NOELLE’S POV,
Donna holds her hands above her head and creates space between us, “It’s true I am a dark human now but not all dark humans are completely bad. I can’t explain to you here in the street but please I swear I won’t harm you.”
I am a bit unsure what to do and I share a doubtful look with Faith.
“If what she says is true it would confirm the theory I have about healing and dark humans. It could shift the war in our favor,” Faith says.
I nod, “It is worth the risk but if anything seems off inside the house, we immediately run for it.”
Faith and I walk close to each other while Donna leads us through a variety of alleys until we arrive at a small little cottage just on the brink of the forest. The cottage is covered in sunlight and as soon as we walk out of the alley, Donna her features turn back to normal. Her eyes and hair go back to their normal hazelnut color. This petite woman couldn’t look more innocent which makes the changes in the shadows even scarier.
We walk inside the cottage, but everything looks normal. There is a fire burning which makes it warm and cozy. The only furniture is a small table and a bed. Donna sits at the table and sighs, “I am sorry I scared both of you. After they burned my husband alive, I was in a very dark place. I was just angry and depressed and decided revenge would be the only thing for me now. So, I made a stupid mistake and went to the Under Realm to become a dark human. I thought the only way to get revenge was to get powerful. I wanted to burn the palace to the ground and its corrupt system with it. But as soon as I got back to the Sea Realm something went wrong. It was like my mind decided I wasn’t completely made of darkness or something. I have been stuck in this half normal human, half dark human form ever since. My healing powers have disappeared completely but, in the shadows, I still have my fire and mind magic.”
I just stare at Donna shocked I didn’t even really know dark humans could be made. I just thought they were born that way. Besides that, apparently, there is a way to turn a dark human back to human or half-human.
Faith looks way less surprised and asks, “You said before that you healed your husband from a dark human to a normal human?”
Donna thinks for a moment, “Honestly, I don’t fully understand what I did but as you probably know there is a lot of healing that can be done in the brain. Mental trauma can be healed but it is extremely difficult. So, in a way, if someone became a dark human through trauma then there is a chance they can become normal once that trauma is healed. However not every dark human is bad because of trauma some of them just are what they are.”
I find it all a bit difficult to comprehend but Faith seems to understand and is lost in her thoughts right now. Another question pops up in my mind, “you said you know fire and mind magic. Do you think you could teach me?”
Donna looks at me intensely like she is piercing through my soul, “Yes I could.”
Faith gives me strict look and I take it as a warning that I should shut up for now. Faith scrapes her throat, “Thank you for telling us your story Donna. Unfortunately, it is getting late, and we really need to rest but we know now where to find you.”
Donna smiles, “You are welcome. Please come find me when you are ready.” She looks at me when she says the last sentence. We walk out of the cottage and Faith seems to be in a rush to get back to the Inn. When we get to the room, she slams the door and I look at her confused, “What’s going on Faith?”
Faith starts putting clothes in our bag quickly and seems completely hyped up, “We need to go. Donna just confirmed what I already thought that dark humans can be healed. I just need to find out more about the exact type of brain healing that is required and see if there is a spell to heal many of them at the same time.”
She just rambles on, “There is this ancient library in the desert lands of the Mortal Realm. They say it was destroyed or at least it has been unfindable since Hella’s rule. But I just know that it isn’t gone and if there is information about these topics then it would be there in that library. So, we have to pack and go look for it.”
I take Faith by her shoulders and force her to look at me, “Easy there. What about me learning fire and mind magic?”
Faith answers, “We can find you a teacher after we have been to the library.”
I shake my head, “There is not enough time for that Faith. For all, we know Hades is already on his way. Besides, I have a possible teacher right here in this village.”
Faith frowns, “You can’t trust her. So, you want me to stay here?”
I take Faith’s hand, “No you should go. Your quest is just as important as mine but unfortunately, we don’t have the time to do both together. I know I can’t trust Donna but that would have been the case with any dark human teacher. At least I don’t have to risk going to the Under Realm this way.”
Faith whimpers, “But I can’t leave you all alone here.” She looks at my belly and says, “Especially not now. Gabriel would kill me.”
I chuckle, “Don’t worry about Gabriel, I can handle him. I think I have proven that I can defend myself and I can always use my mind connection with Thorn or Gabriel as a last resource.”
I stroke my belly, “Besides, I won’t be alone.”
Faith still seems hesitant, “I guess it is the only way, but it feels so wrong to go separate ways.”
I give her a tight hug, “I know, please be careful out there. Now go!”
Before walking out of the door Faith turns around, “Don’t tell Donna that you are pregnant. Try to tell her nothing personal and never trust her.”
I nod and Faith walks out of the room. Silence surrounds me and I just stare at the door. For the first time, I am actually completely alone. I hope I was right with telling Faith that I could handle myself. I curl up in bed and put my hands on my stomach. I try to close my eyes and fall asleep but all I can think of is Gabriel. I wish he was here to put his warm body against me and tell me everything is going to be alright.