16

SHADOW

“That’s the side effect? And he had to go through that?” I felt his pain and anguish. He had been in the bathroom, vomiting for minutes, while I couldn’t do anything but wait outside.

“He has to cleanse his body, his bloodstreams, and what he took wasn’t just a concoction.”

“Figured.”

“I cast a spell on it because elemental mercury can’t be removed just by puking and defecating. It needs Chelation therapy, medicine, dialysis, or surgery. It’s a plus point that he’s not human. He healed fast. He must have consumed a little amount otherwise.” Zarah shrugged. “He could be dead by now.”

I looked up when tears welled my eyes. I knocked again when the bathroom seemed silent, but I could still feel his struggle and constant groaning.

“Califf, can I come in?”

“No.” He groaned again. “Just give me a few minutes. I’ll be out soon.”

“Okay. Do you need anything?”

“I’m okay, baby.” He was not close to okay, but somehow, I was relieved he was talking to me.

“Call me if you need me.