispered, and without waiting for a reply, she pulled Luz into a tight embrace, recalling Gus's first years in the Human Realm.

The strong, pale hands brought the young woman to the floor, and Luz accepted the hug. She cried harder when she felt the soothing caresses on her back, and Clawthorne snuggled into the embrace, returning the affection once her hands regained their natural shape.

No one noticed when the doors to the Owl House opened, and Hooty guided Lilith in. The witch's ears slanted immediately in a heartbreak. With the delicate push of the house demon, the Coven Head stepped closer, and she knelt by Luz's other side.

"Luz?" Lilith whispered, and she shared a look with the human she was unfamiliar with.

"Sheʼs scared, Miss…" Jane explained, whispering softly.

"Lilith," The witch introduced herself, "Iʼm her aunt," She added.

"Jane," The human said, and Lilith refocused on her niece.

"Luz, I come bearing good news," She explained, mustering a more optimistic tone, "Eda's awake," Lilith finally said, and Luz's cries were immediately cut short.

"A-awake?" Luz choked a sob, "C-can I… Can I see her?" She hiccuped, wiping her face, and her eyes slowly returned to normal. Lilith shared a look with Jane.

"I'm sure she would be happy to see you," The witch whispered.

"Gus would not mind helping you get to the Clinic on our way to meet his father," Jane offered with a smile.

"I can't ask you…" Luz tried to speak, but the older human interrupted.

"It's the least we can do considering how you helped Gus and Albert this year," Jane pushed, and Lilith smiled at that.

"Thank you," Luz mumbled, sniffling, ashamed of her emotional outburst.

"I hope you don't mind that I won't accompany you, Luz," Lilith got her niece's attention, "I have a job to quit," She explained and smiled with the honesty Luz had not seen in a while.

"Congrats," Luz choked with a slight chuckle, trying to return to her wheelchair.

"Let me help," Jane offered, but Luz stopped her, lifting her hand.

"Unless you're here twenty-four hours a day, I have to do it myself," Luz said, and her hand slipped, making her fall to the floor. She was about to cry out in helplessness when she was shocked by a long, feathery body circling her.

"Hoot! I'm here twenty-four hours a day, hoot!" The demon said, fed up with Luz's behavior.

"I'm sorry…" The young woman looked aside in shame.

"I know you were hurt, Luz," Jane said softly, "But don't push away people who want to help you," She offered, and the younger woman nodded.

Knowing that Luz was again under control and good care, Lilith took her leave toward the Coven Council. She worried about her family and wanted to be there for them. Her job was done. She felt accomplished and knew the people she cared about were no longer threatened. It was time to close that chapter of her life.

Luz was brought to Eda, and she immediately felt her heart fall into the pit of her stomach. The older witch was lying in bed dressed in snow-white Clinin pajamas. Her complexion was paler than usual. Her Palisman watched the witch, nervously trilling with worry.

The human rolled her wheelchair in, and the Nurse closed the door behind her. Luz did not even notice the Healer behind her until she secured her breaks by her mother's bed. Viney approached the bed and touched the younger woman's shoulder.

"How's she?" Luz asked in a whisper.

"She'll be fine," Viney reassured, "She just used too much magic, and no one's used to this kind of excessive draining," She explained, and the bedridden woman cracked a smile.

"I'll be fine, geez," Eda whispered groggily.

"Mom, what did you do? What were you thinking? I… I mean," Luz could not talk anymore when her eyes filled with tears again. The thought of losing her mother was too much.

"Since when I'm such a crybaby?" The human wondered, fed up with the emotional roller-ghoaster.

"Kid, calm down," Eda pleaded, and her daughter sent her a deadly glare, "I…" She winced in pain.

"She saved Amity," Viney explained. Luz shot her head up and looked at the Healer with a shocked expression.

"She what?" The human was sure she had misheard.

"Boots died, Kid," Eda whispered, dragging Luz's attention back to her.

"Wh-what?" The human did not realize how her eyes teared down again, wetting her cheeks.

"She drained her bile sac. And not in the natural way it happened in the past when she healed you," Viney explained, and Luz kept staring at her mother, waiting for answers.

"That was the kind of death that you saved me from, Kid," Eda paused when another surge of pain ran through her chest, "So I knew the spell… But no one could have used it on me if it would not be for you saving my life," She explained and paused again.

The hazel-brown eyes roamed the pale face in shock and disbelief. Luz understood what her mother just told her. Yet, she could not comprehend everything that happened when she was just a room away.

"It had to be done by someone just as powerful," Luz whispered in understanding, and Eda nodded weakly, "You could have died…" She said, anger bubbling to the surface.

"But I didn't…" The Owl Lady argued.

"But you could have!" Luz yelled, but her voice broke when she started crying again, "I could have lost both of you…" She could not control her emotions anymore.

"But you didn't, Kid!" Eda exclaimed, "You know how painful death that is. I made my choice. You saved me, and I chose to save my future daughter-in-law!" She added with a weak smirk. That shocked Luz so much that her cry was cut short. The human looked at her mother in disbelief, "We'll be both fine. We just need time to regenerate," Eda added in a much softer voice.

"I'm sorry…" Luz whispered, her voice still shaking. She looked away, ashamed of her behavior, not noticing the pale hand on her own, "Mom?" The human looked back at the witch, who wore a warm smile.

"It's okay, Kid. I understand," Eda whispered, "How are you feeling?" She asked, making Luz scoff at her worry.

"My leg is still useless, but it's okay. My chest hurts so much I barely notice it anyway," The human replied with a shrug before looking up at Viney, "Do you think I can see Amity?" She asked, afraid she already knew the answer.

"I'm afraid that wouldn't be wise," The Healer replied, "You're both in great pain," She lifted her hand when she noticed that Luz was ready to say she did not mind, "Amity still hasn't fully woken up. The most delicate sound easily overstimulates her, so adding your pain to that would not be in her best interest," She explained, and the human nodded in understanding.

"Of course," Luz agreed, looking to the side, hating the helplessness.

"We need to wait patiently, Luz," Viney smiled, "Danielle is not leaving her for longer than a toilet break, so don't worry. She's in good hands," She added, and Luz knew she should feel better knowing this, "Try to focus on your health now. I'm sure you want to be strong enough to help Amity once she's out of bed," The Healer offered, and the human could not argue with that logic.

Luz knew that she could not do anything to help Amity now. She needed to prepare for the moment when she could support her fiancée. The human knew everyone had a role to play, and her turn was not there yet. Now, she could help her mother, and that was what she focused on.

When Amity woke up once again, she felt the twitching of her ears, the flex of her fingers, and the expansion of her chest. More stimuli attacked her senses. She could hear the sound of the dripping IV, sense the Clinic bed sheets, and smell the familiar perfume.

She tried to open her eyes, but it was too difficult. She hoped to speak, but only a pained whimper escaped her lips. Amity hated that her body was not cooperating. She felt trapped all over again.

"Amity?" The soft voice broke the silence, making the pointy ears flutter at the sound, "Are you awake?" The person asked, angering Amity, who hated that she could not answer. Suddenly, the witch felt the warmth of the other hand on her own, "I noticed you can flex your fingers. If you can hear me, move your fingers three times," The person asked.

Amity's breathing hitched, and she concentrated on her right hand like never before. She unknowingly released a pained growl. She breathed heavily, but she flexed her index and middle fingers successfully.

"Why is this so hard?" Amity thought, gulping heavily.

The witch tied her brows and was relieved to realize she had flexed her fingers again. Her ears twitched, and she gasped in pain, unaware her eyes were tearing down and her jaw clenched.

"Come on, come on!" Amity encouraged herself, not giving up.

Flex.

"Dios mío, Cariño," The woman exclaimed in a whisper when she felt the third flex of the pale fingers, "Try to relax. I can see how difficult it must have been for you," She added. Amity became limp again, trying to calm her shaky breathing.

The witch felt a cloth on her face, drying her tears and sweat, realizing her face was partially bandaged. She could not believe how difficult it was to breathe. She thought back to the last time she woke up paralyzed in the Clinic.

"Please, be patient," The woman spoke softly, "It's a miracle you're alive," She added when she sat back by the bed, "Iʼm not going anywhere…" She paused when she noticed how Amity parted her lips.

The warm hand immediately returned to the pale one, making the witch flutter her ears at the sudden touch. Her breathing hitched again, sending jolts of pain to her chest. Amity was unaware of how lucky she was not to witness the heartbroken look Danielle wore while watching her daughter suffer.

"Sleep, Cariño," The human cooed, "I'll be right here when you wake up again," She reassured.

Danielle was relieved to see Amity's features relax again. She did not expect to feel the witchʼs hand tighten on hers. The human covered her lips to control her emotions, knowing how much it must have cost her daughter.

After getting a large cup of Brew and a small meal, Danielle returned to Amityʼs room. She hoped that she did not take too long. She groaned slightly when she noticed Luz in her wheelchair by the door.

"You know you shouldn't be here, Cariño," Danielle spoke softly, understanding the young woman's desire to see her fiancée.

"I know, I know," Luz lifted her hands defensively, "I just wanted to make sure you're safe, too. Em and Viney told me you're barely leaving her room," She explained, noting how exhausted Danielle looked.

"I'm fine, Luz," The older human whispered tiredly, "I promise to rest later," She vowed, "How do you feel? Any discomfort from the sternotomy?" She asked, earning the confused look.

"The what now?" Luz tilted her head, and the other woman sighed heavily.

"I guess no one had a chance to explain that to you…" Danielle paused, "We had to use a Human Realm technology, closing your chest with metal wires," She said, and her ward touched her chest reluctantly, "I'll explain in detail soon, okay?" She asked. Once she received a slight nod, she passed Luz by and opened the door.

The moment she did, they both heard Amity groan in pain. The witch arched her back, dug her nails into the mattress, and released a whimper filled with so much agony that Danielle could have sworn her heart literally broke.

"Close the door! Now!" Viney's voice alerted everyone on the floor.

Danielle acted immediately. She closed the doors and turned to face the Healer rushing toward her. She wanted to ask what that was all about when she noticed Luz on the floor, tugging her shirt, trying to dig into her chest, clawing her heart out.

"Luz!" Danielle fell to her knees, approaching her ward.

"Go to Amity," Viney ordered, applying a spell to Luz, "We'll take care of Luz," She added when another Nurse knelt beside the human.

"Go!" Luz roared, seeing Danielle's hesitation, "Shit! The agony!" She groaned, gasping for air, "Worse than my transformation," She added, letting everyone know the gravity of the situation.

"The pain meds?" Danielle asked, and Viney looked at her in shock.

"Go to her," The Healer repeated, "I'll bring something stronger in a moment," She added, and Danielle immediately ran toward the room.

Just when Amity regained control of her sensations, she heard the door open again. She tried to scream, but she could not. The feeling of additional pain on top of everything was just too much.

"Make it stop!" She screamed internally when the pain in her limbs paralyzed her again.

Amity could have sworn someone broke her right leg and cracked her chest open. It was too much. The agonizing pain originating in her chest, rushing through her entire body, was enough. She has had enough.

"Cariño," Danielle whispered when she reached the bed, "It's going to be alright," She had no idea what to do.

The human looked down at the witch. Despite being unable to move, her expression was filled with so much pain. Danielle was sure the Heiress would scream her lungs out if only she could.

"I need to apologize," The human tried to distract Amity, "I opened the door when Luz was right on the other side," She said, and the witch stiffened at the sound of a familiar name, "Youʼre in the magic-restricting room. I never thought that opening the door would hurt you. I suppose that Luz was too close. That's why we keep you from each other for now," She continued. She was relieved to see the witch began to calm down.

"Mmm…" Amity groaned, interrupting Danielle's monologue. The human froze.

"Amity?" She asked and grabbed the witch's hand, "One flex for 'yes', two for 'no'. Are you trying to ask a question?" Danielle asked.

Flex.

"Is it about Luz?"

Flex.

"Do you know who she is?" Danielle worried, considering the past months.

Flex.

"Good to know," The human said with relief, "Do you want to know how she is?"

Flex.

"Sheʼs…" Danielle hesitated, "She's been better. We couldn't heal her cut with magic when she was stuck with you under the spell. All we could do for her was to clean her wounds and stitch her over again, but Emira agreed to a Human Realm procedure. Her leg had been broken so many times in the past year we're not sure how it will heal," She continued and noticed how Amity's ears slanted, and tears rolled down her cheeks, "You cannot blame yourself, Cariño," The human added, and the witch let out a shaky breath.

Danielle tried to control her emotions, but watching Amity in so much physical and mental pain was unbearable. Yet, she was not about to leave the woman she cared for. A sudden gasp dragged the human out of her thoughts.

"Do you want to know more?"

Flex.

"Do you want to ask about Emira?"

Flex. Flex.

"Oh…" Danielle understood, "You want to know how you were brought back?"

Flex.

"Eda cast a powerful spell, draining herself…" The human said with a heavy voice, and Amity's breathing quivered, "But she's alive," She added, seeing the witch's distress.

Flex.

"Youʼre worried about her?" The twitch of the pale fingers confused Danielle.

Flex.

"Sheʼs slowly getting back to health…"

Flex. Flex.

"You want to know what she did?"

Flex.

"Um, she saved your life, Cariño," Danielle explained, and she noticed how the pale hand shook nervously, "You were dead for several minutes, Amity. She brought you back by jumpstarting your bile sac," She added, and the witch's breathing shook.

Amity looked like she was crying. Her body could not move, so she let out a waterfall of tears and shaky gasps while her ears twitched unevenly. What Danielle did not expect was a flex of the pale, shaking fingers that held their position.

The doors opened and closed again, and Amity released a groan of discomfort when that happened. Danielle tried to soothe the woman, but the touch on the lavender head caused even more pain.

"It's okay," Viney's voice sounded reassuring, calming everyone, "Amity, I'm so sorry. We didn't know in how much pain you really are until Luz was affected by it," She explained, "I brought you the strongest pain potions we have," She explained, and she changed the IV, "It can knock you down at first but when you'll wake up…" She paused when she noticed Amityʼs body fall limp.

"Did it work too fast?" Danielle asked with a worried tone.

"I donʼt know," Viney admitted, "I never gave it to anyone. Morton's experimenting with the Human Realm drugs," She added.

"Whatʼs that?" The human asked with worry.

"You humans call it 'Fentanyl'," The Healer explained, and Danielle nodded.

"Let's make sure she doesn't get addicted to that," Danielle said, getting up to tuck the witch in, "It's a serious problem in the Human Realm," She explained when Viney sent her a questioning look, "Also keep in mind that you can't use benzos on witches," She added.

"Wh-why?" Viney stuttered, "We brought some just in case," She explained, and Danielle blushed, confusing the Healer.

"Oh, that's not my story to tell, but benzos have nasty side effects on the witches," The human said, and Viney understood that something must have happened in the Human Realm.

"I'll check in on Eda before getting on with the paperwork," The Healer said softly, and the human nodded.

"I'll be right here if you need me," Danielle said, taking her spot in the armchair and retrieving her Healing Track textbook.

Viney snorted at that, shaking her head in slight amusement. She was incredibly grateful for the human who came into Amityʼs life, taking her rightful spot as the Heiress's mother. The job was free anyway.

Luz was back at the Clinic gym, where Willow and Hunter helped her with her Physical Therapy. The human had no idea her best friend was secretly a jock. The witch came clean about her Flying Derby training, making her best friend finally smile.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Luz asked with excitement, interrupted by pain as she walked by the bars.

"Dude, you had enough on your plate," Willow explained, and she approached the human to help her walk.

"Come on, Luz, just a few more steps," Hunter cheered, and Luz shook her head in disbelief.

"Titan, I never thought I'd get to see this side of you, Hunter," Luz chuckled before wincing in pain.

"I was told you get the best out of people," The blonde replied, and the human slipped, falling to the floor.

"Luz!" Willow and her boyfriend exclaimed in unison.

The couple exchanged their looks when the human started to chuckle. Soon, the laughter turned into gasps for air, and it was not long before Luz began crying in helplessness. She grabbed her head and tugged her hair painfully.

"Luz…" Willow whispered, understanding the emotional roller-ghoster.

"It's been so long, Will," Luz gasped, trying to control herself, "I know I have to keep my distance…" She added, and Willow shocked her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"I get it, Luz," The witch whispered, "You miss her. I can't even imagine what you're going through," She added, exchanging looks with her boyfriend.

"I know it's difficult, Luz," Hunter said, joining the women on the floor, "At least you're not in any danger anymore. You need to heal, which takes time," He added, offering a small smile.

Luz pulled away from Willow's embrace and slowly crawled back to her wheelchair. With a few pained grunts, she got to her seat and unblocked her wheels. She sighed heavily in defeat.

"I need some alone time," Luz said, turning toward the exit, "Thank you… For your support," She added, feeling it would not be fair to her friends not to show gratitude.

"Hoot?"

"Shut up!" Luz thought angrily, "Iʼm fed up with everyone telling me to be patient. That healing takes time!" She snapped at the Owl Demon.

"Hoot!" The demon tried to argue, but Luz could not hear them anymore.

The human stopped her wheelchair, ignoring the fact that she was in the middle of the first-floor patio, right before the Nurses' Station. She grabbed her hair forcefully, trying to remain calm and in control.

"Hoot!" The demon tried again, more forcefully.

"Shut up!" Luz thought, groaning in frustration.

"Screech!" The demon argued.

"Shut up!" Luz roared, pulling her bangs.

"Luz, are you okay?" Someone asked, but the human just clenched her eyes, tugging her hair harder.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Luz shook her head forcefully.

"Luz? Talk to me," Someone touched her arm, and the human shot her eyes in surprise, "Luz, calm down."

The Healer gasped, seeing the pitch-black eyes open. Luz noticed Emira, and a loud screech erupted in her throat, making the human understand what worried the green-haired woman before her.

"Luz, did you take your elixirs?" Emira asked, and Clawthorne nodded before grabbing her head again, "Can you tell me what happened?"

"I…" Luz gasped before screeching loudly, "I pissed them off," She said and arched her back in pain, wheezing hard.

"SCREECH!" The demonʼs howl deafened everyone on the floor.

"H-help!" Luz begged, spitting on her chin. A loud bone snap echoed in the corridor.

She grabbed her forearm, trying to control herself, but she could not when her right shoulder popped out of its socket. Luz roared in pain and grabbed her left knee when it followed the process.

"Ah!" The human hollered and fell off the wheelchair, "Em!" She begged, "Now!" She hurried the Healer.

"I'm sorry," Emira whispered, and she quickly applied a Sleep Spell to the human, "Titan," She whispered when she watched her future sister-in-law regain her original shape.

"We'll help," A few Nurses came over, and they brought Luz onto a gurney while someone guided Emira to the chair to help her calm down.

It had been over twelve hours when Danielle noticed a slight stirring. Amity's ears twitched, and she released a low groan. She tied her brows, and to the human's surprise, she cracked her eyes open, blinking rapidly. The golden orbs roamed the immediate surroundings hazily.

"Amity?" Danielle whispered, and she noted how the ears twitched, and the witch focused her gaze on the older woman.

"Mmm…" Amity groaned and dug her lengthened nails into the mattress before facing the wall on her left and hissing aggressively.

"It's okay, Cariño, don't get frustrated," Danielle whispered supportively, getting the witch's attention, "Do you know who I am?" She asked and held her breath.

Amity blinked rapidly again, regaining her calm. Her eyes roamed the woman before her, and she tied her brows. The witch slowly nodded and cracked a small, tired smile that melted the human's heart.

"We gave you powerful painkillers," Danielle explained when she noticed Amity's ear flutter and a delicate shake of the lavender head, "Dizziness is a common side effect in humans, but we don't know how it would affect you," She added. Amity nodded slowly before letting her head rest back on the pillow.

The golden eyes fluttered, and the witch cracked a faint smile. Tears gathered at the corners of the eyes, and Amity let out a small chuckle before gasping hard in pain. She clenched her eyes briefly before opening them again and refocusing on the woman beside her.

"Are you still experiencing pain?" Danielle asked hesitantly.

Amity nodded and unknowingly tapped her index finger, letting Danielle know how she got used to this form of communication. The older woman tied her brows, and her warm expression faded into worry.

"On a scale from one to ten?" The human asked and noticed how the Amity started tapping her finger.

Danielle realized by the third tap that the witch was giving her an answer. When the human counted the eighth tap, she paled down. But Amity was not stopping. She kept going, and the brunette took hold of the bony hand.

"It's okay, I get it," Danielle interrupted, soothing the pale knuckles. She was shocked to feel Amity tighten her hold on the warm hand, "¿Cariño?" The human asked when she noticed tears swelling in the golden orbs again.

"Mmm…" Amity tried to speak up again, but her body did not cooperate.

"Write on my palm," Danielle straightened her hand, and Amity's ears slanted in concentration.

The witch worried about her constantly lengthened nails, but she had to admit, that was a clever idea. Amity took a sharp inhale, and she focused on her fingers. She did her best not to harm the human with her nail as she placed the shaking fingertip on the warm palm.

"Slowly, Amity, we have time," Danielle encouraged when she noticed how difficult it was for the witch to move her finger in the specific shape.

The human waited patiently. The young woman took a deep breath, and with visible struggle and frustration, she forced her finger to move, avoiding hurting the woman who was there for her.

"Sheʼs so determined, so brave," Danielle thought as the witch traced the shapes on her palm.

"What?" Danielle shook her head in disbelief. Amity's faint smile widened, and she traced the shape on the human's palm again with more ease, "¿Mamá?" She asked in disbelief.

The witch closed her eyes and nodded slightly before weakly opening them again. Danielle's green orbs widened in shock as she roamed the pale face in disbelief. Amity watched the womanʼs expression, and she could tell the human was equally shocked and relieved.

"You remember?" Danielle asked weakly, and she felt a delicate finger twitch on her still-straightened palm.

They shared the most prolonged and hesitant look. The human wanted to hug her daughter, but she was too scared to hurt the young woman. Danielle felt Amity trace the same pattern as if she were calling for her, and her golden, uncovered eye filled with tears.

"Mija," Danielle choked a sob, "I donʼt want to hurt you," She explained her hesitation, "But…" She could not hold the question back, "Can I hug you?" The human asked, and Amity slightly nodded. Tears rolled down her left cheek, soaked the bandage on her right, and she released a heavy, shaky breath.

Danielle leaned forward. She tried to be as delicate as possible but could not hold back her excitement. Her strong hands pulled Amity up, and despite being hurt by the action, the young woman snuggled her head into the embrace.

"Mija, I missed you so much," Danielle whispered, unknowingly tightening the hug and soothing the lavender hair.

"Titan, she kept her word…" Amity thought, sobbing weakly, "She's here… My REAL mother is here…!" She realized and unknowingly started purring.

The pale hands fought the pain, and, with a few ligament twitches, they landed on the human's back. Amity did her best to return the hug, but she was just grateful to remember who the woman was to her.

"Mmm…" The witch tried to speak again, regretting it immediately as her body could not take this amount of stimuli.

"Shh, Mija, you're safe now," Danielle whispered in a quivering voice, "I missed you so much, Bebé," She added, sobbing quietly while Amityʼs purr stuttered between sniffles.

"Mamá," Amity whispered barely audibly, feeling the pain in her throat, slightly tightening the hold, and Danielle let out a cry.

"Sí, Cariño…" The human whispered, caressing the lavender head, delicately rocking them, "Mamá está aquí," She added, holding Amity close.

The witch purred, feeling safe, cried in relief, and whimpered in pain, but she was not about to let go of the woman who had been there for her since the day they met. It was the first time she felt safe in a long time.

Danielle was just as relieved to know that Amity was back and remembered who she was to her. She held the young woman close, rocking them slightly until she realized the witch's purrs started to die down, and her pale hands fell limply to the bed.

Danielle pulled back and realized the witch was out cold. The human understood how this small exercise must have exhausted the hurt woman. Despite all that, it was progress, and after helping Amity get back to a comfortable position and cleaning the pale face, Danielle returned to her seat, where she watched her daughter, waiting for her to feel better.

The next time Amity opened her eyes, she noticed a dark figure above her. The Heiress twitched in fear, trying to jump away. She mewled in pain when she felt how stiff her body was. Every nerve burned in agony.

"Sorry," The person whispered. The round glasses shone eerily, "I can't do it," They added, leaving something on her nightstand and shaking their head in defeat before leaving the room hurriedly.

Amity did not recognize the person as she was too focused on how everything hurt her. She saw Danielle sleeping on the wide armchair by her bed. She did not want to disturb the human, but she could feel how her pain was increasing.

"Má…" Amity gasped, but it was barely audible.

"F-fuck… What should I do?" The witch thought in panic.

Each passing second brought her more pain, and it was not long when she could not think straight. All she knew was that her entire body felt like it was being burned alive, and her bile sac was the source of the heat.

Danielle stirred in her sleep. She did not know what was happening when she heard strange noises. She opened her eyes and realized Amity was the source of the sounds. The human immediately shot to her feet, turned on a small lamp, and gasped in fear.

The witch tried to scream as paralyzing jolts of agony shook up her body, making her limbs twitch. The uncovered golden eye tried to focus on anything but kept rolling under the fluttering eyelids while the quivering pink lips released drool. Danielle finally understood what was wrong.

"Amity, hold on," The woman whispered, hoping to calm her daughterʼs nerves.

Danielle noticed the fresh IV someone had left on the nightstand. With no pain medication, all discomfort returned to Amity with a vengeance, letting her feel everything. The witch tried to cooperate when she felt someone disconnect the empty bag, but her hands spasmed uncontrollably.

"It's okay, Cariño," Danielle tried to calm the witch down, "It'll pass soon," She added, wiping her daughter's face. She grabbed the pale hand as soon as she ended the procedure, "Iʼm here, Bebé," She whispered, feeling the clenching of the small palm.

"Mmm…" The witch released another set of panicked whimpers and a waterfall of tears, breaking the human's heart.

"I know this hurts, Amity," Danielle whispered. She sighed heavily and hoped she could distract the young woman, "I believe you remember I told you I grew up in a country ravaged by turf war," Amity blinked rapidly, trying to focus on the soft voice, "I was supposed to transport the pregnant women to safety. I didn't want to fight, and since they forced me to get involved, I convinced them to get this task…"

She paused, recalling her juvenile days, not realizing Amity focused hard on her story as it helped her survive the agony as she patiently waited for the medicine to work. The witch could not stop but think about what the woman went through.

"They ambushed us…" Danielle's voice shook, dragging Amity out of her stupor.

The golden eyes rolled before focusing on the woman who bared her soul in the hope of helping the witch survive the agony before the medicine would work. Amity let out a wheezing breath, and she tried to tighten the hold on the tan hand, hoping to offer support in return.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't talk about it…" Danielle looked aside, worried about how her story affected the witch. A delicate twitch on her hand and a quiet whimper urged her to continue, "Anyway… As I drove, I didn't notice a land mine. I was lucky to survive. Before I passed out, I saw all these pregnant women dead…"

The human paused as the sudden memory blinded her. The dead woman with a ruptured stomach and her unborn child torn to pieces flashed before her eyes. Danielle was unaware that her eyes teared down.

"When I woke up…" The human gasped, wiping her face, "My mother was disappointed, to say the least…" She could not continue, "Anyway, I do not exaggerate when I say that I understand what you went through, Cariño, and I promise that nothing like that would happen to you ever again," She added with a determined expression before looking at the witch, realizing she was not wheezing anymore.

"M-Má…" Amity gasped, forcing herself to stay conscious and listen to the human's story.

"I'm glad the medicine is working," Danielle smiled warmly, "Sleep, Bebé, you need your strength," She added, and the witch did not need to be asked twice.

The golden eyes rolled up, and the hold on the tan hand was slacking. Yet, Danielle did not let go. She watched the small hand with lengthened nails before she looked up at the sleeping face. The bandage-covered cheek rested on the pillow, and the unresponsive pointy ears did not even twitch.

Eda opened her eyes with a slight groan and noticed a familiar set of green eyes. The witch smiled, looking at her girlfriend, glad to see her by her side.

"Dani?" The Owl Lady said groggily.

"Eda?" The human gasped, leaning forward, "Dios mío, you idiot," She whispered, grabbing the pale hand, pulling it to her lips, and kissing it softly, "How do you feel?" She asked, blinking tears of relief away.

"Better," The witch smiled, showing off her golden fang, "How's Boots?" She asked, and the human immediately looked aside, "Please tell me she made it. I already told Luz…" She paused when she noticed Danielle's expression.

"Sheʼs alive, Amor," The human confirmed, "But the pain…" She paused, her gaze returning to the witch.

"Her bile sac was emptied, Dani…" Eda groaned, trying to sit up, "I donʼt know how much you read, but we cannot live without magic…" She paused, feeling weak, "But she will get through it," The witch added.

"It's just…" Danielle paused, wiping her unshed tears, "How did you do it?" She asked, shocking the bedridden woman, "How did you survive seeing Luz in so much pain…? How…?" Her lips quivered.

"Oye, Dani," Eda tightened the hold on her girlfriend's hand, "The trick is, you need a support system, too," She explained, "I wouldn't make it if not for Lilith," She added, resting her head back on the pillow.

"How do you feel?" Danielle worried about the witch's expression.

"Still better than Boots," Eda joked, and Owlbert hooted disapprovingly, "Sorry…"

"It's okay…" Danielle replied, "I know how you deal with stress…" She could not continue.

Eda's expression faded when she saw the woman she loved tearing down and wailing in defeat. She felt weaker than a newborn witchling, but she gathered all her strength to pull the smaller woman into her bed and let her cry in the safety of her embrace.

Emira watched the women from a distance. She wanted to check in on Eda, but she could not interrupt. Seeing Danielle devastated by Amity's state did something to the Healer. She tried to visit her sister, but she was scared. Panicked even. To see her only relative in so much pain and be unable to help was too much to handle. She reminded her of Edric in too many ways.

The next time Amity woke up, she noticed a bright blue light above her face. She tried to jump away, scared of the sudden intrusion, but the pain in her body immobilized her, keeping her in place.

"I'm sorry, Honey," The Heiress recognized her sister-in-law's kind voice, "I didn't mean to scare you. I needed to see how your face is healing," She explained, decreasing the power and dropping the spell.

"Mmmmhm…?" Amity mewled, trying to speak but unable to utter a word. Viney sat beside the bed and readied for the difficult conversation.

"Amity," The Healer's voice filled with guilt, "I'm sorry, but when Eda brought you here, stuck in the Everlasting Dream, it was not possible for us to fully heal you," She paused, seeing how Amity looked at her with fear, "We did everything in our power, but you will be scarred," She said, hating she could not reverse the damage, "Most likely forever," She added. The golden eyes clenched shut, releasing a waterfall of tears.

Amity sobbed quietly, knowing she should be mindful of her throat. She did not notice when her mother returned to the room until she felt a warm hand in her palm, squeezing her in reassurance and support.

"It's going to be alright, Cariño," Danielle smiled warmly, wiping the pale face, "If you're ready, we can remove your dressing and Healing Glyphs now," She added.

Amity's gaze rushed to Viney, and the Healer nodded, confirming the human's words. Danielle noticed how clammy her daughter's hands became, and she soothed the pale knuckles before speaking.

"Mija, if you're not ready, then that's okay. There's no rush," The human assured.

FLEX

Amity moved her fingers, trying to communicate with her mother.

"Do you want us to remove the dressing?" Danielle asked, ensuring she understood the intention.

FLEX

"Okay, Mija," The human squeezed the pale hand briefly, "I'll be right back with the right ointments," She informed the witch, knowing her daughter was too scared to be left alone. The golden eyes rushed to the Healer.

"I will remove your dressing, and we'll clean the wound with the ointment," Viney explained, feeling the panicked stare drilling into her soul. Amity blinked in understanding.

Once Danielle returned with the glowing elixirs, the Heiress's breathing increased. She knew it was necessary, but she feared experiencing any more pain. Viney noticed her patient's behavior and understood it perfectly.

"Honey, are you sure you want us to proceed?" The Healer asked worriedly. Amity nodded, even though she was still nervous and hesitant, "Okay," Viney smiled, trying to ease the nerves, "I'll be gentle," She added, and they began.

Amity stiffened, feeling the bandages removed from her face. She mewled and arched her back as she finally felt the cold air on her face. Viney drew the spell circle, and the remainder of the Healing Glyphs disappeared.

"Almost there," The Healer informed, "Very nice," She whispered more to herself, "It's still fresh and delicate, but we'll monitor it closely," She informed her sister-in-law before glancing at the human.

"I'm going to apply the ointments, Cariño," Danielle whispered, "Please, try to stay still," She added, and Amity nodded.

Viney smiled, seeing how the Heiress trusted the human. Danielle delicately cleaned the wounds, applying the soothing potion, watching with awe how it glowed before the skin absorbed it.

"Do you want a mirror?" Viney asked, seeing Danielle almost finished her task.

"Ngaahhhhhh…!" Amity shook her head in panic, her eyes rushing from one woman to another.

"It's okay, Cariño," Danielle soothed the lavender hair, "Not everything at once. We have time, Bebé," She kissed the pale forehead. Amity blinked rapidly, and the pointy ears fluttered at the motherly affection she was still unused to.

"I'll leave you to it," Viney whispered, "I need to get back to my other patients, but I'll be back during rounds to check on you," She promised.

"V-Vi…" Amity gasped, pausing when her throat burned with pain.

"It's okay, Honey, I know," Viney smiled, placing her hand on the Heiress's shoulder, "Youʼre very welcome," She added before leaving the room.

"It's okay, Cariño," Danielle took her usual spot beside the witch, "Youʼre going to be fine…" She paused, seeing Amity shake her head, tears rolling down her cheeks, "Mija, I know it feels bad now, but I…" She suddenly cut the sentence.

"Mmmmnnngghhhhh…?" Amity mumbled worriedly, seeing how her mother froze.

Danielle suddenly turned around, and once she ensured the doors were closed, she removed her shirt to ensure the witch saw her. Amity blinked in disbelief. She knew that her mother had a rough childhood, but she never expected what she just saw.

Deep, irregular scars marked the tan body. Many of them looked like Danielle had to sew the cuts herself. The pointy ears twitched as the gold eyes roamed the body frantically. She could not believe this was why the human understood her so well.

"Only Eda knows about that," Danielle said, turning to put on her shirt. Amity caught a glimpse of more scars before the human returned to her seat, "I know every mark is difficult to get used to, but I promise you'll be alright, Mija," She took hold of the pale hand.

"M-Má," Amity tried to speak, supporting her mother, but the last hour drained her energy.

"Shh, sleep, Bebé," Danielle smiled, pecking the lavender head, "I'll be right here when you wake up," She added, and Amity tried to smile.

The pink lips twitched, the golden eyes blinked weakly, and the pointy ears fluttered. The pale hand flexed as Amity tried to hold her mother, but the weakness overtook her. Danielle smiled, watching how the witch tried to stay conscious. She soothed the lavender hair and helped the Heiress relax and fall asleep.

Luz rolled her wheelchair into the Gym, hoping to get her mind off things. The pain she shared with Amity for the mere minutes was so unbelievably great she could not think straight. She stopped in front of the bars she used to help her fiancée walk a few weeks ago.

"Okay, I can do this," Luz whispered, encouraging herself.

She forced herself up, and her breathing hitched. She pushed her right leg forward and let out a shaky, soundless cry. The images of how she helped Amity walk flashed before her eyes. Luz pushed the left leg, and her hands shook. The pain in her chest paralyzed her upper body.

"F-fuck!" The human gasped weakly.

Her hands gave out, and she fell to the floor with no one to catch her. The memories of how Amity helped her through her first Physical Therapy flooded her mind, practically blinding her. She could not bear being so helpless, unable to help the woman she loved.

"Luz!"

The human did not hear the familiar voice calling for her. She did not see how the emerald-haired Healer covered her lips when she noticed her future sister-in-law lying flat on the floor. Luz's lips mouthed some incomprehensible words while her hands kept transforming into claws and back into human hands.

"Luz! Look at me!" Emira quickly knelt beside the human and turned her to her back.

The Healer drew a spell circle and tried to focus on helping the human. The hazel-brown eyes roamed the ceiling until they locked on the focused golden orbs. She smirked momentarily before her expression faded.

"Amity…" Luz whispered, looking at the Healer, "Iʼm sorry I couldn't save you… Odalia was right…" She added, and the tears escaped her empty eyes.

"Titan, Luz," Emira whispered, dropping a spell, "You have to snap out of it," She added, realizing the human was not injured.

"Ah-Ami…" Luz's breathing hitched, and she gasped hard for air.

"Shit," Sudden footsteps approached them, and Emira was never more grateful to see Willow, "What happened?" She asked, eyeing her friend worriedly.

"I found her like this," Emira explained, "I donʼt know what happened," She added, and the short witch looked at her friend.

The hazel-brown eyes turned into black-gold ones and back to the human ones while Luz kept calling for Amity. Her hands shook deliriously, and her lips whispered lies Odalia implanted in her mind.

"She said I would hurt her… It's my fault…" Luz continued, and Willow sighed before sharing a knowing look with Emira.

The Healer drew another spell circle and focused on the human's vitals. She tied her brows, and her ears slanted in sad realization.

"She hasn't slept in days, and she's malnourished," Emira said, dropping the spell, "Damn it, Luz," She whispered, understanding what slowed the human's recovery.

"So, she needs to rest and eat, right?" Willow asked, and the Healer nodded, "I'll take her to the Owl House…"

"Are you sure?" Emira interrupted, "She can stay here…" She added. The other witch only smiled at that.

"It's okay, Em," The shorter woman replied, "It would be better for her to sleep in her bed. Besides, I know she would be safe there," She added, and her expression faded, "I can't help Amity, so let me at least help Luz," She said regretfully.

Emira nodded in agreement and helped bring the human to the wheelchair. Luz was still stuck in her worst nightmare, but at least she cooperated. Willow rolled her friend out of the Gym, leaving the heartbroken and confused Healer behind.

Luz woke up in her bed feeling sore and thirsty. She tied her brows and immediately sobbed, recalling the visions she was haunted by before passing out. A sudden touch on her forearm scared her, forcing her to snap open her eyes.

Luz blinked rapidly, chasing her tears away, and focused her gaze to the best of her ability. The worried green gaze observed her from behind the round spectacles. The human exhaled in pain when she tried to move. A sharp pain erupted in her leg, paralyzing her.

"Easy, Luz," Willow whispered worriedly, "Emira gave me some meds that might help you," She added, helping up the brunette's death.

Luz winced and looked down to where she had noticed a glass of water. She had no idea she was this parched when she started gulping the liquid down, not realizing it was bitter.

"You should feel better soon," Willow said.

"What was that?" Luz asked groggily, wincing in disgust.

"Some pain medication Danielle brought from the Human Realm," Willow said, watching her friend carefully, "You haven't been eating again, have you?" She asked, and the human looked aside with shame.

"I couldn't… I was too nauseous from lack of sleep," Luz admitted. She winced in discomfort, and her right hand flew up to her chest, "Titan, why does it hurt so much?" She wondered, slightly arching her back in discomfort.

Luz looked at Willow and noticed how her friend's ears slanted nervously. The green eyes looked aside, averting the hazel-brown, intense gaze. The human knew the witch was hiding something.

"Willow…" Luz gasped hoarsely, "Talk," She grabbed the yellow jacked as forcefully as possible, "Now!"

Willow looked back at her friend and hesitated momentarily. The witch released a heavy sigh and gathered the courage to speak. She removed the human's hand from her jacket and swallowed hard.

"Just don't freak out like last time," Willow asked. Luz cracked a small smile, "They had to crack your chest open again when you were under the spell. Whatever Boscha did to you, your chest was closed improperly…" She said, watching Luz's reactions closely, "Iʼm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner," The human was shocked by the tears in the green eyes, "Hunter and I were in the Catacombs hours earlier with a squad of Coven Scouts. We looked through every room…" She paused to control her emotions.

"It's okay…" Luz whispered, and her hold on her friend tightened supportively, "You couldn't have known…" She added, smiling softly.

"Anyway," Willow continued, "Emira made a hard choice. We were all on board. Whenever she tried to heal you, it triggered a transformation, or your heart rate was dangerously high…"

"And you still remember the last time I died…" Luz noted.

"Danielle taught us the procedure," Willow said, and Luz could not believe what she was hearing, "We needed to open you up, adjust your chest, clean your wound, close you with these human stitches," She explained, staring into the void. She was clearly seeing the entire operation before her eyes, "Anyway…" She blinked rapidly, "We did all we could…"

"Willow," Luz interrupted forcefully, "Stop beating yourself up," She smiled and sat up, wincing in discomfort, "I know you did you you could. I was just wondering what happened," She added, forcing herself to smile.

"Yeah, got it…" Willow replied hesitantly, "Would you like to eat something?"

"I know I should," Luz admitted, "But it's difficult," She added in defeat.

"Let me prepare you something small," Willow offered, "Maybe it will jumpstart your appetite," She explained. The human nodded, agreeing, "Try to sleep while I'm gone. You need your strength," The witch proposed before leaving the room.

"Willow?" Luz whispered, making the witch pause momentarily, "Thank you."

"You're very welcome, Luz," Willow replied, smiling delicately, "Now you better eat everything I give you. You need your strength," She added before finally heading to the kitchen.

"Titan, she's a good friend," Luz thought, relaxing in the bed, closing her eyes, and sighing in appreciation.

Willow did not leave Luz for longer than necessary, worried the human would not eat again. It was hard to watch the best friend so sad, unable to care for herself. Hooty shared a worried gaze with the witch as she was reluctant to enter the first-floor room.

"Is she going to be okay?" Hooty whispered as quietly as possible. The woman sighed heavily.

"Eventually, Hooty," Willow said sadly, "We'll be there for her," She added, opening the door.

Luz sat in the wheelchair, staring at the wall as the morning light shone on her immobile face. She looked so out of touch. Willow gulped nervously, worried about her friend's well-being.

"Luz?" The witch approached the wheelchair, "Are you okay?" She asked, sitting beside her and placing the food tray on the nightstand.

"Yeah," Luz blinked rapidly, "I was just thinking," She said, trying to smile.

"Anything in particular?" Willow asked, handing the plate to her friend.

"Just… Everything," The human ate slowly, her stomach still in knots, "How Amity watched over me, how we stayed with Grandma Gwen, Odalia's trial…" She paused, swallowing hard, "We've been through so much," The hazel-brown eyes watered.

"I know, Luz," Willow retrieved the plate and passed the elixir. The human downed it with a wince.

"Then everything you told me about what you found…" The tears roamed freely, and her back shook violently, "Will, what the hell was that about?" She continued, "I can't stop thinking about it… Like, like, like…!" She inhaled harshly.

"Easy, Luz," Willow grabbed the human's shoulders, trying to ground her friend, "Breathe," She whispered, but it did not help much.

"What if she planned something…?" Luz continued, but the witch did not have it.

"We stopped her, Luz," Willow said sternly, "Odalia, Philip, and Boscha's dead. The laboratory is gone, and everything will be fine," She soothed the human, "Now come on," She smiled, "Emira will be here shortly to take a look at you," She added, and Luz nodded, allowing her friend to help her to bed.

"Hoot hoot! The Blight Sister's here!" Hooty informed, startling the human.

"Let her in," Willow instructed, helping her friend relax.

"How's she?" Emira asked as she entered the room, seeing how Luz stared at the ceiling.

"Sheʼs overthinking everything," Willow explained, "Don't worry, Zariyah will come over in the afternoon," She added, and the Healer nodded in understanding.

"Okay, then," Emira approached the bed, and her expression faded, "Luz, can you hear me?" She asked, and the human nodded slightly, "I need to undress you a little to check your wound, okay?"

"Okay," Luz whispered, trying to remain calm.

Emira unbuttoned the human's flannel, revealing a vast scar on the tan torso. The Healer left the shirt flaps covering the bare breasts, and she drew the spell circle. Luz stiffened, seeing the light above her, but she focused on the golden eyes, so similar to her girlfriend's.

The warmth of the spell entered the human's chest, and Luz arched her back slightly. Willow noticed worriedly how her friend's fingers lengthened into beast-like claws, and the low growl escaped her throat.

"We're almost done," Emira informed, decreasing the power and seeing how Luz acted.

"Ngaahhh!" The human's breathing hitched, and the Healer finally dropped the spell.

"Easy, Luz, breathe," Emira soothed, waiting patiently for the human to calm down, simultaneously closing her shirt, "Youʼre finally healing. We will schedule a Healing Spell to remove your internal clamps, but you may experience discomfort for some time," She explained.

"Thank you, Em," Luz whispered tiredly, trying to sit up, "Ugh," She winced in pain.

"Just rest and eat plenty," Emira smiled softly, "And don't overdo yourself in the PT," She added, winking at Willow.

"When can I see Amity, Em?" Luz asked tiredly.

"Not yet, Luz," Emira sat beside, "Viney just removed her bandages. She's in so much pain," She sniffed, feeling helpless.

"But she's alive," Willow pointed out, "That's what matters. The rest would just take time," She added. Luz and Emira nodded, silently agreeing with the other woman.

"Alright, I should go," The Healer broke the heavy silence, "I'll let you know once we schedule a Healing Spell for you, Luz," She addressed her friend.

"Thank you, Em," The human forced a smile onto her face.

"Just take it easy," Emira replied and took her leave.

Amity lost all sense of time. She kept waking up every few hours when her pain levels were rising. Every single time, Danielle was beside her. She hoped the higher level of pain medication would help her feel better, but it seemed like her body was not reacting to the medication appropriately.

The pointy ears twitched unevenly, and the golden eyes rolled up as Amity tried to speak when she noticed Viney enter the room. The hurt woman could have sworn that the sweat rolling down her forehead cut open her skin. Every sensation she would have ignored before now sent her into agony.

"Amity?" Viney asked, and the woman in question whimpered pitifully.

The Healer's voice sent an excruciating sensation through Amity's ears. The hurt witch could have sworn that someone was piercing her eardrums with a rusty nail. She could not take it anymore, and yet she was not losing consciousness, stuck in the unbearable pain.

"¿Mija?" The sounds of struggle woke Danielle up. The human was beside Viney within seconds.

"Ngaaa-aaah…!" Amity let out a pained, wheezing gasp. The bony hands with constantly lengthened nails shook deliriously.

"Viney?" Danielle asked, shocked to hear her daughter release another incomprehensible mewl.

The Healer drew a spell circle to examine her sister-in-law. At the same time, Danielle eyed her daughter with worry. Amity's eyes rolled around underneath the fluttering eyelids. The lengthened nails dug deep into the mattress, cutting the bedsheets. The sob-shaken back arched in pain while the face, contorted in discomfort, ran down with cold sweat.

"It's the drugs," Danielle realized. Before she could have said something, Viney dropped the spell.

"Amity…" The Healer whispered just above the audible level, "Please, hold on. We'll get you a different medicine," She added, pulling Danielle forcefully out of the room.

"No," The human gasped, watching her daughter being left alone with her pain.

"Please, don't leave me!" Amity begged in her thoughts, watching the Healer pull her mother away, forcing her to leave the room.

"Come on, Dani! I need your help!" Viney's voice echoed painfully in the lavender head.

"M-Má…" Amity mouthed while she tried to force herself out of bed, hoping to follow the sense of comfort that Danielle brought her.

The golden eyes teared down. The witch used her lengthened nails to dig into the mattress and pull herself closer to the edge of the bed. Every twitch of her limbs was bought by an immense amount of pain. It did not matter. Not at that moment.

THUD!

Viney pulled Danielle toward the supply closet next to Amity's room, wasting no time turning on the light and beginning her frantic search. The human froze momentarily, not knowing what was happening.

"Come on, Dani! I need your help!" The Healer said shakily.

"The medicine is making her worse, isn't it?" The human asked.

"Yeah, I have never seen anything like this," Viney admitted, "Start with those shelves over there. Look for something that ends with 'cod' and has a capital 'M' in the Potion Master's signature," She explained, continuing her search. Danielle did not have to be asked twice.

"Thatʼs why people get addicted, you know? In the Human Realm," The doctor said while she went through the vials of different shapes and sizes, "Lowering the dose increases the pain, so they keep taking more until they overdose," She explained.

"I'm sorry…" Viney choked out, pausing her movements, "I didn't know…"

"Adflicod!" Danielle exclaimed, interrupting the other woman. Viney jumped toward the human.

"Yes!" The Healer exclaimed with relief, "Three milliliters should do the trick. Grab the syringe from the left drawer…"

THUD!

They shared a panicked look, worried as they knew which room this sound originated from. Danielle grabbed the syringe and rushed out of the closet. She froze mid-step when she entered Amity's room.

The hurt woman was sprawled on the floor. Amity fell off the bed, face down. Her limbs were in no shape to soften her fall. She let out whimpers, blinded by the pounding pain in her face. The IV stand fell on her back.

"Viney!" Danielle called before realizing how her panicked voice hurt the witch.

"Mmmngh…!" Amity clenched her eyes shut, drooling on the floor, crying in helplessness.

"It's okay, Cariño," Danielle approached her daughter, "Don't worry, I'm gonna take care of you," She said, removing the IV stand from the sob-shaken back, "I need to touch you now. I know it will hurt, Bebé," She added, and Amity clenched her eyes as if she was bracing for what needed to be done.

"Mmmmnnngghhhhh!" The hurt witch mewled. Danielle turned her daughter to her back as delicately as possible. It was still too much. Every touch on the pale body left the sensation of deskinning, "Nnnnngggaah…!" Amity cried incomprehensibly in time for Viney to join them.

"I found more…" The Healer paused in shock, "Shit, Amity," She hissed when she noticed an open cut on her sister-in-law's face.

"Alleyoop," Danielle said, lifting Amity in one swift move, bringing her to bed, "There you go, Cariño," She added, ensuring the body was secured, "Just bear with me. I have a new medicine for you," She whispered, and Amity's weak gaze was filled with gratitude.

"Hold on, Honey," Viney said, "I'll take care of that cut on your head. Try to relax. We're not leaving you," She reassured.

That was enough for Amity to tear down. Her chest shook with weak sobs, but she could not force a single word out of her. Her weak gaze ran from Viney to Danielle while her mind punished her with a sense of inadequacy and disgrace.

"Mmmhhh…" Amity released a muffled cry when she felt a needle pierce her skin.

"I know, Cariño, I know," Danielle cooed, emptying the syringe into her daughterʼs bloodstream.

She watched Amity's expression as she did so. The Healing Spell eerily illuminated the pale face, and the doctor watched with awe how the cut on her head had disappeared. It was not long before Viney dropped the spell in time for Danielle to remove the needle from underneath the porcelain-like skin.

"Mmmm…" Amity tried to speak up, but it was too difficult.

"Shh, Cariño," Danielle whispered, placing the empty syringe safely on the tool stand, "We're not going anywhere," She said, and Amity clenched her eyes, releasing more tears, "It's okay, Bebé," She added, grabbing the pale hand supportively. The witch tried to return the hold but felt weaker by a second.

"The medicine should work soon," Viney got Amity's attention, "It's Morton's experimental potion based on the Human Realm drug. It should be more adapted to our physiology, but we need to wait and see," She explained, "The solution is the fastest way to help, but if you react well, we can have elixirs…" She paused when she noticed Amity's back arch.

"M-Má…" The Heiress gasped, shocking the women hovering above her.

"I'm here, Cariño," Danielle assured, cupping the pale cheek with her free palm, and she could have sworn Amity tightened the hold on her hand, "I promise, I'm not going anywhere," She added and was shocked to see the pale lips twitch in an attempt to smile.

"Try to sleep, Amity," Viney whispered, "I'll check in on you in a few hours," She added before sharing a knowing look with Danielle.

"Mmm…" Amityʼs body stiffened in anxiety.

"I'm not going anywhere, Cariño," Danielle repeated, assuring the younger woman.

The golden eyes clenched shut, releasing more tears before shooting open when Amity realized the warm hand left her weak hold. She roamed the room in fear before she noticed the human beside her.

"Try to relax. This will help you cool down a little," Danielle whispered, wetting the cloth in cold water.

The human was relieved that her voice was not hurting the witch anymore. The pointy ears rested on the pillow, twitching delicately, listening to the soft voice, and Amity seemed more relaxed.

"I hate to see you hurt, Cariño…" Danielle said, dabbing the sweaty forehead with care, simultaneously cooling and cleaning it, "But please, be patient and more forgiving toward yourself. You died, Amity," She paused to wipe her unshed tears.

The golden eyes fixated on the woman caring for her. The eyelids stopped fluttering frantically, and her breathing finally calmed down. Amity was relieved the new medicine seemed to work.

"I'm…" The witch gasped. She could not continue when she felt pain in her throat.

"I know, Amity," Danielle said softly, "You don't have to say anything now," She smiled warmly, "Right now you need to rest. It'll take a while before you're…"

"If…" Amityʼs gasp interrupted Danielle's sentence.

"Before, Cariño," The human said equally sternly and reassuringly, "I'll make sure of that," She added, smiling warmly.

The pink lips twitched in another attempt to smile. Amity did not realize when her body relaxed, cooled by the compress, and warmed by Danielle's support. The surroundings became blurrier, and the golden eyes rolled up before the heavy eyelids closed.

"Duerme bien, Mija," Danielle whispered.

She discarded the compress before tucking the witch in, ensuring her comfort and warmth. Afterward, she prepared the fresh IV drip and took her spot in the wide armchair, using it as her observation point, watching the Heiress sleep before drifting away, exhausted by the last hour's events.

It had been barely a few hours since Danielle fell asleep. Her back was sore and her neck stiff when she heard the morning rounds' sounds that brought her back. She cleared her throat and slightly straightened herself when she heard someone enter the room.

"Miss López?" Danielle heard someone speak.

"Hmm?" The human squinted to recognize the Nurse she worked with, "Hi, Maura," She smiled at the short, buff witch with warm brown eyes.

"I brought some food for you and medicine for Miss Blight," The Nurse whispered, approaching the bed, "How's she?" She asked, glancing at the immobile Heiress whose chest expanded slowly in wheezing breaths.

"Hurt… But alive," Danielle replied, removing herself from the covers. She ignored the loud growl erupting in her stomach, looking at the sleeping woman, "She'll get better… In time," She added and was surprised to feel a hand on her shoulder.

"You need to eat, Miss López," Maura said with a smile, "Jackie made it specially for you," She added, opening the food container.

The smell of fried eggs and bacon filled the small room, and Danielle could not stop herself when she started devouring the meal with her hands, ignoring the cutlery, feeling how her body demanded the food to satiate her body. A small giggle distracted her.

"And I thought humans don't fall into starvation," The Nurse chuckled. Danielle swallowed hard.

"We don't," The human smiled sheepishly, "I just don't remember when the last time I ate was," She added. Her expression faded when the green eyes landed on Amity's sleeping form.

"I'll let you rest now," Maura whispered softly, "You look like you need it," She added, leaving in a hurry before Danielle could question what she meant.

The human finished her meal, refreshed herself, and returned to the armchair in time for Amity to stir in her sleep. The pointy ears twitched, and the dark brows tied in a grimace of discomfort. Danielle knew her sleep would have to wait.

Amity's legs twitched and kicked as if she tried to get herself away from harm. Her back arched slightly, and she released a wheezing whimper. Her hands shook and spasmed, trying to run toward her chest.

"She shouldn't be in pain… It's been barely three hours," Danielle thought with a worried frown, watching the witch struggle in her sleep.

"Mmmmnnngghhhhh…!" Amity mewled, and her eyes shot open, frantically roaming the room in panic.

Danielle immediately jumped forward, trying to support the panicked woman. The witch looked up and immediately tried to move away from the human. Amity squeaked in fear, fighting away from the supportive hold.

"Mija, it's okay," Danielle whispered, but the witch kept pulling away, her eyes roaming the human's face. It was clear she was not seeing her.

"Mmhmm!" Amity tried to speak, but her voice failed her. Danielle leaned forward and cupped the panicked, pale face.

"Shh, shh, Cariño," The human whispered, "Youʼre safe," She added, caressing the trembling, starved cheeks, "Thatʼs it, Bebé, you're alright," She continued, realizing Amity was responding to the calming touch.

The pointy ears fluttered, and the pale limbs stopped kicking and spasming. Amity squinted as if she just realized it was always the human before her. The witch's stiff body slacked a little, and Danielle helped her back under the covers.

As the older woman tried to move away, a sudden hold on her forearm shocked her. The pale, shaking hand with lengthened nails and skin tightly wrapped around the bony limb worried the human. Amity's expression was filled with indescribable fear. The pink lips quivered, and the golden eyes roamed the other woman.

"Amity, Cariño," Danielle whispered, "Do you know where you are?" She asked, waiting patiently and was relieved the lavender head nodded, "Do you know who I am?" Another question followed. Amity tried to speak, but she settled for a reluctant nod.

The witch slowly removed her hand from the tan forearm. Her nails slightly scratched the warm skin, and her breathing evened. Her panicked expression faded, and she released a shaky breath, which she had no idea she was holding.

"Did you have a nightmare?" Danielle asked, sitting close by Amity, holding her hand supportively. The witch nodded, "Are you in pain?" Another question followed.

"Ye-..." Amity clenched her eyes shut, and her hand flew toward her throat, worrying the human.

"It's okay, don't talk," Danielle cooed reassuringly, "Is it your chest?" She asked once the witch reopened her eyes weakly. The lavender head nodded again, "Does anything else hurt…?" The human did not finish her question when Amity nodded fervently.

Danielle frowned and eyed the witch. Her chest heaved rapidly in shallow gasps. It was clear she was trying to control her body, but she could not. The more she waited, the more uncontrollable spasms ravaged Amity's limbs.

"Shit," Danielle understood what was happening.

"This is faster than Viney anticipated," The human thought in panic.

"It's okay, Mija. Stay calm, and I'll get your meds," Danielle reassured.

Amity nodded, knowing she was safe and taken care of. She just needed to hold on, brace for pain, and pull through it. The witch felt she was slipping away as the throbbing in her chest made it difficult to breathe.

"Shit, why does it hurt so much?" Amity thought in panic. She did not realize someone stood beside her, examining her.

"Three milliliters last around four hours," Viney whispered, dropping a spell, "Let's add that to her chart and adjust the IV accordingly," She continued.

"Why can't she talk?" Danielle asked worriedly. Viney's ears slanted nervously.

"Mmmmnnngghhhhh…!" Amity whimpered, dragging them out from their conversation.

"Easy, Cariño," Danielle cooed, preparing the medicine, "Whatʼs the plan, Viney?" She addressed the Healer while she prepared the syringe to inject the pain medication.

"Keep her at three milliliters and keep note when it stops working. We need to see when and if we can lower the meds," Viney said, eyeing her sister-in-law, "Her vocal cords need time to heal," She added in time for the human to prepare the medicine.

"Shh, shh, it's alright, Mija," Danielle whispered reassuringly. Viney watched the human with awe and shock at how Amity trusted the woman, "It'll be over in a moment," She added.

"Mmmmnnngghhhhh… Má-Má…" Amity whimpered, trying to take hold of the tan, warm, peace-offering hand.

"Shh, don't speak, Cariño," The human replied.

The golden eyes rolled up, and the pale hand stopped searching for her mother. Despite her nails not retracting, Amity's expression finally relaxed. She released a wheezing exhale, and she was back asleep.

"De puta madre…" Danielle whispered, lowering her head.

"What does that mean?" Viney asked, and she was shocked to hear the human chuckle bitterly, "Ohhh…" The Healer realized it must have been some human language curse.

"Is there anything we can do for her?" Danielle asked, feeling helpless.

"Observe and adjust," Viney touched the tan shoulder, "We're all on the unknown territory here," She explained. The human nodded in understanding, placing her hand atop the witch's.

"Thank you, Viney," Danielle whispered, and she suddenly grinned, confusing the Healer, "Have I ever told you how Amity thought I was you when we first met?" She asked.

Viney immediately plopped onto the spare stool and eyed the human doctor with a gaze hungry for gossip. Danielle giggled at the womanʼs expression, and she took a comfortable position after tucking Amity in.

"So," The human smirked, "I was just about to go to sleep after the inventory day at the Vet Clinic I ran in the Human Realm when I got the strangest call of my life," She said, smiling widely at Viney's hungry expression with slanted ears, waiting impatiently for the following words.

Neither of the women knew that despite being asleep, the story resonated deep in Amityʼs mind, allowing her to dream of the day when she first met the woman she thought of as her real mother and who considered her a daughter.