Chapter 93: Fragments of Normalcy
The cafeteria buzzed with low chatter, trays clinking, and the occasional laughter of students pretending everything was fine.
Noel sat in silence, surrounded by Marcus, Roberto, Garron, and Laziel. A half-eaten plate of food lay in front of him, untouched for the past ten minutes. He stared past it, his thoughts somewhere far away.
’Two days have passed since the incident... and everything’s been kept quiet. The students who were affected don’t seem to remember anything. Makes sense, I guess. That bastard Kaelith said as much. Only Laziel kept his memories—he was directly involved, after all.’
He glanced subtly toward Laziel, who was laughing at something Roberto had said. The boy looked fine now. Normal, even. But Noel knew better.
’He wasn’t acting on his own. Lereus—Kaelith—used him. Made him lure students in. Everyone thought Laziel was just delivering messages as the professor’s assistant. But it was a setup. Once they were inside... he’d offer them a drink. And that was it. Blood in the tea. Once that shit’s in your body, he had full control.’
Noel shifted in his seat slightly, expression neutral, though his mind wasn’t.
’I only avoided it thanks to the antidote I bough. Cost me a fortune, but... it was worth it.’
His gaze drifted toward the window.
’Final exams are in a week. That, and... my sister’s wedding. Great. Just what I needed. I got a letter yesterday—she’s coming to visit before it. Can’t say I’m excited. I’m sure they all still hate "little Noel."’
He folded his arms across his chest, jaw tensing.
’And then there’s Elyra. The situation up north... the illness is spreading sooner than expected. Of course it is. Nothing happens when it’s supposed to anymore. If I want to help, I’ll need to go to the northern region. But creating the cure... finding the ingredients... that won’t be easy.’