Chapter 15: Terya’s curse
The Tipsy Solberry's warm glow and the clatter of mugs faded into the background as Leon sat frozen, his eyes locked on Terya's face.
The black, web-like curse pulsed faintly across her cheek, a stark contrast to her striking green eyes and blonde hair that caught the lantern light.
Her leather vest hugged her toned figure, and despite the curse's menacing spread, her cocky smirk made Leon's heart race for reasons beyond fear.
Saria stood beside her, her face as unreadable as ever, but the concern in her eyes—rare for her stoic demeanor—made the air feel heavier.
Leon's half-eaten Glowcap Pie sat forgotten on the table, his appetite drowned out by the weight of this new challenge.
Saria's voice broke the silence, her tone firm but laced with urgency.
"Leon, you need to examine her curse. Now." She gestured toward Terya, who leaned back in her chair, one eyebrow raised as if daring him to try something.
Leon swallowed hard, his throat dry.
"Examine? Like... touch it right?" His voice cracked, and he winced, feeling like a kid caught staring at a forbidden magazine.
The memory of Saria's ritual—her lips, the surge of magic—flashed through his mind, and he blushed, his hands fidgeting with the edge of his tunic.
"Okay, uh, I can do this," he said, mostly to himself, his nerves screaming as he stood.