Chapter 27: Chapter 26
As Timothee noticed the erratic convulsions of Fae Aurora, he swiftly grabbed a glass of water, attempting to help her sip it. Gradually, Aurora's spasms subsided, and she breathed a sigh of relief, a moment that allowed Timothee's own breath to steady, witnessing her slow recovery. He calmed himself and immediately sought further assistance.
"Mom, are you alright? Why this sudden fever?" Timothee caressed Aurora's hand, his voice laden with concern.
Aurora offered a weak smile, her gaze filled with affection, "I'm fine, Barbara, don't worry. It's just a slight fever."
"But this fever isn't normal, mom. You're clearly unwell. Is this because you helped me last night?" Timothee pressed, seeking the truth behind Aurora's deteriorating condition.
Shaking her head softly, Aurora replied, "It has nothing to do with that. I'm just tired and overwhelmed."
Timothee looked at her, unconvinced. "Be honest with me, mom."
Dave coughed gently. "Luna, perhaps we should let her rest for now."
Reluctantly agreeing, Timothee remained partially unconvinced by Aurora's explanation. Though unaware of the exact cause of her fever, he suspected it was due to her creating a green aegis circle the previous night. Possibly a protective measure against hunters, which exhausted her powers.
"Mom, teach me to protect myself as a hybrid. Don't strain yourself for me like this," Timothee whispered, unable to bear seeing Aurora fight for their safety to the point of falling ill.
Aurora smiled softly, stroking his hair, "Of course, Barbara. I will train you to be stronger."
Timothee felt a wave of relief but internally vowed to protect Aurora with his own strength. He didn't want her to continually sacrifice her wellbeing for his sake.
"I'll make you breakfast, mum. You need to eat well to recover quickly," he said, rising from his seat.
Aurora grinned weakly, "Thank you, Barbara dear. You're truly a good child."
With a smile, I headed to the kitchen to make something special for her. I decided to make a delicious berry soup, believing the warmth would comfort her and the antioxidants in the berries would help speed her recovery.
As I gathered the ingredients in the kitchen, my attention was caught by a small figure standing by the window. It was one of the Dwarf Altairs, He appeared to be coming alone, carrying something.
"Good morning, Barbara," the dwarf greeted me, his voice deep and soothing. "I heard about your mom's condition. The berry soup is a good choice, but if you allow me, I can show you how to enhance its healing properties with a few herbs from the forest."
I was both surprised and relieved; meeting a Dwarf Altair in such times seemed like a sign of hope. Gratefully, I agreed, eager to learn anything that could help Fae Aurora recover more swiftly.
"True, she's running a high fever. I don't know how to make her well," I murmured and sighed gently brushed my hair back from my forehead, feeling helpless as I watched him toss and turn in discomfort.
The worry gnawed at me, making my heart ache with every passing moment. I knew I had to do something, anything to help her feel better. But in that moment, all I could do was hold her hand and whisper words of comfort, hoping that somehow, it would be enough to ease her suffering.
"What happened? Why did she suddenly get such a fever, Barbara?" Dwarf Altairs approached me.
"I'm not sure, Dwarf Altairs. She was perfectly fine yesterday, and then all of a sudden she started feeling hot and weak. I think we need to get her to a healer right away."
"She needs to rest and drink plenty of water. I'll stay with her as long as she's in this condition," he kindly offered assistance.
"Thank you, Dwarf Altairs. I need your help too," I nodded.
The Dwarf Altairs looked at me with determination in their eyes, ready to assist in any way he could.
"Mom is upstairs lying on her bed." I whispered to Dwarf Altairs.
With a nod, he followed me upstairs to my Fae Aurora's room. I could feel the tension in the air as we entered the room, both of us worried for her well-being.
I continued my work, preparing medicine and warm drinks for Fae Barbara. Timothee, who had stepped aside to call someone, finally came back and approached me. As he got closer, I could see the concern in his eyes.
"How is she doing?" he asked softly, his voice filled with worry.
"She's stable for now," I replied, trying to sound reassuring.
Timothee nodded, his expression tense. "Who just arrived?"
he asked, glancing upstairs.
"It's Dwarf Altairs, he offered to help," I explained.
Timothee nodded again and turned to head back upstairs.
"Wait, where are you going?" I asked, feeling a sudden panic rise within me.
"To tell Fae Aurora that Healer Cruz is coming this afternoon. I want her to know help is on the way, and maybe that news will give her some comfort." Timothee's determination shone through, despite the obvious worry that shadowed his features.
I watched as Timothee's figure disappeared up the staircase, his sense of purpose lending him speed.
Meanwhile, I turned my attention back to the preparations, my hands skillfully navigating through the myriad of herbs and bottles that littered the table. The very thought that help was on its way filled me with a hopeful anticipation. I quietly hoped that this news would serve as a balm to Fae Aurora's troubled spirit, granting her a semblance of peace amidst her suffering.
"I can't thank you enough, Timothee," I said, my voice trembled slightly as I tried to express the depth of my gratitude. "Your swiftness in calling Healer Cruz and your presence here... it means the world to me. In these dark times, having you here, lending your strength and hope, it's more comforting than words can say."
My eyes met his, filled with sincere appreciation. "You've been a beacon of support, and for that, I am truly grateful."
Timothee's expression softened as he heard my words, the corners of his mouth turning upwards in a slight, wistful smile.
"We're all in this together," he responded gently, his voice carrying an unwavering resolve. "I can't just stand by when someone I care about is in need. And Fae Aurora... she's like mom to me now. We'll get through this, side by side, and look back at it as nothing but a distant memory."
"You're really very good, Timmy," I finally said, breaking the silence that had fallen between us. "Forgive me for avoiding you. I was just... overwhelmed, and not sure how to handle everything."
Timothee looked at me, the warmth in his eyes melting away any remaining ice. "There's nothing to forgive. These have been trying times for all of us."
"Timmy..."
"I do everything because I care about you, Barbara. You are the woman who gave birth to Sawyer and Asher." A soft, warm feeling spread through me at Timothee's words. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded us, I felt a sense of peace knowing that we had each other's backs. "I'll be here soon. I wanna see Fae Aurora first."
I nodded, the soup I had made was finally ready, and it made me very happy. I immediately gave the soup to Fae Aurora, who was still lying in bed. However, Timothee suddenly appeared.
"Timothee, what are you doing?" I asked, surprised.
"I thought you hadn't finished cooking, so I brought some apples for Fae Aurora," he replied with a smile.
I was touched by his thoughtfulness and immediately gave the apples to Fae Aurora. She slowly took one and began eating it. I could see a small smile on her lips as she tasted the fresh apple.
"Timothee is indeed a good son-in-law," she said softly, her eyes still weak from the fever racking her spine.
I smiled at her words, my cheeks flushing. "Mom, eat the soup while it's still warm."
Fae Aurora nodded and obediently ate the soup, while Timothee and I watched with hopeful eyes. Seeing her eat with some appetite gave us both some relief.
As she finished the last spoonful, Fae Aurora let out a contented sigh.
"Thank you, my dears. That was delicious," she said with a smile, patting our hands affectionately.
Timothee and I exchanged a glance, relieved that she had enjoyed the meal. With her strength slowly returning, we knew that everything was going to be alright.
Fae Aurora smiled unusually, she reached into her sweater pocket and handed something to me. "This is for you, dear," she said softly.
I took the object she gave me and smiled when I saw it. A silver necklace with a small pink pendant that read 'Hope' on it.
"This has been yours for a long time, but it seems like now is the time for it to return to you," Fae Aurora said, her smile widening.
"B-but, what kind of necklace is it?" I stuttered, my voice betraying my emotions.
"It's a family heirloom that has been passed down for generations," Fae Aurora explained. "My mother gave it to me when I was 5, and now I'm giving it back to you. Barbara, that will make your power even better, dear. I can feel it."
I was speechless for a moment, feeling overwhelmed by the significance of this gift. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thanked Fae Aurora profusely, knowing that this necklace would now hold even more power and meaning for me.
I gently clasped the necklace around my neck, feeling its delicate weight against my skin. When I wore the necklace, a strangely bright light illuminated the room, causing everyone to turn their attention to me. Fae Aurora's face beamed with a smile and a thin blue light emanated from her body. The light then merged with the light from my necklace, creating a sort of circle of light around me.
I felt like I was in a children's fairy tale world right now; the light was so dense, drenching me completely. I felt very peaceful, as if something was liberating my heart. Suddenly, I felt strong and full of confidence, and unconsciously, I smiled broadly.
Fae Aurora smiled contentedly, took my hand, and squeezed it tightly. "You are amazing, darling. That is your true nature."
I saw my skin now slightly shimmering with a strange pink glow. "M-mom--"
"It's okay, Barbara. You've just found a way to activate your glamour magic. Look in the mirror, dear."
"Glamour magic?" I repeated Fae Aurora's words in confusion. I had never heard of it before.