Callista.We are led out of the tower from a different entrance than the one we came in. As soon as we step out of the door, the feeling of teleportation takes over.“Oh, shit!” I start but only get to and it when we materialize someplace different from the tower.It is a bizarre-looking facility, but very in line with the Guild. It's a wall-less building, with numerous levels. The whole building is built around a large tree that soars up into the sky. The branches support the various levels coupled with magic. Enchanted stairways lead from one level to another, according to the wish of the user. They're like escalators, but movable from level to level. I see various hospital equipment along with various non-mundane equipment all around. There are many people milling around, dressed in all kinds of archaic clothing, but the ones wearing light purple robes with deep violet cloaks held by copper-colored chains. Theon tells me that they are the physicians, basically, the ones who rule t

Callista.With a gasp, I wake up, and like a broken dam, the real world floods into my perspective.The rain has stopped already, and the clouds roll peacefully once again. I see sunshine and I feel the warmth. But I'm dripping with sweat, and I’m panting unstoppably.When I look to the side, I notice a furiously whispering huddle of physicians at the other end of the room.Something clinks from my side, and I turn my head to see the Headmistress undoing my shackles with a carefully blank expression."How are you feeling, Callista?" She asks, helping me to stand up after all the shackles were undone. My knees are still weak, so I lean against the bed."Like I got caught in a tornado," I say, shaking my head to stop the wiggling feeling inside my skull. It's like I have worms in my brain or something. “Like I’ve been on the world’s worst rollercoaster while having motion sickness.”"Do you feel nauseous? Do you require water?""No, thanks, I think I'll just sit down." I sit on the bed

Callista.I don't know where I got the courage to actually do it. Mere months ago, I would not have been brave enough to even think about it. But now, looking into his dark, dark eyes, it felt like the most natural thing to do. The next step of our journey, the next step in cementing the newfound trust between him and I, our new beginning where we did not hate each other. Under the ancient tree that hosts the hospital, lulled into serenity by a light breeze that rustled the eaves above us, we kissed for what felt like an eternity. His lips were both soft and firm on my own, and the intensity of it made my knees buckle. Pressed against each other, it felt like we were one entity.It was real. This is real. I am conscious and I am kissing Theon.My heart soars to the clouds, and all that broke in me when I became the stealer starts to heal just a little bit.The kiss comes to an end, slowly and gently. My cheeks burn as I have difficulty meeting his eyes, as fear and old insecurities

Callista."So," I say, leveling everyone with dubious looks. "You guys talked for like, five days, and came to the conclusion that the cure I need is...meditation?"I try not to sound too condescending, because even though the idea seems silly, these guys are witches with immense magical power, and it was never a good idea to cross them.But still, meditation! They had magic and they wanted me to do meditation?!The Headmistress gazes at me serenely, unbothered by whatever it was I was trying to imply."Yes, meditation, while the physicians try to replace the dark magic that resides in your mind with light." She adds the part I conveniently left out.It had been five days since I came to the Witches Guild. After Theon left, I was told by the Headmistress that I could keep on using the room until they moved me to the hospital for my future treatments upon their decision.For five days, all I'd gotten was radio silence. In the meantime, I was told to enjoy my 'holiday' leisurely. Easie