Serene’s POV

It was Arlo. What was he doing here? My mind was already in turmoil, I didn’t need any more of it.

"Serene, I want Arlo to stay with you wherever you go at least till tomorrow. I have spoken to him beforehand, his speed will help in keeping you safe in case anything happens. We don’t know the extent of that dark power, it could extend to long-range as your nightmares are becoming frequent. Plus, he is your teammate so it will be easier for both of you. And, I trust him. But it would be better if you don’t reveal this information to the rest of your friends for now except Ayrden. She is your roommate and trustworthy, she can handle you if anything happens." Artins tried to explain why Arlo was here.

I blankly shifted my gaze from Artins Sensei to Arlo and back to Artins Sensei in a state of stupor without uttering a single word. "Serene, go have some rest and clear your mind." Artins Sensei then asked Arlo to escort me back to my room. I just started walking without thinking about where my feet were taking me.

"Serene, Serene" I could hear someone calling from a distance or maybe it was nearby, I wasn’t paying attention. But, then he touched my hand lightly and I looked up at him. "Are you alright?" His usually expressionless face was strewn with worry today.

"Yes," I mumbled and looked away. He said something else too but I couldn’t comprehend it, we reached the stairs of the girl’s dorm and I started climbing the stairs to head for my room. He stayed at the bottom looking at me intently. I went to my room, unlocked the door and just flopped on my bed. Theorizing and speculating about what I needed to do from this point onwards. Why was I cursed? What was wrong with me? There were so many questions that I felt my mind would explode.

Some time had passed when Ayrden came into the room looking worried. "Serene, what happened? Arlo told me you weren’t feeling good so he sent me."

I wasn’t sure about what to say to her: "Yes, I have a severe headache and those nightmares have made everything worse. I want to be alone for some time and I don’t want to talk about it." I was sure she didn’t understand what I was talking about but she nodded. She just sat there with me without saying anything.

I wasn’t sure how much time had passed when we heard a knock. Ayrden opened the door to find Shumal Sensei standing there. Ayrden invited her in. I got up and sat on my bed as she approached me and sat near me. "Ayrden, can you give me some alone time with Serene?" Ayrden fervently nodded and left.

Shumal Sensei placed her arm around my shoulder softly and squeezed: "Artins sent me, he was worried about you. He told us everything he had learnt on his venture. How are you holding up?"

"I have seen better days, Sensei" I felt like words were choking in my mouth. "Artins is not good with emotions but he cares for you a lot. I know what he told you is hurting and news is troublesome. But, we are all here for you and we will not let any harm come to you. No matter what the council’s decision will be, you are under our protection." She was so calm and serious today.

"I don’t think everyone should risk their lives for me if Council gives the decision against me. I don’t want anyone to die because of me."

"So you are just going to give up? Is that what I have taught you? I was hoping for you to have a little more faith in yourself and us than that. Do you actually believe we will let anyone just take you away? I think you are destined for greatness, Serene. You just need to believe in yourself." Her words were so comforting and then I realised they meant everything they have told us all along. They didn’t have to protect me but they were still willing to do it. I needed to have faith in myself too.

"I will try Sensei." I wasn’t sure how I was going to pull it off but I had to try it. "My doors are always open if you need to talk about anything. Now, I want you to mop this depressed look off your face. Choose a beautiful dress for yourself, get ready and go enjoy the party. You are strong Serene and this is the time to show your strength." She smiled at me encouragingly and I weekly smiled back. She patted my head before leaving.

I had no energy to attend that damn party. I knew I had to but I just couldn’t make my body move so I fell back on the bed. I was so lost in thoughts that I didn’t realise when Ayrden and Alvene came inside the room.

"Serene, how are you feeling?" Alvene asked concerned. "I am ok I guess," I replied blankly.

"Zeph and Ralph are worried about you and are waiting impatiently. Will you be able to go down for a little while?" Ayrden pleaded.

"I have no energy Ayrden, I feel like my head is going to explode." Ayrden sat down beside me and began to massage my head, I looked at her helplessly. How could I be a source of pain for my friends, who care so wholeheartedly for me.

"Hey! Ayrden thank you," as I gently got up and hugged her and she hugged me back. Alvene also joined in making it a group hug.

"Give me five minutes to get fresh and then we can head down," I told them. Alvene also excused herself as she had to get ready.

I washed my face, combed my hair and let them hang loose with two pins. I choose a simple white chiffon gown with white embroidery to wear. Ayrden wanted me to put on some makeup but I refused. Once we were ready we made our way downstairs. Boys were waiting at the edge of the stairs looking anxious.