by June Leung
She headed back to her room, reaching for her phone under the pillow. She lit up the screen to see a message from Helen, her face fell even more.
Chapter 31
Helen
Helen let out a heavy sigh after chatting with Lia through text. The clock was ticking; she had to finish the potions quickly. She made sure she had locked her door before settling down at the desk. The two books she snuck out from the library were there waiting. She scanned the books again, making sure she was on the right page of the illustrated handbook and reading about the right plant.
She held out her hand, focusing on the dark green plant she needed. She closed her eyes to bring it alive in her mind, but the thought of William and Adrian fighting each other kept interrupting. She didn’t need those at the moment. It was about the plant, the stems, and the leaves.
Slowly a dark green vine appeared on her hand and she set the section of it aside, starting her work on the other plants. One by one, she laid the plants on her desk. She took in a deep breath, reading through the procedures.
She took out the mixing bowl she took from the lounge, putting it in front of her along with a knife she’d taken as well. She carefully cut off the top green layer of the vine, revealing the almost transparent flesh. With a tiny spoon meant for sugar, she scraped the inside of the vine into the bowl. Mashing the flesh for its juice.
Then Helen picked up the pinch of leaves, tearing them into smaller pieces, dropping them in as well. As she tore the leaves, a strong smell of fresh soil on a rainy day filled the air. Helen winced. There was no way the end product had no odor nor taste… I never expected to need some cooking skill to make this whole thing work… I guess it is more interesting than I expected.
After adding a few more fruits and leaves into the bowl, she stirred it together. The different colored leaves and the strong smell of a few of them slowly blended, cancelling each other out as the odor slowly faded. She referenced back to the book, measuring the right amount of water. Soon, everything was mixed well. Helen stared at the mixture with a frown.
Is it done? I think I should give it a try. Helen let the mixture sit while she hid the two books and leftover plants, making sure no one would see them.
She got a small spoonful, cupped her hand and fanned the air towards her. The potion had no smell, but it made her drowsy. Her eyelids grew heavy. I guess this means it works.
She poured most of the potion into a vial. According to the book, the amount she made was enough to knock out an elephant. She set the vial away safely, collecting the rest into a paper cup. She returned the mixing bowl and everything she’d used to the lounge, carefully washing every last bit of the potion and traces of plants away. Luckily it was late in the night, so she didn’t bump into anyone.
Back in her room, the vial stared back at her. This better work, otherwise all she could do was to warn Lia before William would barge into the bar. She traced her fingers along the cold glass surface of the vial, hoping for the best. She messaged Lia to let her know when she would put out the vial for her to get.
It probably wouldn’t be easy while Benjamin was watching Lia and would stop her from leaving the penthouse. Lia urged Helen to relax a bit; she seemed to be confident.
Helen set her phone on the charger and got ready for the night before lying down, staring at the ceiling. Her heartbeat a bit too fast for her to fall asleep. She peeked at the vial, barely seeing the glint of the glass when the lights were off.
Benjamin, it is your fault for being on Adrian’s side.
Chapter 32
Helen
Helen woke up to the brightly shining sun, squinting as the light pushed through the gap of the curtains, warmly kissing her skin. She opened her eyes with a wide smile on her face. It seemed to be a good day for the plan.
There weren’t any messages from Lia. In the state they were in, no news was probably the best news. She walked over to the window, looking down, it seemed to be a perfect day. A great one for the plan she had in mind.
It was still early in the morning, around seven. She doubted William was already up. Since the Elders kept her and Patrick in the clan, this place somehow turned into a hostel. The nostalgia was here again. Back when she was in college and pulling pranks around with Lia had been remarkable and fun. After they got this settled, maybe they should go back to that now that they had more people outside of the clan to prank.
She changed out of her pajamas into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Before she could second-guess the plan, she stuffed the vial of potion into her pocket, trying to stop herself from touching it every minute to make sure it was safe.
Patrick wasn’t a concern; he wouldn’t be up until training time, probably waking just in time to get breakfast.
Helen scratched her head when it came to Eric. It seemed he usually got up a bit early, but would he be busy with work that early, she didn’t know. Maybe she should check whether he was in his office. She clenched the vial in her pocket, or maybe she should come back earlier after putting the vial out instead. She headed towards the exit of the clan.
Walking down the corridors, she quieted her steps. While there seemed to be no one around, the low echoing voice of her shoes on the floor was louder than she intended. She was already in a pair of sports shoes, but she was still worried. She jumped at the elevator’s noise when it announced its arrival.
Can’t you just stay quiet? Maybe I should take the stairs…
There was the sound of someone talking when she turned towards them. Her breath caught as she ducked behind the smoke-proof door leading to the stairs. The sound was on another floor.
Helen caught a few words, and it sounded like the person was talking on the phone. Helen listened closer, trying to make out who it was. She was still in the clan anyways, even if she got caught, she would still be fine.
“Yes… we’re prepared… no wiser…” It sounded like a female’s voice, but it was muffled. It could also be another magician. Helen remembered William meeting a few people she didn’t know. It was probably someone William called in to fight the dark magicians.
Crap! Then I really have to hurry!
She quieted her steps, walking down the stairs. Her heart raced even faster when she finally reached the door.
I hope William’s magic really only detects strangers from outside…
Helen sucked in a deep breath, pushing the door open. There was no sound nor anything special. No one seemed to be coming after her. She ran through the parking lot, blending herself into the streets.
She caught a bus right before it left, heading to the large tree on the hill where Lia and she always used to go. At least that was the case before Lia found out about her dark magic power and was kept under Adrian’s watch. She ran up the gentle slope.
The tree and the surroundings were tranquil. Birds were singing and the leaves were rustling. The grass was thicker in the springtime. Helen leaned on the tree, levelling her breath.
It is OK. No one’s around. Now I just need to hide the vial somewhere only Lia will find out. An Easter egg hunt, anyone?
She walked around the tree and found a few piles of leaves. She toyed with her hair, raising her eyebrows. I should hide it somewhere so it will be easy for her to find an excuse to check it out.
There was a small gap on the tree. She pulled out the vial, measuring it. She nudged the sides of the tree to make a bit more space to fit it better. She took a step back. The lid of the vial matched the color of the tree, it seemed invisible unless someone was to look very closely. Lia should be able to find it if she searched.
Helen took a picture of the tree and circled where she put the vial in red. After she sent the photo to Lia, it was almost half past eight. Time for her to head back before someone found out about her absence.
She hurried down the hill to the bus stop. Luckily the bus came soon enough. While she felt more at ease after half-delivering the vial to Lia, her heart was still racing, hoping she would get back to the clan wi
thout anyone knowing.
When the bus arrived, as soon as the door opened enough for her to slip through, she jumped off. She hurried towards the clan, she halted as she approached the parking lot. That was the only open area where if William was watching from the inside, he could see her. She couldn’t see anyone in the windows, so she dashed across the clearing, pushing the glass door in. The whatever magic William mentioned seemed to really not detect her.
The lobby was empty as always, she ran up the stairs, barely making it into her room when someone knocked on the door. She jumped, her eyes wide. She took off her jacket and shoes before opening the door.
William was eyeing her. Did he already know… I hope not… Helen swallowed dry, daring herself to look up at him. “Good morning.”
“As a trend, you never wake up earlier than the assigned training time. There’s no day I don’t need to wait at least ten minutes before you would open the door if I came earlier than your first assigned task.”
She better come up with something good, and quick. “Well, there is this famous person you probably never heard of on social media that started a twenty-one day at-home workout challenge. It is a live session, so I can’t miss it. Great for me and good for you not needing to wait.” Helen forced a smile, trying to make it look natural.
William snorted and rolled his eyes. “Whatever, Patrick is feeling sick today. Do you want your training earlier?” He looked oblivious to her lie. The tension in her shoulders dissipated slowly.
“Sure. I’ll come in a second.” She nodded. William’s eyes flicked to Helen’s phone on the bed for a second before he turned to the arena.
Closing the door behind her, Helen let out a sigh of relief. She wiped off the sweat on her forehead, reaching for her water bottle and heading down to the arena before William could become more suspicious.
Chapter 33
Lia
Lia woke up to a buzz from her phone, she flinched, snapping her eyes open. Dammit! Did he… She let out a sigh of relief when she remembered Adrian wasn’t next to her, so he wouldn’t have heard the noise. She frowned as a surge of sadness stirred in her chest. The sheets were cold without him. Whether her plan worked out or not, he would probably be pissed. Would he push her away again?
If only we aren’t working behind each other’s back… Otherwise, I really want to wake up with you by my side…
Lia reached out, patting the empty space next to her. She sat up, reaching for her phone. She grinned when she saw the picture of the tree, knowing Helen had been successful. Now it was just a matter of whether she could convince Benjamin. That would hopefully be easier than convincing Adrian himself.
When she got into the living room, Benjamin was already sitting on the couch with a bagel in his hand. He beamed at Lia, waving at her. She smiled back, sitting next to him.
“Morning.” His voice slightly muffled from the bite of bagel in his mouth.
“You are early today as always?”
“Have to be earlier than you, I guess. That’s my only job in the meantime.”
Well… It is fine if you want to take a break from your so-called job…
“Adrian?”
Benjamin’s demeanor changed slightly. “Oh, I guess he is still asleep in the den. I think he worked late yesterday. It is very easy to over-sleep there.” He winked at her, taking a sip of his coffee.
Lia nodded faintly. “Is he coming anytime soon?”
“Um… I don’t know. Maybe you should ask him yourself.”
“How am I supposed to ask him?”
“I guess you’re right… The den…” He pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen before setting it on the coffee table, he shook his head.
“It’s OK…” Lia sighed, despite feeling a bit at ease. Am I feeling happy he is not here? Well, this is kind of messed up…
“Anything you have to do today, Ben?”
“Other than keeping an eye on you, nothing’s on my plate.” He took another bite of his bagel, gesturing at the paper bag to Lia. She reached out for the bag, taking out a bagel with smoked salmon and lettuce in it. She beamed.
Benjamin chuckled. “I knew you’d like it.”
After she brushed her teeth, she returned to the couch. They remained in a comfortable silence as they finished their food. Lia sighed again as she wiped her fingers clean after eating. He raised his brows at her.
“You think I could go out for a walk? While I am very happy to not have to stay in the dungeon, it still gets boring. There’s nothing other than some books to keep me occupied, which I ain’t a big fan of. Can you go out with me?”
Benjamin tilted his head sideways, as if deep in thought. “If only you weren’t dating my King, I’d be happy to go out with you. Seriously though, I don’t think it is a good idea. He would be very mad.”
“He doesn’t have to know.”
“You are not wrong, but I can’t really hide things from him.” He gently knocked his temple. “Where do you want to go anyway?”
“The tree where I accidentally called you when Adrian was still pushing me away. Today seems to be such a nice day, I want some nature and some fresh air. It’s not even crowded, and if someone really tried to attack me, you will be there. Please? Can you take me there?” Lia furrowed her brows, shaking Benjamin gently on his shoulder. He frowned deeply, rubbing his chin.
“C’mon, Ben… Just an hour is all I need. You can still keep an eye on me. Adrian told you to keep me safe, but he didn’t say you have to keep me safe in his penthouse. I promise I’m not trying to run away or anything.” Lia leaned closer to him, looking into his eyes with her best cute eyes. He gulped with a conflicted look on his face.
“Wanting even more after we agreed to let you out of the dungeon, huh?”
“You know I used to take a walk in the park every day. It is hard to stop a routine and even harder when there is nothing to do here. It’s not like anyone would attack me when you are around, you would kick them real hard.” She looked down on the ground, faking a sob.
He sighed heavily. “Fine. You can stay under the tree for just an hour, don’t ask for more. The King would kill me if he found out.” He gestured at his neck, sticking his tongue out.
“Sure! I won’t bring you any trouble.” She jumped from the couch, hugging him on the side. At least for now, that is… You can’t blame me.
He patted her arms. “I retrack, this will get me killed sooner than bringing you out. The King really has to know nothing.”
“Sorry.” Lia chuckled, dancing back to her room to get ready.
“I don’t even know if this is a good idea,” Benjamin said, shaking his head as the two of them walked up the hill. Lia’s heart hammered in her chest, her palms drenched in sweat.
“You will know how great a tree is soon.” She forced a smile, looking around at birds flying around, taking in a deep breath of fresh air filled with earthy smell. It was great to feel the sun on her skin without it being filtered by the window.
Walking up to the tree, the scene looked the same as Helen sent her. As both of them knew, the tree wasn’t a popular place for people to go. Lia circled the tree, pretending to be looking for a good spot to sit. She soon found the small gap in the tree and took a seat near it, blocking it from Benjamin’s view with her body. She now just needed a reason to reach for it, or something to distract him so that he wouldn’t catch her.
She leaned back on the tree; she had an hour after all. Benjamin took a seat beside her. He rested on his arms behind his head, squinting at the sky. “Have you ever thought about ants walking on the tree you are lying on?”
Lia rolled her eyes. “Must you spoil the mood? I don’t see them. I am good to pretend they don’t exist.”
“Really? One would think ants and all kinds of bugs are common in the wild. Think of ants crawling on the tree and getting on your arms.”
Lia shivered, the hair on her skin stood. She sat up, moving away from the tree, glaring at Benjamin. He laughed.
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“Why do you think ants won’t climb on you?” She hissed as he was still leaning against the tree himself.
A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes. “I’m not as sweet as you. I am perfectly safe.”
She huffed and smacked his shoulder. “Whatever. You think it is a good idea to try calling Adrian? Maybe we should find out what he’s up to.”
Benjamin looked her way, tilting his head to the side. He pulled his phone. “I guess you are right. If he isn’t in the den, we should head back.”
While he was busy dialling, she quickly pulled the vial and stuffed it into her pocket. She was just in time when he looked at her and shook his head. He said, “Either he forgot to turn on his phone or he’s still in the den. I think we can stay a bit longer if you want. The full hour for you.” He seemed oblivious to the vial. “I also missed going out like this. It is kind of boring when I have to stay indoors to keep an eye on you.” He let out a content breath with a wide smile on his face.
“I’ve told you the tree is great.” Sorry Ben… I hope Adrian won’t make it too hard on you later… But I really have to bet on this…
She closed her eyes, enjoying the tranquillity around her, the rustling leaves and the gentle breeze brightening her day, relieving every bit of tension inside her. Just what she needed before she carried out the rest of her plan.
The hour they agreed on soon passed. Benjamin got up and helped Lia to her feet. They headed back to Adrian’s penthouse. In his car, Lia slowly tensed up, rethinking her plan. “When will Adrian be here?”
