Chapter 627: Friend
Fate gave me a final hug and stood, letting her hand rest comfortingly on my head.
"You’re going to be tired for the next few weeks while your body adjusts to your new mana, but try and get up now and then. It’s not good to lie around all day," she said.
"May I get up now?" I asked, clasping my hands together.
She smiled and nodded. "If you’d like. Just be sure not to push yourself. Don’t leave, Haven, either. Your condition has mostly stabilized, but I want you close in case something goes wrong. Also, you–"
She coughed, breaking her normally flawless poise. I tilted my head, unsure whether goddesses could even cough in the first place.
"Regardless," she said, giving me a stern look, "Be careful, and...gentle. You’re not the only one under a lot of pressure right now."
I gave her a questioning look, but Fate’s lip curled in a mysterious smile. Stars materialized around her, growing into a thick, golden mist. Her presence faded, and when the light died, she was gone. My fingers twitched, closing around the empty air Fate’s hand had occupied just moments before, and I shivered, clutching the blanket to my chest. My chest tightened, and my gaze darted around the room.
"Fable?" I called, a tremor in my voice.
His soul blazed brightly in the Nexus, feeling close enough I could touch him, but the wolf was nowhere to be seen. I shivered again and shifted to a sitting position, my legs dangling over the edge of the mattress. The floor was warm beneath my feet, and the subtle smell of smoke tickled my nostrils.
With a shallow breath, I rose to my feet, holding onto the headboard for support. My legs trembled, but with some effort, I straightened, made my way over to the window, and parted the sheer, white drapes. Soft starlight streamed into the room, enveloping me like a hug. The anxious jittering of my tail slowed, and I took a deep breath, letting the sights of Haven wash over me. Remnants drifted aimlessly across the islands, only occasionally conversing with each other. It was peaceful and quiet, far removed from the wartorn carnage of the city outside.
As I gazed around the realm, I absently fingered the hem of my nightdress. The fabric was soft and silk, but a bit heavier than I was used to, the skirt just a touch longer. Even more surprising were the sleeves, which hung across my shoulders. The slight pressure felt strange, and I caressed my shoulder through the fabric, sending a twitch down my tail.